Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1051928
16 BEST OF THE BEST FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015 • NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE PROMOTIONAL SUPPLEMENT Special to NWA Democrat-Gazette B etter Hearing and Balance Connection has become a staple in Benton County since Dr. Gretchen Magee opened the doors in 2010 in Bella Vista. Magee is an audiologist who is in the business to help people avoid isolating themselves from friends and family because of hearing problems. "I give them the ability to reconnect with friends and family," Magee said. Magee earned a doctorate in audiology from the Uni - versity of Oklahoma in 2008 and enjoys educating her patients about hearing and hearing aids. "The first consultation is free," Magee said. "I want to reduce the stigma of talking about hearing loss — our doors are always open." A member of the Bella Vista Business Association, Better Hearing and Balance Connection offers a valuable hearing-care package with the purchase of most hear - ing aids. The free package covers batteries for five years, disposable supplies and office visits. Outside of the office, Magee volunteers with the Daughters of the American Revolution and also is in- volved with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She volunteers specifically in the academic accreditation department, reviewing speech and hearing programs for ASHA. Magee also serves as a leadership development pro- gram reviewer for ASHA, helping select new career pro- fessionals and reviewing ethical violations for the pro- fession. She also currently serves on the Board of Ethics Committee. Dr. Shawn Key, a doctor of audiology, joined Better Hearing and Balance Connection in September 2014. He spent the previous 10 years practicing in West Texas. Key's younger cousin was diagnosed at age 3 with a profound hearing loss, which prompted Key to enter the audiology profession in effort to help improve people's hearing. Key credits his compassion for others as a God- given gift, and he refers to his professional career as a calling. In addition to practicing as an audiologist, Key is also a licensed minister. He received his license to minister in 2013, but he has been active in church ministry for several years. He founded Faith, Hope, & Love Fellow - ship – an affirming, apostolic ministry — in his home in September 2014. In addition to his work as a pastor of a home mission church in Northwest Arkansas, Key is also the education coordinator for Reconciling Pente- costals International, which is a fellowship of affirming, apostolic ministers and ministries in the United States and abroad. Better Hearing and Balance Connection has two lo- cations, one in Bella Vista and the other in Bentonville. They can be reached by telephone at (479) 657-6464. Visit them online at betterhearingandbalance.net. NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE/DEREK OXFORD The staff at Better Hearing and Balance Connection provide services at their locations in Bentonville and Bella Vista. Better Hearing and Balance Connection is in the business of helping others HHH WINNER: AUDIOLOGIST & HEARING CLINIC HHH nwadg.com/best Better Hearing & Balance Connection Winner