I’ve started the Sound Stream blog so you can get to know me better and continue to stay informed on the latest advancements in better hearing. I’ll be sharing stories about some of my passions and hobbies outside of Carroll Hearing Associates, along with hearing successes from patients and new knowledge concerning hearing technologies and tips to maintain optimal hearing.

Cattle farming, talking to my patients and being an entrepreneur.

Just over a year ago, Carroll Hearing Associates opened its doors. It’s been wonderful being a part of the Huntsville community and helping so many people hear their best.

Taking the step to becoming an entrepreneur was a big one. Even though I’d worked in management in my two previous positions since college, owning and running my own audiology practice is a lot different and full of many new experiences.

At the heart of this change was the desire to focus more on my patients’ needs and less on administrative duties. Professionally, I have always been happiest when I’m sitting in an exam room, chatting with my patients. Straying off into conversations about gardening, cattle farming, or college football is not unusual. But, my primary concern is that my patients are enjoying a great quality of life and are not missing sounds and conversations with their loved ones.

Since 2002 my family and I have owned a farm in Fort Payne, AL. This experience has taught me a lot about hard work, fulfillment, improving life and responsibility.

Cattle farming opened my eyes to a whole new sense of fulfillment that I never experienced being an employee. My decisions impacted our land and the quality of our cattle. Choices I made had consequences, whether it was how much fertilizer to apply, or whether to upgrade the genetics in my herd by purchasing a better herd bull. Some decisions have an immediate impact while others take longer to show results. But in the end, if the decisions were correct, the result was an improvement in our land and the quality of the animals that we sold. The reward was greater than increased productivity, it was the sense of accomplishment and a pride in continuing to improve the farming operation. Often, the changes weren’t obvious to the casual observer nor did they have financial rewards. It was more a sense of pride in making our little piece of the earth better than it was before. I have found the same sense of satisfaction in having my own private practice.

My goal in building Carroll Hearing Associates is to make the lives of my patients better through better hearing. Whether it is to assist them in enjoying time with their families or just enjoying a favorite TV show more, each patient has unique needs and deserves the best professional and technical assistance.

My patients from my previous practice have been amazingly supportive in the new endeavor and I appreciate their loyalty and continued support more than I can say. I have several patients in my audiology practice that have been with me for greater than 20 years. I’ve had the occasion to have my daughter, Emily and my wife, Cheryl work on a fill in basis in the front office. They both were impressed by how much I enjoy the relationships with my patients. Emily often asks me “Dad, who did you see today that I might know?” She also reminds me that “Mrs. Jones” really liked me. I have the time to spend with patients; to assist them with their hearing needs now more than ever.

The advancement of technology over the past few years has allowed us to improve the quality of life for our wonderful patients at a level that we never would have imagined 20 years ago. More than ever, I realize what a unique opportunity I have to make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families, and it is not one that I take lightly. Whether it’s a patient that I’ve known for 20+ years or a new one that I’ve never seen before, I consider it an honor to work on their behalf to improve their quality of life with better hearing.

I am grateful for this first year in business. I very much look forward to getting to know you better too, and contributing to your quality of hearing and life.