Broadwater Hearing Care

01/13/2026

“Do I need a doctor’s referral to see you?”

Great question, and the honest answer is: it depends on your insurance plan. Some plans let you schedule directly, while others require a referral to make sure your visit is covered.

Instead of guessing, call us or click the link in the comments, and we’ll check your benefits and let you know whether you need a referral before you book.

Our team does this every day and can help you take the next step with confidence!

01/12/2026

As an audiologist, this is incredible news! The FDA has just approved MED-EL cochlear implants for children as young as seven months old, a groundbreaking step in early hearing intervention.

The earlier we can support a child’s hearing, the better the outcomes for speech, language, and brain development! To learn more, check out MED-EL’s website!

https://www.medel.com/en-us/press-room/press-list/press-details/2025/12/03/med-el-cochlear-implant-becomes-first-fda-approved-option-for-children-seven-months-and-older

01/09/2026

Some cancer treatment drugs can affect hearing.

Some cancer treatment drugs are ototoxic, meaning they can cause issues with hearing and balance. One of the most well-known examples is the chemotherapy drug cisplatin.

Treatment decisions often involve weighing potential side effects against benefits, and it’s important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.

👉 Read the full article to learn more. https://ow.ly/uUtJ50XUaxB

01/09/2026

Ever feel totally wiped out after a long conversation, especially in a noisy place?

You’re not imagining it.

When your brain works harder to make up for hearing loss, it can use up energy meant for other tasks, like memory or focus.

This idea is called Cognitive Load Theory, and it helps explain why untreated hearing loss can affect more than just your ears.

Research from Johns Hopkins found that people with hearing loss are up to 5 times more likely to develop dementia if they don’t treat it. (Source: Lin et al., 2011)

Does listening feel exhausting? It might be time for a hearing check.

01/08/2026

“I saw hearing aids on the shelf at the pharmacy… is that an option for me?”

I get this question more than you’d think.

🦻In my clinical experience, many patients come into our clinic genuinely curious about over-the-counter (OTC) hearing devices…and for good reason. Increased access to hearing care is a positive step.

Here’s my expert take: OTC hearing aids are designed for adults over 18 with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. For some people, they can be an appropriate starting point.

That said, they aren’t always the best solution.

OTC devices are self-fitting, which means there’s a lot of guessing involved…
👂 Guessing about the type of hearing loss
💻 Guessing about the correct settings
🩺 Guessing whether something more medically treatable is being missed

And when we guess, hearing outcomes often fall short of what’s possible.

🔍 My role is to help you understand why you’re having difficulty hearing and guide you toward the solution that truly fits your ears, your lifestyle, and your goals, whether that includes OTC devices or something else.

If you’re wondering where to begin on your hearing journey, please contact us. We’re here to walk alongside you and help you make confident, informed decisions about your hearing. 👂

01/07/2026

One of the very first things I hear from patients with mild hearing loss isn’t usually, “I can’t hear anything.”

It’s this:
👉 “I feel like I’m missing the little things.”

Just last week, a patient shared a story that stuck with me. During a holiday family gathering, his one-year-old grandchild said “Papa!” for the VERY FIRST TIME.

Everyone heard it… except Papa. 💔

These aren’t loud moments.
But they’re big ones.

This is the reason most of our patients schedule their first hearing test.

If something feels “off,” or you’ve noticed those little misses starting to add up, we’re here, always ready to listen. 👂

01/06/2026

It’s always exciting fitting someone with amplification for the first time in front of a loved one.

There was this one moment during a hearing aid fitting this week, the patient turned to his wife, heard her clearly, and they both just paused and smiled.

No words needed. That look said, “Hey! You’re back.”

It never gets old seeing these little wins up close.

01/05/2026

Sometimes if the person doesn’t respond the first time, it’s not because they’re ignoring you… It’s because they can’t hear you!

I hear family members frequently share frustrations about communication breakdowns. They often feel like they’re being purposely ignored. Hearing loss can strain relationships, create misunderstandings, and even foster emotional distance if it’s not openly addressed.

At Broadwater Hearing Care, we hope to be a safe space to share your honest struggles. Together, we’ll explore solutions specific to your needs so you and your loved ones can reconnect, laugh, and enjoy each other fully again. ❤️

01/02/2026

💬 What patients often tell me …
“I thought I was too young for hearing aids.”
“I didn’t want to feel old.”
“I was nervous it would be a sales pitch.”

These are real words I hear often… and I get it. Trusting someone with your hearing can feel vulnerable. There’s fear, hesitation, and sometimes even a little denial mixed in.

👂But here’s the thing…every single time someone takes that first brave step and sits down in my chair, they’re not just addressing hearing loss, they’re reclaiming connection.

So to everyone who trusted us this year, THANK YOU. Thank you for letting us walk alongside you, answer your questions, and help you hear the world more clearly again.

01/01/2026

Broadwater Hearing Care sends Happy New Year wishes to you and yours!

12/31/2025

As 2025 comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on what a wonderful year we’ve had. I think of the laughter of family and friends, the music that got stuck in my head, the little moments that made life feel alive. 👂

So here’s my question for you: How’d you hear this holiday season? Did you catch every conversation, every giggle, every “Merry Christmas” clearly? Or were there some not-so-clear moments?

Whether it’s checking your hearing, adjusting your devices, or finally addressing that nagging “huh?”... We're here to help you make 2026 the year of clear sound. 🎶

From our team to you: Happy New Year’s Eve! 🎉

📌 Friendly reminder: Our office will be closed for the holiday, but we’ll be back on Monday, January 5, 2026 to help you hear every moment clearly very soon.

12/30/2025

When communication feels exhausting, it’s natural to withdraw rather than engage, and for people with hearing loss, the holidays can make that feeling even more noticeable.

💬 A patient recently shared:

“I’m worried my mom isn’t going to the groups she used to enjoy…”

Holidays can highlight that sense of being there, but not really part of it … watching the laughter and conversation happen around you while struggling to keep up.

The good news? With the right hearing support, those walls of isolation don’t have to exist!