Story: Out and About
Business: Flatirons Audiology
City: Denver
1160 words

Flatirons Audiology, Inc. - Celebrating 5 Years

by Pam North

     The ability to hear clearly depends on the ear's ability to process vibrations that result from sound, and when that course of action has been impaired, treatment should be sought. According to the National Institute of Health, an estimated one-third of people in the United States between the ages of 65 and 75, and close to one-half of those older than 75, have some degree of hearing loss. Hearing impairment may affect any age, however. Preventive actions may offer some protection, and are worth taking, but sometimes damage to hearing happens in spite of all precautions. Heredity, infections, and chronic exposure to loud noise all can contribute to ears not conducting sound as they should. People with diseases such as diabetes, and those taking certain medications for health problems ,are at increased risk for hearing impairment. Hearing loss, while usually irreversible, nevertheless often can be helped. Dr. Julie Eschenbrenner, Au.D., with Flatirons Audiology, Inc. stresses the importance of getting comprehensive professional evaluation, care, and education in order to ascertain which treatment and/or amplification devices will offer the maximum beneficial results.
     Julie has been licensed to practice audiology since 1998, and she was one of the first audiologists in Colorado to reach out to the many people who have been told that they have no choice but to live with their tinnitus, the annoying persistent noises which plague many people with hearing problems. She offer neuromonics as a viable treatment for tinnitus, Neuromonics uses a compact, lightweight medical instrument to deliver customized auditory stimulation embedded within precisely-designed pleasant music; these sounds desensitize the tinnitus over a several-month period, and offer relief to this condition. Hearing loss due to nerve damage also often can be treated with hearing amplification  devices and/or rehabilitation. Julie explains her mission as helping hearing-impaired people to hear and communicate better, in their private lives and in the workplace. She emphasizes that she believes in core values of “quality, innovation, teamwork, service, and fun.” Her clients often express the sentiment that they have never enjoyed going to the doctor so much before. Their positive experiences stem from Julie's love of her work, and her efforts to make her clients relax and feel almost like family. Her tasty variety of homemade cookies are pretty special, too. Peggy Jensen, part-time receptionist at Flatirons Audiologists, echoes similar sentiments about the positive atmosphere at the clinic, saying, “I love it here, and I like getting to know the people who come in!” Julie reinforces that, saying “Every patient is different, and we get to know them; it's more like a big family. We get postcards and magnets from them when they are on vacation. We are comfortable with each other and even tease each other. We really value them, and we care how they feel.”
     Hearing evaluations for adults and children are a main focus. Julie utilizes video otoscopy to look into the ear; a tympanogram to test middle ear function; does tinnitus testing; addresses hyperacusis (sound sensitivity); and ensures that the ear canal is free of wax and debris. If a hearing device is needed, Julie introduces her patients to the wide variety of types, styles, and technologies that are available, recommending those that dovetail best with the client's needs, lifestyle, and budget. Hearing aids are programmed via a wireless system while they are in the patient's ears, and adjusted for maximum benefit. Other assistive listening technology for television, telephone, etc. is available also. A 30-day trial period comes with the purchase of new hearing aids; if satisfaction with the product is not met, the hearing aids may be returned for a full refund.
     In addition to the professional expertise Julie offers in matching treatments and devices specifically to individual needs and comfort, she also provides educational and support services for the community in the form of informational seminars where the latest advances in technology are highlighted. She has scheduled an upcoming Hearing Health Fair to celebrate Flatirons Audiology's fifth anniversary. It will be held on August 20th, 2012, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.. at the Exempla Good Samaritan Hospital Conference Center (200 Exempla Circle - Lafayette, CO). Featured speakers will include Dr. Heidi Adams, Au.D.; Dr. Lisa Amerine, Doctor of Homeopathy; Mark Brungardt, Neuromuscular Massage Therapist; Dr. J. Michael King, Otolaryngologist; Mary Voelmle, N.P.; and others. Information will highlight such topics as: how to quiet tinnitus; how to improve confidence through better hearing; how to achieve better communication; newest treatment options, technology, and training. Attendees are encouraged to bring their iPods and headphones to find out how loud they really are.
     On Thursday, September 20th, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 p.m., Dr. Julie Eschenbrenner will hold a Tinnitus Seminar (at the same location). RSVP is required for this seminar, as seating is limited.  
     A survey of some of Julie's patients reflect satisfaction and a high comfort level with the care and attention they have been given. Joann Woodruff, who has tinnitus and hearing loss, says she went to one of Julie's seminars, then made an appointment for hearing aids, which vastly improved her hearing. Her son, who has hearing loss in just one ear, also became a patient. Joann reported that he is delighted with the technology used for him, as it makes him feel as if his hearing is “stereophonic” despite the fact that the hearing loss itself could not be reversed. She said, “It was an excellent experience for both of us. Julie is very thorough and well-qualified. She changed my life from a real problem to one of ease, and she was very sensitive to my needs.”
     Patty Miller's hearing loss was remedied with nicer hearing aids than she previously had experienced. She remarked favorably on the service. ”There's no long wait for an appointment, and very little delay once I get there before she sees me. She's very efficient and professional. One of my hearing aids had a manufacturing problem, and she made sure that they fixed it. She even loaned me a temporary hearing aid until mine came back. ”
     Mary Gleason said, “I was experiencing a hearing loss, and Julie was recommended to me. I am very pleased with her and her products. My hearing aids are virtually undetectable. My hearing aids suppress road noise when I am driving, and also the noise around me when I am in restaurants, and out in public, making it easier for me to hear the conversations in which I am engaging.”
     Dr. Hartmut Koelsch had this to say, “It is always a positive experience with Julie. She has superior technical knowledge, and she has a very outgoing personality. I got the optimal effect from the technology she used for me; she has helped me so much. I will continue to go to her.”
     And they all loved her cookies!

Dr. Julie Eschenbrenner, Au.D.
Flatirons Audiology, Inc.
300 Exempla Circle, Suite 365
Lafayette, CO 80026
(303) 664-9111
Website:  http://www.flatironsaudiology.com