If someone finds they keep turning up the volume on the television or asking others to repeat, then it is probably a good idea to get their hearing checked, according to Wendy J. Ring, owner Andover Hearing Center, LLC, 11 Chestnut Street #6. 

"The huhs and what, and excuse me" are good indications of potential hearing loss," she added.

Ring, a licensed Audiologist, holds her B.S. and M.S. degrees from Ithaca College. She has worked in the field for over 23 years both with Ear, Nose and Throat physicians and the "largest hearing aid company." In 2008, she purchased her own practice from Amore consultants.  

Originally from New Hampshire, Ring lives in Andover with her husband and two school-aged sons. "It was a perfect opportunity to be able to live and work in the same town," she explained.

As a full-serviced office, Ring said she offers hearing evaluations, hearing aid sales and service, oral rehabilitation, and assisted listening technologies. She has part-time office staff.

Most of her clients are middle age to older adults. When someone comes to Ring complaining of hearing loss, she said she first checks their ears for wax build-up, then does a audiogram. If she suspects it could be caused by a medical problems, she will refer clients to a specialist.

Not everyone needs a hearing aid, and there are other listening technologies available, she explained.

But for those who do, Ring said, "I really try to develop a relationship with each individual in order to find the best fit. Not one hearing aid is for everyone." That she explained is the most important part of her job.

Working with three hearing aid manufacturers, Ring pointed to a wide range of prices depending on technologies. Hearing aids can cost between $900 up to $2700 per unit, and they are digital and customized for the client, she explained.

Ring said that many people worry about wearing hearing aids. She stressed that with today's technology, they are smaller, discreet and digital. "They are much easier and comfortable to wear than they used to be," she said.

Andover Hearing Center's hours are Mon.-Thurs, 9am-4pm, and Fri, 9am-12 noon. The phone number is 978-470-4500. They also have a website.