With new team members and a fresh dedication to helping people hear better, the team at Amanda’s Family Hearing is ready to collaborate for you
By Patricia Nugent
With a just-right combination of advanced audiology technologies and down-to-earth patient care, the growing staff at Amanda’s Family Hearing offers comprehensive solutions to hearing loss.
Founder and namesake Dr. Amanda Barbur has just announced the addition of two other doctors of audiology to the practice: Dr. Kevin Burkitt and Dr. Nicole Smith.
A Personable, Collaborative Level of Care
“These two have similarly personable personalities and overlapping specialties and I’m thrilled they will be part of our team,” says Dr. Barbur. “I look forward to offering an even more collaborative level of care to our patients. With three fully certified audiologists on staff, we can treat even more patients from the community.”
Dr. Smith recently graduated from Dr. Barbur’s alma mater of the Northeast Ohio Au.D. Consortium. She’s “dedicated to being there with patients every step of the way, and at any stage of life.” Gardening, walking, cooking and hanging out with her partner and cat, Moon, are a few of her favorite pastimes.
A doctor of audiology for 23 years in Michigan, Dr. Burkitt and his wife recently moved to the Cleveland area. He enjoys spending time with his two daughters, ages 19 and 23, as well as their dog, Toby.
Another new friendly face and voice you’ll see and hear is Hannah Guzicki, who is training to manage the front desk, take messages and schedule patients. She will take over from Patient Care Coordinator Nancy Lambo as Nancy transitions to retirement.
Although the team is sad to see Dr. Anna Soennecken leave the practice, they wish her the best with her new marriage and next job closer to her home on the west side.
Four-Step Treatment Process
As someone who has suffered from hearing loss since being diagnosed in elementary school, Dr. Barbur is especially empathetic to the challenges people face, including putting off getting help.
“My mission is to educate our community about the importance of treating hearing loss sooner rather than later to improve their long-term outcomes,” she says. “Through each step of our treatment process, we counsel patients to pinpoint the best solutions for their lifestyle and listening needs. We start by talking with the patient about their medical history and areas they are struggling to hear in. Then, we use an otoscope to inspect the ear to look for any abnormalities or ear wax which can usually be removed at the office. In step three, we perform a diagnostic test to assess the type and extent of impairment, then finally we can recommend the best course of treatment.”
The practice works with several top brands and fits all styles of hearing aids. Dr. Barbur reports their latest models are Bluetooth-enabled and easily rechargeable. Devices made today are more technologically advanced than their predecessors and are also nearly invisible.
“For those with mild to moderate hearing loss who might not be ready for hearing aids, we offer an over-the-counter hearing aid option called Jabra,” she explains. “They are affordable and designed to be worn only during situations that are difficult to hear.”
They also carry accessories like remote microphones, TV streamers and remote controls and fit custom hearing protection and swim plugs for both children and adults. If you have diffuculty hearing over the phone, they are certified to help you receive a free captioned phone at no cost.
In addition to hearing loss, the doctors manage other auditory ailments, such as tinnitus, or ringing in the ears.
Amanda’s Family Hearing is located at 1701 Mentor Avenue, Suite 5, in Painesville. The practice was named Best of the Best for audiologists in Lake County by the News-Herald. Financing options are available. Call 440-210-4461 or visit AmandasFamilyHearing.com for more information.