ES
Emily Shetterly
Feb 26, 2026
I scheduled a hearing screening at this location to evaluate changes in my hearing since leaving the military. I was open to purchasing hearing aids if appropriate and made that clear. I told them before they did the test I was willing to pay for hearing aids out of pocket.
During the appointment, I was told I do not have hearing loss, which is fine. However, the way this was communicated felt dismissive and unprofessional. Instead of simply explaining the results and limitations of what they could provide, the provider raised his voice, compared my results to his son’s, laughed at a military document I brought in, and told me “no one is going to give you what you’re looking for.”
I was also informed that while the screening was free, I could not receive a copy of my test results without payment, despite expressing willingness to pay for the visit. When I asked clarifying questions about my decibel levels and what they meant functionally, those questions were not clearly answered.
I respect that retail hearing centers may not provide medical diagnoses or documentation for VA purposes. A simple, professional explanation of that would have been completely acceptable. Unfortunately, the tone and delivery made the experience uncomfortable and discouraging.
I would recommend that this location focus on clear communication, professionalism, and avoiding assumptions about a patient’s intent when they bring prior medical documentation.
Issues Observed:
• Provider was not a licensed audiologist, which was not clearly communicated upfront
• Dismissive tone when discussing military documentation
• Laughed at official documentation instead of reviewing it professionally
• Stated “no one is going to give you what you’re looking for”
• Raised voice during explanation
• Compared my situation to his and his son’s military experience and hearing loss indicating to me that his and his son's hearing loss was better/more severe than mine
• Did not clearly explain what 20 dB means functionally
• Refused to provide screening results without clear pricing explanation
• Did not calmly explain scope of practice limitations
• Interaction felt defensive rather than informative
• Raised his voice at me then accused me of being confrontational when I asked clarifying questions
P. S. my records and the test I took at this location are consistent with a "permanent hearing change" but still with in normal hearing levels so not technically "hearing loss" I asked for this to be documented and was belittled, shamed, and spoken down to. I felt like the provider felt like his and his son's hearing loss case deserved more/better attention than the VA gave it and so he felt irritated when he saw my attempt at acquiring the documentation I needed for my claim. He went as far as to show me his hearing test results on the computer and explained his and his son's military experience. I think the main thing that irritated him is that my hearing loss is from being near aircraft and his was from being blown up and firing weapons so he felt more superior to me some how. It didn't feel nice to be treated this way when I have real symptoms like hallucinations, tinnitus and difficulting hearing.