ISLAND HEARING HEALTHCARE

Audiology care available on-island

posted 10/26/2006
Amplification with hearing aids is positively related to improving quality of life according to the National Council of Aging. But adjusting to a new hearing aid is not as easy as putting on a new pair of glasses. "There is an acclimization period," said Stacie N. Baisch, Au.D, Doctor of Audiology. "It is not instantaneous. People don't anticipate that...it can be overwhelming, irritating and exhausting." Followup care is critical for success.

It will be easier for people to access that care now that Dr. Baisch has opened Island Hearing Healthcare in Friday Harbor. Besides the rehabilitative audiological services, Dr. Baisch offers comprehensive diagnostic services, hearing tests, hearing aid fittings and repairs.

Office hours are by appointment from 8 to 11 a.m. Monday and Wednesday; 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and noon to 6 p.m. Friday. The office is located inside San Juan Chiropractic Clinic at 545 Spring Street. Dr. Baisch can also provide services on the other islands. Call 298.1369 for an appointment or more information.

She received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Western Washington University and a Doctor of Audiology degree from Northwestern University in Illinois.

She has special training in many areas of audiology including:

• vestibular evaluation and treatment
• aural rehabilitation
• auditory evoked potential testing
• otoacoustic emissions testing
• facial nerve testing
• cochlear implant evaluation and rehabilitation

Dr. Baisch's husband Casey owns Baisch Tree Service. Dr. Baisch spent summers on the island as an undergrad and was happy to leave Chicago and return to the islands as planned.

"Hearing loss has a detrimental effect on the quality of life. There were a lack of services on the island. It's best if they are convenient," she said. "I'm always here."

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