Hear on the Shore open in Lewes

Hear on the Shore has arrived in Lewes, where hearing-instrument specialist Karla Quillen says she has an assortment of hearing aids to help anyone coping with hearing loss.

Until late last year, Quillen worked from a mobile office, traveling the Delmarva Peninsula to offer hearing tests and help clients purchase the right auditory aid to restore lost hearing and improve slurred speech.

When she moved to Lewes, Quillen, a board-certified hearing aid specialist in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, opened her own office in the professional center at 119 W. Third St.

From there, she offers full hearing tests and consults with clients during the process of purchasing a hearing aid, along with follow-up appointments to ensure proper fit and function.

“I do a bone conduction test that sends a signal through the skull and into the cochlea and a speech test,” Quillen said. “It gives me a clearer picture of their hearing with both tests.”

She said the combination of tests allows her to collect information about the sources of hearing loss and solutions to the problem.

After Quillen helps a client select a hearing aid she typically works closely with that person in the months following the purchase to ensure the device is adjusted to correct their particular hearing loss.

“I deal with just about every manufacturer of hearing aids,” Quillen said.

“Some aids are better for one person than another because not all manufacturers make aids to fit all ears.”

Sometimes, the auditory specialist says she acts as a counselor of sorts, as a family member persuades their spouse or parent to get help with their hearing.

“A lot of people are resistant,” Quilllen said.

“The average time it takes for someone to come in for help is 7 to 10 years, and they go to two or three different people because they are in denial,” she said.

But once they come to terms with their hearing loss, she said most are surprised and pleased by the physical comfort of their hearing aid and return to clearly understanding language as it is presented in their environment.

“It’s low pressure,” Quillen said. “I’m not a salesman, and I’m not going to pressure someone to get a hearing aid when they are not ready, but I am going to help them find the best hearing aid for their loss.”

Hear on the Shore is open in Lewes for free hearing tests Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and by appointment. For more information, call 443-235-4461 or go to hearontheshore.com.