Catching the Quiet Signs: When an Expert’s Own Hearing Needs Help

Even world-class medical leaders need specialized help for their own health.  

As a former professor, clinical trial investigator, and physician who treated nearly 100,000 patients over 40 years, Dr. Rachelefsky understands medical excellence. Yet, when his own hearing began to fail, he spent five frustrating years navigating conventional hearing care.  

The care felt transactional, offering one-size-fits-all treatments instead of real answers. You deserve far more than a quick fix when seeking help for your senses. 

Frustrated by the lack of personal attention, Dr. Rachelefsky shared his struggle with his doctor, who referred him to Dr. Gregory Frazer at Pacific Hearing, Inc.  

Having worked together 25 years earlier, Dr. Rachelefsky knew Dr. Greg's reputation, but experiencing his clinical approach firsthand changed everything. He noted that Dr. Greg “takes history as opposed to just doing a hearing test and shoving devices in your ears,” establishing a level of care that puts your personal journey first. 

Beyond the Test Booth: The "Thinking Audiologist" Approach 

When you visit Pacific Hearing, Inc., your care goes far beyond standard sound booth results. Dr. Greg sits down with you to understand your specific struggles in daily life. You benefit from our team’s deep knowledge of hearing pathophysiology, allowing us to program devices with extreme precision rather than relying on automated settings. 

At the same time, your budget and well-being remain top priorities. We balance cost-consciousness with high-caliber care to guide you toward the best long-term outcome.  

As Dr. Rachelefsky observed, Dr. Greg “adapts his diagnosis and his objective data to the device that helps the person. He just doesn’t knee-jerk it. He does it intelligently and in a very professional manner.” 

Solving the Invisible Struggle: Uncovering "Hidden Hearing Loss" 

This personalized care can change whole families. When Dr. Rachelefsky’s granddaughter struggled in school, standard tests in Colorado showed "normal" hearing.  

Knowing something was wrong, he brought her to Dr. Greg, who tested her hearing in background noise. Dr. Greg “observed that her hearing was diminished only when there were other sounds,” pinpointing a condition known as hidden hearing loss. In addition, Dr. Greg found that she needed the volume much louder than people with normal hearing. 

Dr. Greg designed a targeted hearing program and device for her, yielding immediate results. We provided her with a remote microphone that a teacher, parent or friend can wear, enabling her to hear clearly up to 60 feet. We also provided her a TV streamer that send the volume of the tv right to her ears, allowing her to adjust the volume level the provides her with the best clarity and understanding. As Dr. Rachelefsky shared, “Her schoolwork went from average to super good and has changed her life.” 

The Blueprint for Success: Why the Right Device Is Only Half the Battle 

A hearing aid is only as good as the plan behind it. True hearing health requires diagnostic mapping, lifestyle strategies, and ongoing support like wireless remote mics and TV streamers. When you choose Pacific Hearing, Inc., you gain a complete roadmap for success. 

Dr. Rachelefsky summarized this best: “You have to understand that a hearing device by itself is not the answer. Hearing aids by themselves without a plan of how to adjust your life would not be successful.”  

You can rest assured that you will receive this same comprehensive care when you step through our doors. 

Get in Touch with Pacific Hearing Inc. Today 

Ready to experience hearing care that actually listens to you? 

Schedule your comprehensive consultation with our expert team at Pacific Hearing, Inc. today and let us build a personalized plan to help you reclaim your hearing health! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q: Why can someone pass a standard hearing test but still struggle to understand conversations? 

A: Standard tests use quiet booths, but conditions like hidden hearing loss involve neural damage that only causes the volume of speech to be reduced and to blur when background noise is present. Hearing aids with AI and advanced testing in noisy environments is necessary to diagnose and treat this issue. 

Q: How does a "thinking audiologist" approach differ from going to a retail hearing store? 

A: Retail stores often focus on selling devices through automated testing. A patient-centered audiologist evaluates your full medical history, auditory processing, hearing accessory devices (remote mics, beam forming table mics, TV streamers and computer adapters) and lifestyle to build a personalized, long-term treatment plan. 

Q: What should I expect during a comprehensive hearing care consultation? 

A: Your visit starts with a deep conversation about your lifestyle and communication goals. After testing in both quiet and noisy settings, we work with you to program technology/accessories and build a support plan that fits your life and budget. Rest assured that your hearing health and unique needs lead every decision our professional team makes. 

Source 

Harvard Medical School: Find out more about hidden hearing loss here.