Please Welcome Michael J Combs To Our Team!

My name is Michael J Combs. I was born in Santa Clara California. At the age of 10, my parents moved us to the “deep” south of Georgia and later South Carolina. It was here in these two places where treating people with respect and dignity were deeply ingrained into me.

Growing up in these two states where so much history took place helped pattern my life toward helping people have a better life. At the age of 22, I packed my bags and found a new home here in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. It is here where I found Angela, the love of my life whom I am happily married too.

Along with our two daughters, Jessica and Courtney, we have placed our roots deep within the hearts of our friends and family here in Rockingham County. Upon arriving here in Harrisonburg, I quickly found employment that quenched my thirst for technology, working 16 years as a computer technician for a local company. Yearning to do something more fulfilling, I searched for a career that would not only compliment my desire in working with advancing technology but at the same time, helping people who are in need.

I am glad to say I have found my career! Working at Hearing Healthcare of Virginia brings a sense of fulfillment that no other career has brought me. To see peoples face light up when they are brought back to the world of sounds brings me great joy.

To give hearing back to people so they can hear their spouse, children, grandchildren, to hear the birds again, the roar of the river, and a leaf fall to the ground is now my mission in which I will not fail! I look forward to assisting people with their hearing needs here in the Harrisonburg location.

Hearing Loss Types | Harrisonburg VA

When your hearing is tested, you may be told that your hearing impairment falls into ‘X’ category of hearing loss (mild, moderate, etc.). These categories have not been established to put a label on your hearing impairment, but rather are helpful in determining rehabilitation needs and goals. When your hearing loss has been devastating to your everyday life functioning, it may seem upsetting to be labeled with only a mild hearing impairment. Just remember, even the mildest of hearing difficulty can deeply affect you ability to communicate.

Call Us Today 888-512-1164

735-D East Market St. Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Categories of Hearing Loss

categories of hearing loss

When your hearing is tested, you may be told that your hearing impairment falls into ‘X’ category of hearing loss (mild, moderate, etc.). These categories have not been established to put a label on your hearing impairment, but rather are helpful in determining rehabilitation needs and goals. When your hearing loss has been devastating to your everyday life functioning, it may seem upsetting to be labeled with only a mild hearing impairment. Just remember, even the mildest of hearing difficulty can deeply affect you ability to communicate.

The following are the standard categories used to indicate severity of hearing loss.

 

Hearing Level (dB) Classification
-10 to 15 Normal Hearing
16 to 25

NH (adults)

Slight HL (children)

26 to 40 Mild HL
41 to 55 Moderate HL
56 to 70 Moderately severe HL
71 to 90 Severe HL
>90 Profound HL

Katz, J. (ed). (1994). Handbook of Clinical Audiology. (5th ed.). Baltimore: William & Wilkins.

Your hearing loss may not fit solely into one category. For example you may have normal hearing in lower pitches that gently slopes from a mild to moderate to severe hearing loss in the higher pitches. Your category of hearing loss, along with a few other factors, will help your hearing healthcare professional determine if you are a candidate for hearing aids and what type and style of hearing aid to recommend for you. Ask your provider to explain how the severity of your hearing loss can affect you. Understanding your loss will help you to adapt to your path of rehabilitation. Make sure you fully comprehend what your category of hearing loss means to you.

Hearing Aid Styles | Harrisonburg VA

The major types of listening instruments are BTE, or behind the ear, ITE, or in the ear, ITC which stands for in the canal and CIC, meaning completely in the canal. Each represents a broad category of devices and may have spinoffs, such as micro-BTE.

Call Us Today 888-512-1164

735-D East Market St. Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Hearing Loss Testimonial | Harrisonburg VA

Listen in as Ruth & Granville share their experience with Hearing Healthcare of Virginia. Watch the video below to learn more.

Call Us Today 888-512-1164

735-D East Market St. Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Getting Adjusted To Hearing Aids | Harrisonburg VA

Listen in as Bruce Powell talks about how long it may take you to get adjusted to your hearing aid. Watch the video to learn more.

Call Us Today 888-512-1164

735-D East Market St. Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Hearing Loss Help | Harrisonburg VA

Listen in as Bruce Powell Talks about hearing aid service plans. Watch the video below for more information about hearing loss.

Call Us Today 888-512-1164

735-D East Market St. Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Hearing Loss | Harrisonburg VA

Listen in as Robert Hayward talks about how you can tell if you have a loss of hearing. Watch the video to learn more.

Call Us Today 888-512-1164

735-D East Market St. Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Hearing Aid Cost | Harrisonburg VA

Listen in as Robert Hayward talks about the things that will have an effect on hearing aid cost.

Call Us Today 888-512-1164

735-D East Market St. Harrisonburg, VA 22801

What Hearing Aid Style is Right for You?

Hearing Aid Style Now more than ever, hearing loss sufferers enjoy healthy number of hearing aid styles to choose from. On one hand it's a consumers dream to enjoy rich variety but on the other, it just makes picking a device that much harder. The good news is you can narrow the options greatly by shopping according to your lifestyle and following the diagnosis of a qualified audiologist.

The major types of listening instruments are BTE, or behind the ear, ITE, or in the ear, ITC which stands for in the canal and CIC, meaning completely in the canal. Each represents a broad category of devices and may have spinoffs, such as micro-BTE. Depending on the model make, there are an assortment of colors, shapes and sizes to choose from.

Behind the Ear

BTE listening instruments are the most recognizable, consisting of very visible ear pieces that fit snugly on the curve of the external ear. Because of their size, these devices can be very powerful, best suited for those with severe hearing loss. Their large profile can be a style "killer" for many, however.

In The Ear

ITE devices sit in the opening of your ear, similar to the earbud on a set of audio headphones. This hearing aid style is hard to see from a distance or in passing, a feature many folks enjoy. Manufacturers make these units in a variety of skin tones to make them less noticeable up close.

In the Canal

ITC listening instruments are designed to fit in the ear canal, just past the opening. They are much smaller than BTE and ITE and are unnoticeable to anyone save the person standing at your shoulder, peering deep into the folds of your ear. Designed for moderate to mild hearing loss, these devices tend to be digital and manilla colored.

Completely in Canal

CIC devices are the smallest in class, developed to be invisible as they are inserted well past the opening of the canal, sitting some distance from the ears inner organs. Like ITC, these units are digital and not as strong as BTE. Because of where they are positioned, they tend to be scant of controls, though you can find some that operate using remotes. While they don't showcase your hearing problem, the unnatural "plugged up" sensation is one many prefer to do without.

What hearing aid style is right for you?