Advanced Hearing Solutions with Dr. Noel Crosby – Editor’s Note: We spoke with Dr. Noel Crosby, the owner of Advanced Hearing Solutions with her husband Michael. The clinic is located at 655 South Indiana Ave. in Englewood and they also see clients in Boca Grande at 280 Park Ave. Learn more at AdvancedHearingSolutions.net or call 941-474-8393.
Dr. Crosby, what’s an audiologist and what led you to pursue your career?
An audiologist is a professional who diagnoses and treats hearing and balance problems. We are highly trained and have received a Doctorate in Audiology (Au. D.), or a Master’s or Doctoral degree from an accredited university graduate program in audiology. We are trained to diagnose, manage and treat hearing or balance problems for individuals from birth through adulthood. When I was young, I experienced some speech challenges and worked with a speech pathologist. I never forgot that experience and always thought that I would like to have the ability to help someone like I was helped. When I attended FSU, I was enrolled in their speech pathology program. That’s when I discovered the field of audiology.
What are the main services at your clinic?
Our mission is to help people hear better. We provide an unbiased opinion, and that takes precedent over selling a hearing aid. Our main services are audiological evaluations, the proper fitting of hearing aids, wax or cerumen removal, repairing hearing aids, and auditory brain fitness.
What do you mean when you say that hearing aids are more than “widgets”?
Widgets are gadgets. Today’s hearing aids are very sophisticated programmable digital devices that can communicate with a wide array of other devices. They can be programmed to a person’s unique hearing loss. Also, specific, multiple programs can be added to assist people dealing with challenging listening environments. My training never ends, I am constantly continuing my education in how to get the best results when programming hearing instruments.
How have you been involved with the Florida Academy of Audiology?
I was one of the founding board members in 1996 when FLAA was created. Since that time, I have served as president twice and have continued participating as a board member and as a participant with various committees. FLAA’s mission is to represent Florida Audiologists and the people they serve through advocacy, education and collaboration.
What is Entheos and what countries have you visited to provide audiology support?
Entheos springs from the Greek words, En meaning within and Theos meaning Spirit. Entheos is originally the root word for enthusiasm. The Entheos Audiology co-op was founded on the principle that the practice of audiology is a privilege. We focus on helping people and its very rewarding. I have traveled to Guatemala, Mozambique, Zambia, and the West Bank since becoming a member. We have fit thousands of donated hearing aids on children and adults. We have shared our experience with thousands of people. Entheos also believes in providing care after we leave an area by training locals to provide continued support. Entheos is in the business of creating hearing smiles.
Where are you originally from and tell our readers a little bit about your family?
I’m from New Hampshire and I moved to this area in 1975. My husband of 26 years is Michael, and he was born in Sarasota. We have a wonderful daughter who teaches in Sarasota. She’s involved in the theatre and occasionally stage manages shows in our area. Michael and I both enjoy baseball and can be found at some of the Charlotte Stone Crabs ballgames during the summer.
Noel, what do you love about your work?
Hearing loss often occurs gradually. Untreated hearing issues can result in social isolation, fatigue, stress, depression, and loneliness. These things can happen to people in any age group. What I love the most about my work is being able to treat someone’s hearing loss successfully, which often enhances their personal relationships. It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to make a difference in someone’s life!
