Hear, Here

I'm ashamed to admit that I've committed a blogging sin-I haven't kept up with it! I was determined when I started this blog that I would be better and would update it at least once a week. Well, I have failed at that, but here we are at the precipice of a new year and I am determined to use this blog more effectively. Some highlights first: We have a new receptionist. Her name is Anna. She has been with us for about 3 months now. When you call in, she will likely be the one you speak with. Its important for patients to understand that if they need to see me, its best to schedule with Anna. I certainly don't mind speaking to patients, but if ultimately it results in an appointment, Anna is best able to assist you immediately as her schedule is always up where I am running to and fro! Like any new employee, Anna is learning. Please give her the courtesy to help her learn by giving her the chance to answer questions for you. We often get questions about our office hours. ...

It's official! Later this Spring, we'll be moving to a larger, more visible location. We have been at our current location for over 5 years, but we have outgrown it. Truthfully, we should've moved two years ago, but at that time, we could not find a suitable location. We will still be in Pooler, and just as eay (if not easier) for you to get to. Over the next few months, we'll be trying to work with the owners to get it ready for us. When it is fully ready, we'll move in. Most likely, we'll be open at one location on Friday and at the new location on Monday, but we will do our best to let everyone know with plenty of advanced warning. We look forward to this wonderful opportunity to grow Coastal Audiology to new heights. It has been a labor of love for over 5 years and I look forward to many more wonderful years.

This past weekend, I learned that the Better Hearing Institute has released their "Guide to Financial Assistance with Hearing Aids". I have made this available on our website for you. Follow this link and you can download a FREE copy for yourself: http://www.coastalaudiology.com/Free_Resources.php I have skimmed this guide and it does have a wealth of resources. Without going into great detail, I know that Coastal Audiology participates with the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation (applications can be found on our website), AUDIENT, and Starkey's HEARNOW program. Additionally, we don't want price to stand in the way of Better Hearing. We do have programs within our own office that, while they are paying programs, may help you ge the same technology you need and deserve, at a significant savings. When coming in for a hearing aid evaluation, be up front with us. If cost is your number one concern, please voice that concern so we can find an option that is audiological...

After being away from the blog for quite some time, I am back, and rejuvenated! I have just returned from a conference and have great information to share with you. As always, I have learned great information about new hearing devices that are currently available and what is on the horizon. I'm very excited about the Unitron Fuse line of instruments. Traditionally, when a new niche product is released, it is only available in premium level technology. The Fuse is available in 3 technology levels: premium, advanced, and mid-level! I have a dummy shell and brochures I'd love to share with you! Click the link below to watch a video about the Fuse. While you're there, subscribe to my YouTube Channel, DrDawnMacMillan. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRMuoPL1tUk

I fit premium digital, open-fit, Behind-the-ear ( BTE ) hearing aids on a family member a little over 4 years ago. At the time, her hearing aids were the best technology available and she has done very well with them. She inquired in the beginning of the year if it was time to upgrade her hearing aids. Seeing as how she had chosen premium technology (as recommended) when she was originally fit, they were still working well, her hearing was stable, and she had had no problems with them, I felt upgrading them was not going to give her much better function over what she was currently experiencing, so I advised she hold off for a year or two. I recently was introduced to a device that allows my family member to use her existing hearing aids as a Bluetooth -compatible headset, using her existing hearing aids with a t-coil (also known as a telecoil , or telephone switch). This device is called the NoizFree Bluetooth Beetle. By 'pairing' her cell phone (which is a relatively basic,...

I have blogged in the past, but not for my business. This blog is a new thing for me. I'm hoping to let current and prospective patients know about audiology and hearing related topics via this blog. I encourage comments and hope you find the information useful. If you have tips or suggestions, please do not hesitate to let me know. Please email me at my work address: dawn@coastalaudiology.com Please check back soon for the official first 'real' entry!