Central Oregon Audiology Moves into Old Stone Building

Central Oregon Audiology has a new home in a 1929 old stone building (301 NE Franklin Avenue), fondly remembered as the Mexicali Rose restaurant. After the building sat empty for six years and the removal of seven layers of old, smelly flooring and many trips to the dump, architect/designer John Fahr of Fahr Associates and building contractor Ray Princehorn of David Alexander Construction were able to construct a new home for audiologist and proprietor Jeanette Van Kessel, M.A., F-AAA and providers Marya Berry, B.Sc., CAOHC, Julia Hunt, M.A., F-AAA and Dr. Cory Richards, M.A., F-AAA.

Key motivators for Van Kessel in buying the building were the expanded space, the opportunity to provide more audio programs and the prime location as well as the love of the old building. With prior experience of building out other office spaces (their Redmond office is also in a 1929 building), she envisioned the offered audio programs in her mind and how she wanted the new space to flow, providing opportunity to implement diagnostic services and provide expanded audiological care to patients.

Van Kessel has worked in all aspects of the audiology industry: from private practice and hospitals, to rehab centers and manufacturers, she had a vision of what she was working toward. Moving into the renovated building is the next exciting phase of expanding the services offered through Central Oregon Audiology.

When asked what has been a highlight of her career, Van Kessel said, “Right now is the highlight. When I was a student, this is [the expansion]what I was thinking about. It’s been on my mind my entire career.” Central Oregon Audiology has been in the community serving patients for 22 years and provides specific services such as treatments for Tinnitus (ringing of the ears). Sound Sensitivity Clinics and the Aural Rehabilitation Program (training of employed hearing impaired alongside with their employers and family members) is what Van Kessel feels good about. To reach the underserved rural communities, Central Oregon Audiology’s Mobile Clinic will continue to provide clinical services in Burns and Prineville, a service recently included on their monthly itinerary.

Speaking of the audiology industry, Van Kessel said, “In every challenge is an opportunity to do something better, something to solve. I think that is the attitude of everyone here in the office. We see the need and we try to fulfill it.”

“We are working toward some really interesting things and staying on the forefront of audiology,” explained Van Kessel. Cochlear implant patients have had to go to Portland for their assessments and programming but now the new office will provide needed services for patients east of the Cascades. Care and treatment for those who suffer from tinnitus (12 million Americans suffer significantly and seek medical care) will be provided through their Sound Sensitivity Clinic. Another program will offer monthly informational meetings for local providers who care for hearing impaired patients, to trouble shoot problems with hearing aids.

In her career, Van Kessel feels she has been fortunate to have the people she works with, commenting, “there is a great energy and they all have good attitudes. It is a collaborative effort and it is rewarding.” When not at the busy practice, she enjoys spending time with her three daughters, Mia who attends PSU and twins Hannah and Elle who attend Summit High School. Originally from Nova Scotia, Van Kessel loves living in Oregon and enjoys the great outdoors skiing, cycling, kayaking and learning how to sail.

301 NE Franklin Avenue, 541-647-2871 Bend office, 527 NW Fir Avenue, 541-526-1895 Redmond office, www.centraloregonaudiology.com.