Hearing Loss in the United States

28 million people in the United States experience hearing loss. That’s 10% of the American population! Fewer than 20% of these people have ever sought treatment or obtained hearing aids. A recent study of by the National Counsel on Aging indicated that untreated hearing loss has a profound effect on quality of life (NCOA 1999). An additional study completed by the VA/NICD concluded that amplification systems (hearing aids), when properly fit and maintained, are very effective at treating sensorineural hearing loss (NIDCD, 2000).

Hearing aid technology has changed extensively in recent times and is now more suited than ever to help you. Unfortunately, approximately 90% of hearing loss is not medically treatable. For this reason, amplification through the use of hearing aids is often the only viable option. The improvements in hearing aid technology have opened up a multitude of fitting options and flexibility. Miniaturization of hearing aid circuitry and the ability to interface hearing aids with computer-based programs are two examples of such improvements. This provides the user with the opportunity to use state-of-the-art technology as well as a cosmetically acceptable alternative to the larger behind-the-ear aids commonly fit in the 1970’s. Improvements in fitting procedures such as real-ear measures have substantially improved fitting accuracy. Automatic signal processing, digital processing, and the use of directional microphones have increased user satisfaction by reducing the effects of competing (background) noise. These advancements in hearing aid technology have helped us to overcome many of the barriers to wearing hearing aids encountered in the past.

Victory Hearing & Balance Center Can Help You Today

Victory Hearing and Balance Center (VHBC) is a full service clinic that strives to help hearing impaired patients to lead a better life. In order to achieve this goal, VHBC provides a variety of services beyond the treatment of hearing loss including diagnostic Audiological Evaluations, Electrophysiological Assessments, Vestibular Assessments, rehabilitation of Benign Proximal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), hearing aid dispensing, including conventional through digital technology, and Aural Rehabilitation Instruction.

Dizziness is the most common complaint of those over 65 years of age and this is the fastest growing population in the United States. The specially trained Audiologist at VHBC chose to focus on problems of dizziness because he feels that it is a particularly frustrating and disabling problem to have. Treatment for vestibular disorders is based upon test results and, when appropriate, provided by the staff Audiologist or the specially trained physical therapists at Victory Medical and Family Care.

The treatment of hearing loss through the use of hearing aids is accomplished via a thorough protocol. Patient satisfaction surveys are used pre-and-post-fitting to assess the benefits of amplification. Validation of the fit is achieved through the use of real ear measurements. Most importantly, personalized instruction on the use and care of hearing devices is an integral part of every hearing aid fit at Victory Hearing & Balance Center.

The variety of services offered at VHBC helps us to achieve our goal of offering Complete Hearing Healthcare!

Who is Victory Hearing & Balance Center?

Victory Hearing & Balance Center is Dr. Allan Franklin and staff, now located on the newly remodeled 3rd floor of Victory Medical and Family Care!

Allan L. Franklin, Au.D.,F-AAA,CCC-A
Dr. Allan Franklin was born in Houston, Texas and graduated from Bellaire High School. His undergraduate work was done at the University of Texas at Austin, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. He received a Master of Arts in Communication Disorders and Speech Science from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Following the receipt of his Master’s, Dr. Allan Franklin relocated to San Diego, California. While working in the San Diego area, he completed a Clinical Doctorate in Audiology from the University of Florida. Dr. Allan Franklin’s Clinical Fellowship was completed at a private practice in the San Diego area. Once complete, he quickly secured a position as the Clinical Director. While managing the practice, he attended a clinical Doctorate program offered by the University of Florida at the House Ear Institute in LA. During this time, he had the distinct pleasure of working with Audiologists from all over the western United States specializing in a variety of areas within Audiology. During this course of study, Dr. Allan Franklin received special training on the treatment and rehabilitation of dizzy patients at the American Institute of Balance in Florida. He feels that problems with dizziness have a much higher incidence than traditionally believed. In addition, treatment for these problems is often available and successful. Dr. Allan Franklin’s primary area of specialty is the treatment of hearing loss through amplification or hearing aids. He has intimate knowledge about the technology behind most devices available on the market today. In addition, his skills and literacy with computer system operation lends itself to the most accurate hearing aid fittings possible. Dr. Allan Franklin is a licensed Audiologist and hearing aid dispenser. He is a member of the Texas Academy of Audiology, American Speech and Hearing Association, the American Academy of Audiology, and is board certified by the American Board of Audiology. When he is not working, Dr. Allan Franklin enjoys the great outdoors, particularly skiing, boating, and exercising.

Victory Hearing & Balance Center’s Philosophy of Treatment

Our philosophy of treatment at Victory Hearing and Balance Center is very simple, to be the very best in hearing healthcare. Being the best involves a commitment to provide the most up to date treatments and technology available. Ongoing training is an integral part of our day to day activities. Being the best requires providing each patient that comes through our door with personalized care. You are not just another number in our clinic! Lastly, being the best involves treating everyone with honest concern and prioritizing the patients well being. You do, after all, come to us for help! We believe that this value system sets us apart from other hearing treatment centers in the Austin area.

To schedule an appointment or make inquires, please call 512-443-3500, or send email to allan@victorymed.com. Come visit us today for the best in hearing treatment and care at the Victory Hearing and Balance Center!