Hometown Hearing Center

Hometown Hearing Center Supporting overall health and restoring social connections through better hearing.

10/29/2025

Exciting News: New Hearing Center in Defiance, Ohio! 📍

Our team includes Dr. Kennedy Recker, Audiologist, and Jill Askins, Hearing Instrument Specialist. Jill and Kennedy are dedicated to making sure you receive the best possible hearing care in Defiance.

Don’t wait—schedule your hearing evaluation today! Let us help you Hear Better for the Holidays!

📞 Call (419) 523-6916
🌐 Visit hearhometown.com

Hey Defiance! We’re just about ready to open and can’t wait to be a part of the community! 🎉Our opening day is set for M...
10/27/2025

Hey Defiance! We’re just about ready to open and can’t wait to be a part of the community! 🎉

Our opening day is set for Monday, November 3rd.

Call our office or visit our website to schedule your appointment!

🏠 402 Fifth St. Defiance, OH
📞 419-523-6916
💻 https://www.hearhometown.com/booking

🔊 Audiology Awareness Month: Week 3 — Cochlear Implants & Bone Conduction DevicesWhile hearing aids are the most common ...
10/24/2025

🔊 Audiology Awareness Month: Week 3 — Cochlear Implants & Bone Conduction Devices

While hearing aids are the most common form of hearing amplification, they’re not the only option. For some individuals, other advanced technologies can make an even greater difference in hearing and communication.

👂 Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants are designed for people with moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss who receive limited benefit from traditional hearing aids.
These small electronic devices bypass the damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulate the hearing nerve, allowing sound signals to reach the brain.
Many people who receive cochlear implants experience improved speech understanding and are able to reconnect more fully with family, friends, and the world around them.

🦻 Bone Conduction Devices
Bone conduction devices are ideal for individuals with conductive or single-sided hearing loss. Instead of sending sound through the ear canal, they transfer sound vibrations through the bone directly to the inner ear — bypassing the outer and middle ear altogether.
They can be worn on a soft headband or surgically implanted, depending on the user’s needs and lifestyle.

Both cochlear implants and bone conduction devices are specialized medical treatments, and candidacy is determined through a thorough evaluation by an audiologist and ENT specialist.

👩‍⚕️ The good news? There are more options than ever before — and with the right technology, hearing and connection can be greatly improved!

🎧 Audiology Awareness Month: Week 3 — Hearing Aids: Prescription vs. Over-the-CounterHearing aids have come a long way —...
10/21/2025

🎧 Audiology Awareness Month: Week 3 — Hearing Aids: Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter

Hearing aids have come a long way — today’s devices are small, smart, and powerful. They don’t just make sounds louder; they make speech clearer, reduce background noise, and can connect seamlessly to your phone or TV. 📱

When it comes to choosing a hearing aid, there are two main categories:

👩‍⚕️ Prescription Hearing Aids
These are fit and programmed by a license professional after a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Prescription hearing aids are customized for your unique hearing loss, ear shape, and communication needs. They can treat mild to profound hearing losses and are professionally supported with ongoing adjustments, maintenance, and counseling.

🏪 Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Devices
OTC devices are designed for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss and can be purchased without a hearing test. While they can be more affordable, they’re not custom-programmed and may not provide the same clarity or comfort as prescription devices — especially if your hearing loss is more complex.

💡 The key takeaway:
If you’ve noticed difficulty hearing, start with a hearing evaluation. A hearing care professional can help determine the degree and type of hearing loss — and guide you toward the right option for your needs, budget, and lifestyle.

📞419-523-6916
🖥 www.hearhometown.com

🔊 Audiology Awareness Month: Week 3 — Hearing Amplification OptionsThis week, we’re focusing on the many hearing amplifi...
10/20/2025

🔊 Audiology Awareness Month: Week 3 — Hearing Amplification Options

This week, we’re focusing on the many hearing amplification options available today — because hearing loss doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all solution. With the right technology and professional support, most people can experience clearer hearing and better communication in everyday life. 👂✨

There are several types of amplification devices designed to meet different hearing needs:

🎧 Hearing Aids — The most common and versatile option. Hearing aids amplify sounds and can be customized to each person’s specific hearing loss. Today’s models are discreet, rechargeable, and connect seamlessly to phones and other devices via Bluetooth.

🎯 Cochlear Implants — For individuals with more significant or severe hearing loss who receive limited benefit from hearing aids, cochlear implants directly stimulate the hearing nerve to provide sound.

🦻 Bone Conduction Devices — Ideal for people with conductive hearing loss. These devices send sound through the bone rather than the ear canal, helping bypass outer or middle ear issues.

With so many options available, it’s important to work with a professional who can determine which solution best fits your hearing needs and lifestyle.

If you are interested in which option would be best for you, reach out to our office to schedule an appointment!

📞 419-523-6916
📧 info@hearhometown.com

👂 Audiology Awareness Month: Week 2 — Mixed Hearing LossMixed hearing loss occurs when there is a combination of both se...
10/17/2025

👂 Audiology Awareness Month: Week 2 — Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss occurs when there is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss — meaning there is damage in both the inner ear (or auditory nerve) and a problem in the outer or middle ear that prevents sound from being conducted properly.

Because two parts of the hearing system are affected, mixed hearing loss can vary widely in severity and symptoms.

Common causes include:
🔹 Long-term untreated ear infections or fluid buildup
🔹 Ear trauma or surgery
🔹 A mix of age-related changes and middle ear problems
🔹 Genetic factors or conditions that affect multiple parts of the ear

Diagnosis:
An audiologist will perform a comprehensive hearing evaluation to determine which portions of the hearing system are affected. Sometimes additional medical evaluation by an ENT is needed to determine the underlying cause.

Treatment options:
✅ Medical or surgical treatment — to address the conductive component (such as removing fluid, repairing the eardrum, or treating infection).
✅ Hearing aids — to help amplify sounds and improve speech understanding.
✅ Cochlear implants — for more significant or permanent sensorineural components.
✅ Ongoing monitoring — since the type and degree of hearing loss can change over time.

Mixed hearing loss can be complex, but with the right combination of medical care and audiologic treatment, many people experience significant improvement in hearing and communication.

👂 Audiology Awareness Month: Week 2 — Conductive Hearing LossConductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot travel eff...
10/16/2025

👂 Audiology Awareness Month: Week 2 — Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot travel efficiently through the outer or middle ear to reach the inner ear. This type of hearing loss is often temporary or medically treatable, depending on the cause.

Common causes include:
🦻 Earwax buildup blocking the ear canal
💧 Fluid or infection in the middle ear
🦴 Problems with the eardrum (such as a perforation)
⚙️ Issues with the tiny middle ear bones that help transmit sound
👃 Eustachian tube dysfunction, often related to allergies or sinus issues

Diagnosis:
An audiologist can perform a hearing test to identify a conductive pattern and may refer to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist) for further medical evaluation or treatment if needed.

Treatment options:
✅ Medical treatment — antibiotics, ear drops, or minor procedures to remove wax or fluid.
✅ Surgery — to repair the eardrum or middle ear bones in certain cases.
✅ Hearing aids — when medical treatment isn’t possible or if some hearing loss remains afterward.

The good news is that many cases of conductive hearing loss can be successfully treated or improved, especially when identified early. If you notice muffled hearing, ear fullness, or frequent ear infections, it’s worth having your hearing checked.

👂 Audiology Awareness Month: Week 2 — Sensorineural Hearing LossSensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common typ...
10/15/2025

👂 Audiology Awareness Month: Week 2 — Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common type of permanent hearing loss. It occurs when there’s damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve that carries sound signals to the brain.

Common causes include:
🔹 Aging (presbycusis)
🔹 Noise exposure — loud music, machinery, or occupational noise
🔹 Genetics or family history of hearing loss
🔹 Certain medications that are toxic to the inner ear (ototoxic drugs)
🔹 Illness, infection, or head injury

Diagnosis:
An audiologist performs a comprehensive hearing evaluation, which includes specialized tests to determine whether the hearing loss is sensorineural, conductive, or mixed. These tests help identify the degree and pattern of loss and guide treatment options.

Treatment options:
While sensorineural hearing loss is not reversible, there are effective ways to improve hearing and communication:
✅ Hearing aids — amplify sounds and enhance speech understanding.
✅ Cochlear implants — for individuals with more significant hearing loss who receive limited benefit from hearing aids.
✅ Assistive listening devices & Bluetooth technology — help improve hearing in specific environments like classrooms, workplaces, or noisy settings.
✅ Aural rehabilitation & counseling — provide strategies and tools to support better communication.

If you suspect hearing loss, early evaluation and treatment can make a life-changing difference. 👩‍⚕️

📞 419-523-6916
💻 www.hearhometown.com
📍 125 W. Main St. Ottawa, OH 45875

It’s official — we’re expanding! 🎉Thank you to everyone who shared their guesses on yesterday’s post — we loved reading ...
10/14/2025

It’s official — we’re expanding! 🎉

Thank you to everyone who shared their guesses on yesterday’s post — we loved reading them! While a few of you guessed close, this wasn’t the news we were teasing… but it’s just as exciting! 🙌

Hometown Hearing Center is growing, and we’re thrilled to announce that we’re opening a new satellite office in Defiance, Ohio!

Starting November 3rd, our Defiance office will be open Mondays and Wednesdays at 402 Fifth St. As we grow, we hope to expand to full-time hours to better serve the Defiance community.

Don’t worry — our Ottawa office hours will remain the same and will continue to be open full time!

We’re so grateful for all the support that’s helped us reach this milestone. We can’t wait to bring the same compassionate, hometown care our Ottawa patients know and love to Defiance!

Big news is coming! 🎉We have something very exciting to share with you all… any guesses? 👀 Share them in the comments be...
10/13/2025

Big news is coming! 🎉

We have something very exciting to share with you all… any guesses? 👀 Share them in the comments below!

Stay tuned — we’ll be making the announcement tomorrow!

👂 Audiology Awareness Month: Week 2 — Understanding Hearing LossThis week, we’re shifting our focus to hearing loss — on...
10/13/2025

👂 Audiology Awareness Month: Week 2 — Understanding Hearing Loss

This week, we’re shifting our focus to hearing loss — one of the most common yet often misunderstood health conditions.

📊 Nearly 1 in 8 people in the U.S. (aged 12 and older) has some degree of hearing loss in both ears. And while many associate hearing loss with aging, the truth is that hearing loss doesn’t discriminate — it can affect people of any age, from infants to older adults.

There are several types and causes of hearing loss, including:
🔹 Sensorineural hearing loss — the most common type, often caused by aging, noise exposure, or damage to the inner ear.
🔹 Conductive hearing loss — caused by problems in the outer or middle ear, such as earwax buildup, fluid, or eardrum issues.
🔹 Mixed hearing loss — a combination of both.

Over the next few days, we’ll be breaking down these different types and sharing more about what causes them, how they’re diagnosed, and what treatment options are available.

If you or someone you know might be experiencing hearing loss, call our office at 419-523-6916!

🔊 Audiology Awareness Month: Week 1 — Tinnitus Treatment OptionsWhile there’s currently no single cure for tinnitus, the...
10/09/2025

🔊 Audiology Awareness Month: Week 1 — Tinnitus Treatment Options

While there’s currently no single cure for tinnitus, there are many effective ways to reduce its impact and improve quality of life. The key is understanding that you’re never at a dead end — there are always steps we can take to help.

Here are a few proven approaches:

1️⃣ Education — Understanding the causes and triggers of tinnitus can help reduce its impact and make it easier to manage.
2️⃣ Treat the hearing loss — If hearing loss is present, using hearing aids can often lessen tinnitus by improving overall sound awareness.
3️⃣ Sound therapy — Introducing background sounds can help retrain the brain to focus less on the tinnitus signal.
4️⃣ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — Because stress plays a big role in tinnitus, addressing underlying stress and emotional triggers can make a significant difference.

Since tinnitus is very common, there are many products advertised that claim to “cure” it — including pills, ear drops, and supplements. However, these are not supported by scientific research. If they truly worked, doctors would be prescribing them. In many cases, any benefit people notice is likely due to a placebo effect.

That’s why it’s important to work with a qualified audiologist who can recommend safe, evidence-based options tailored to your needs.

While there may not be a cure, there are many tools and strategies available — and you’re never without options.

Address

125 W Main Street
Ottawa, OH
45875

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4pm
Thursday 8:30am - 12pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+14195236916

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Hometown Hearing Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category