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Our Mission: Changing Lives Through Better Hearing and Balance

Hearing Health
February 3, 2026
By
Dr. Ross Cushing

What comprehensive audiology care looks like when patients come first

At Live Better Hearing + Balance, we believe better hearing leads to a fuller life.

When patients walk through our doors, our goal is simple: we want them to feel comfortable with the choice they made. Comfortable asking questions. Comfortable expressing concerns. Comfortable knowing they’re in the right place.

This short video above captures what matters most to us as a family-owned audiology practice, and what patients experience when they choose Live Better Hearing + Balance for their hearing and balance care.

Hearing Care Is About People, Not Just Devices

Image of an audiologist sitting with a patient during a hearing aid consultation

We provide the gold standard of audiology care, but just as importantly, we treat patients like family.

That philosophy guides everything we do, from the first phone call to years of follow-up care. Hearing loss is rarely just about hearing aids. It affects communication, relationships, confidence, and quality of life. The only way to care for it properly is to start by listening.

When patients come in, we focus on understanding the real problem, not rushing toward a quick solution. For some, that means diagnosing hearing loss they’ve been living with for years. For others, it means helping them understand why their hearing aids haven’t worked as well as they hoped. And sometimes, it means reassuring someone who’s been putting off care out of fear or uncertainty.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Audiologist with an otoscope checking the ears of a pediatric hearing pat

In our clinics, we see firsthand how hearing care changes lives.

For one family, it meant identifying hearing loss in a young child who had been struggling to hear clearly. Once hearing aids were fit, the change was immediate. Sounds that had been missing suddenly became part of daily life. Moments like that remind us why early, comprehensive care matters.

For many adults, hearing loss began long before they ever sought help. Some patients have lived with hearing difficulty since childhood. Others notice changes gradually and adapt without realizing how much they’re missing. Often, the hardest step is simply making the first appointment.

What Our Patients Say

Within the first day having hearing aids, she was hearing noises that she hadn't heard, and the change was immediate, and it's been big.

Arielle, parent of pediatric patient

We really appreciate them just taking the time, and the care, and the attention we needed.

Live Better Hearing + Balance patient

My first appointment was really easy. I came in, it was absolutely no hassle. I was very comfortable with the entire staff.

Adult patient with hearing loss since childhood

Stop kicking the can down the road, pick up the phone, don't be scared. They will improve your quality of life.

Bill, our long-time patient in Pasadena, MD

A Family-Owned Audiology Practice Built on Long-Term Relationships

Image showing hearing aids and text describing that Live Better Hearing + Balance is trusted by 1,500+ referring physicians across the Mid-Atlantic region

Live Better Hearing + Balance was founded and is led by a husband-and-wife team, and that family mindset extends throughout our entire organization.

As we’ve grown, our priority has never changed. We know the individuals in our offices. Our teams know their patients. And no matter which of our 25+ clinics across the Mid-Atlantic you visit, you’ll receive the same level of care, compassion, and attention.

That same commitment to comprehensive, evidence-based care is why more than 1,500 referring physicians across the Mid-Atlantic trust our team with their patients. Primary care providers, ENTs, and medical specialists regularly refer to us because they know our doctors take the time to evaluate hearing thoroughly, coordinate care when needed, and focus on long-term outcomes, not quick fixes.

Hearing loss doesn’t follow a schedule, and neither does life. That’s why we focus on long-term relationships, not one-time transactions. Hearing changes over time, and successful outcomes depend on ongoing care, trust, and follow-up.

Comprehensive Hearing Care Under One Roof

We provide complete audiology care for patients of all ages, including:

Comprehensive diagnostic hearing evaluations
Evidence-based hearing aid fitting and verification
Tinnitus evaluation and counseling
Balance and vestibular testing at select locations
• Pediatric audiology services as part of our full-scope care model

Hearing loss and balance concerns often intersect with other aspects of health. Our providers work closely with primary care physicians, ENTs, and other specialists to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care when needed.

Consistency You Can Trust

With more than 25 offices across Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, patients often ask whether care is consistent from one location to another.

It is.

Our clinical standards, best practices, and patient-first philosophy are the same everywhere. That consistency allows patients and families to feel confident, whether they’re visiting a clinic close to home or supporting a loved one in another community.

If You’re Hesitating, You’re Not Alone

Image of a patient showing a thumbs up during a comprehensive hearing exam in a booth

Many people delay hearing care because they’re unsure, nervous, or simply hoping the problem will go away.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

We meet patients every day who wish they had taken action earlier. Not because their hearing loss disappeared, but because addressing it sooner often makes the process easier and more successful.

Hearing loss doesn’t usually happen all at once. It develops gradually, and so does the impact on daily life. Early evaluation helps clarify what’s happening and what, if anything, needs to be done.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Live Better Hearing + Balance locations?

We have more than 25 audiology clinics across Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Find your nearest location.

What makes Live Better Hearing + Balance different from retail hearing aid stores?

As a family-owned audiology practice, we provide comprehensive diagnostic care, evidence-based hearing aid fitting with Real-Ear Measurement, and unlimited follow-up care—not just device sales. Learn more about the differences between private audiology practices and retail hearing aid stores like Costco.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we work with most major insurance plans and select Medicare Advantage plans that include hearing benefits. Our team will help verify your coverage. Learn more about insurance and financing.

What should I expect at my first appointment?

Your comprehensive hearing evaluation takes 45-90 minutes and includes testing across all frequencies, speech understanding assessment, and a detailed consultation about your results and options.

Do you see children for hearing evaluations?

Yes, we provide pediatric audiology services as part of our full-scope care. Early detection and intervention can make a tremendous difference in a child's development and quality of life.

Our Mission

Our mission is to change lives through better hearing and balance.

When people hear better, they communicate more easily. They stay connected to their families. They participate more fully in the moments that matter. And they live with greater confidence and independence.

If you've been putting off getting your hearing checked, don't be afraid to take that first step. Reach out. Ask questions. Learn where you stand.

If you live in the Mid-Atlantic, our team at Live Better Hearing + Balance would be honored to help.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Whether you're experiencing hearing difficulties, concerned about a loved one, or simply want to establish a baseline, we're here to help.

Contact Us Today

Have questions first? Feel free to call us toll-free us at 888-432-7505. We look forward to hearing from you!.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed audiologist or physician for personalized hearing healthcare recommendations.

Chief Executive Officer
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Written by Dr. Ross Cushing

Ross Cushing, Au.D., is the Chief Executive Officer at Live Better Hearing + Balance. Dr. Cushing has been a clinical audiologist for nearly 20 years and chief leader of Live Better Hearing + Balance since 2007, where he believes that it is only through a combination of kindness and competency that we can achieve success with our practice and our patients.

Chief Learning & Development Officer and Audiologist
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Reviewed by Dr. Jenifer Cushing

Dr. Jenifer Cushing is the Chief Learning & Development Officer of Live Better Hearing + Balance and an audiologist in the Frederick, MD clinic. Dr. Cushing earned a Bachelor of Arts in Hearing & Speech Science from the University of Maryland, College Park and a Doctorate in Clinical Audiology from the University at Buffalo.

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