NEW ULM — America’s Best Hearing moved to a new, larger location in October, to 101 S. Broadway.

“The new location is marvelous. Being in the center of town, I feel more connected to New Ulm,” said store hearing care provider Samantha McMullen. “Our new location has made our presence more a part of the community.”

McMullen said people now want to learn more about their hearing and how they can improve their quality of life and that of their loved ones.

The store advertises itself as combining old-fashioned service and advanced technology to help people achieve their best hearing and a better quality of life.

The business offers free hearing evaluations in its own sound-proof booth and insures people understand how hearing loss works for them, now and into the future, said Hearing Care Provider Samantha McMullen.

She said if people ignore their hearing loss, it can lead to other health problems including Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease and other things.

Factors that cause hearing loss include loud noise exposure and age-related hearing loss. Treatment options are based on hearing evaluation results.

Industrial hearing screenings are used to determine if workplace noise contributes to hearing loss.

Hearing loss prevention can be done with protective devices, from swim plugs to musician ear plus and monitors.

Tinnitus (ear ringing or buzzing), has many causes including head and neck injuries, earwax build-up, noise exposure, and certain medications.

While there is no cure for tinnitus, it is treatable. Evaluation and management programs help clients through the diagnosis. In addition, sound therapy, masking products and counseling can help ensure tinnitus no longer interrupts your life.

“I want people to understand how hearing loss works, so patients benefit now and into the future,” said McMullen. “Studies have shown you can prevent other illnesses by diagnosing hearing loss.”

Patient Care Coordinator Kathy Ellanson has been in the hearing care business for 11 years.

“It’s people centered, family-oriented here. We’re like family,” Ellanson said. “We don’t charge for tests. You can try a hearing aid ford a week. If you don’t like it, bring it back. There is no charge.”