Business Q&A: Ascent Hearing Center

Wantagh native Kerri Oppenheimer is lucky enough to wake up every morning to a job she loves.

With 14 years of experience as an audiologist, Oppenheimer knew her services could be of use in her hometown. Ascent Hearing came to the Willow Wood Shoppes on Wantagh Avenue in early November.

Patch got an inside look at Wantagh's latest hearing center from Oppenheimer herself. 

What kind of services does Ascent Hearing offer?

Ascent Hearing offers a full range of hearing services including comprehensive diagnostic hearing tests, state-of-the-art hearing aid fittings, rehabilitation services, counseling for hearing loss and tinnitus, computerized hearing aid analysis, hearing aid repairs. We also provide clients with educational seminars and workshops. Our biggest excitement is the newest wireless hearing aid technology.

How did you get involved in the audiology field?

I attended Northeastern University where I took a speech communication class that I loved. I realized I wanted to help those who struggle with communication. My Bachelor's Degree is in Communicative Disorders and my Master's of Science Degree is from Adelphi University in audiology.

What do you like most about what you do?

When you fit a person with profound hearing loss who has never heard sound before, it is the most amazing feeling. When you fit a patient with a hearing aid who has lost hearing over time and give them back what they have lost, it is also extremely rewarding. Those are the moments I am reminded of why I became an audiologist.

Hearing is something we all take for granted, but to a hearing impaired person it's a luxury. Hearing loss is invisible but its side effects are awful. Far too often I've seen people become socially isolated, withdrawn from their family and hidden behind their hearing loss. I love the sprinkle effect hearing aids have: my patient blossom with the ability to communicate, socialize, watch television and go to restaurants. It is a life-changing experience.

What made Wantagh an attractive location for your business?

I have lived in the Wantagh area my entire life and I want to give back to the community I grew up around by giving them the best hearing healthcare one can offer. I have been an audiologist for 14 years - the time has come for Wantagh to have a premier hearing healthcare office.

What separates Ascent Hearing from other hearing facilities?

We provide high end diagnostic technology. We are proud to dispense hearing aids from the American-owned Starkey Labs. We believe hearing healthcare is a process that is met specific to each patient's needs and we believe in a relaxed environment where each patient has our undivided attention. [Our patients] are our priority and will be treated in the most professional yet personal manner.

What is the most challenging part about opening your new business in this economy? How can you overcome those?

Most patients wait approximately seven years to purchase hearing aids from the point they were first a candidate. There are a multitude of reasons why, but cost is one of them and many insurance companies do not have sufficient hearing aid reimbursements. This is difficult for the aging population that is often on fixed incomes.

Our pricing at Ascent Hearing is very competive and reasonable. We have many discounts that we offer in our advertising. We also have interest-free payment options. Lastly, we let our patients know that they are not just purchasing hearing aids. They are purchasing a service, a long-term individualized hearing program, counseling and rehabilitation and a relationship with us.

What are your hopes for Ascent Hearing as it grows in Wantagh?

My hopes are to fulfill the hearing needs of our patients in a way like no other practice has done - we will truly be commited to our community.