Resident Follows Dream to Help Community Hear

When Chris Brannigan graduated from St. Joseph's University a decade ago and began a career in sales and marketing, he knew very little about hearing aids. Now, he's the owner of his own business, , and hopes to become the go-to-guy in Upper Dublin.

Brannigan has been a resident of the township for ten years, but only recently has he found a way to stay put in the community. Seven years ago, he began working for a start-up company that used a new hearing aid technology called "receiver in the canal," which has since become the industry standard. While working for the company as a salesman, his territory was Virginia to Maine.

“I just got tired of checking in and out of hotels. I miss Upper Dublin and I missed my family,” said Brannigan.

Brannigan has a five-year-old boy and a three-year-old girl.

“The traveling just got to be too much. I wanted to pursue the American Dream of opening up my own business,” said Brannigan.

In February of 2011, he saw the opportunity to pursue that dream, and opened for business.

“Community Hearing Aid Services mainly focuses on Upper Dublin and surrounding communities," said Brannigan. ""Hearing loss has been tied to depression and anxiety; it’s really a quality of life issue. To help the local neighbors and residents improve their quality of life by improving their hearing is a really a magical thing."

Brannigan says that fairness is a major factor in his business, and that it's important that his customers, especially the elderly and their families, know they can trust him.

"We do a free hearing screening and free instrument consultation. We sell all makes and models; we do all service and follow up care."

Brannigan says that Community Hearing Aid Services also offers a 45 day free trial with every hearing aid.

“This is above and beyond what most audiologists offer. And I do have a 100 percent money back guarantee," said Brannigan. "A lot of time folks in my business will charge a fitting fee, if the hearing aid doesn’t work for somebody and they return it, there will be a fitting fee. In my business model, if at any time during the 45 day trial somebody does not wish to purchase the hearing aid they can return it. If it doesn’t work out, I don’t want your money."

A hearing aid is a big investment in both time and money for most people, and Brannigan says Community Hearing Aid Services wants to make this process as painless as possible.  They offer instruments in all different budgets, and financing plans are available.

“Most people think it’s a substantial investment, and it can be, but I have hearing aids for every budget. The first appointment to come have your hearing checked and learn about hearing aids doesn't cost you a thing,” said Brannigan.

While Brannigan does one day hope to expand his business, his goal for right now is to become more involved in the community and helping his neighbors.

“This isn’t a volume business. The follow up, the service and the post-purchase maintenance is time consuming. Before I can even think about expanding, I need to make sure the folks I’m working with today are taken care of,” said Brannigan.

Brannigan may have stumbled into the hearing aid business, but it has become his passion.

“When you help somebody hear there really is no greater feeling.”

Community Hearing Aid Services is located at 830 Twinning Road in Dresher, between the Acme and the swim club. For more information visit www.communityhearingaid.com. 

Are you a friend or customer of Chris'? Know of another business in Upper Dublin that deserves recognition? Tell us in the comments.

To read about how local entrepreneur Marty Levin spun being let go from his job to starting his own business, click here. For instant updates from Upper Dublin Patch, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.