EAR-Central: Covid-19, Retirement...A New Season!  An Update...

Well, along with most of the world, Covid-19 had significant impacts on our practice.  Even though we were in Arizona, which had a bit more conservative restrictions associated with the virus, we were effectively shut down for most of the first three quarters of 2020.  Our practice is adaptable to using safety measures, but most people went through a period of insecurity which effectively drove them underground for a few months.

Then in the last quarter, restrictions began to relax a bit and people became desirous of returning to a responsible, but wider "normal."  As a result, we became more busy, working a lot with school districts and families who were either referred to me or found us on the website.  It became necessary to limit the spacing of new patients because of the time required for records review and report writing.

Then, two major life-changes occurred in April, 2021.  On April 8, our daughter, Rebekah (37) opted to move back home from Rainbow Acres (RA), due to the necessity of very conservative Covid-19 restrictions which had severely restricted many of the attractions of living there.  She also was hired at a Prescott Valley Christian daycare facility, since she had worked 11 years in a similar facility in Sierra Vista.  Since RA was a private facility, the monthly expenses for Bekah were significant, and was one of the reasons my wife, Shelley, felt the need to continue teaching, as well as I felt the need to continue regular practice.

The second April landmark was my 70th birthday.  Being 70 makes one think about the relative importance of a "job" alongside of other priorities and commitments.  Well, like dominoes, Bekah moved home, I turned 70, Shelley gave notice that she would not return to her teaching job next year, and I have decided that I will be retiring from regular practice, effective May 1, 2021.

This decision is still taking final shape.  I love CAPD practice.  I am considering how (whether) I might stay involved in a limited fashion going forward.  One high priority I have is to finish my book The Elephant Between our Ears, which has been taking shape for about three years.  Unfortunately, writing is very time consuming and I haven't been able to concentrate on it.  I feel that this book may one of the best ways of helping many people in their pursuit of answers and  help with CAPD.

I may be able to act as an advisor to those in the CAPD process or searching for resources.  I may, very occasionally, see a patient for testing if the case and circumstances are compelling and doing so would be compatible with my life as an "emeritus" retired guy.  I have a greenhouse which needs my attention, and I find gardening very therapeutic!  I have an RV which has a wonderful habit of finding berths closer to our kids and grandkids, which is a special privilege.  Being "Tata" and "Dad" is an eternal investment, close to my heart.  Writing, both professionally and as a devotional outlet is my passionate avocation.  Greater involvement in our faith community is an important call on our lives.

Anyway, I plan to maintain this website as a resource--a road sign--for CAPD seekers...for the forseeable future, anyway.  My licensure to practice is current for another year; I may or may not consider renewing in 2022, depending on the need to do so as this "retirement" takes shape.  While I feel strongly that it's time to step away from "practice as usual," the beauty of that is, I may, if so guided, be led to come alongside a "special case" if it beckons my heart and mind.  Everyone feels theirs is a special case, of course (I would too!).  I'm asking the Lord for wisdom in choosing when and how to help.  It's been said "Every need is not a call."   If I can't personally help in a particular case, I'll try to give some "connections."

There's an old Irish blessing:  "May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand." 

I don't much believe in secular vs. sacred distinctions.  All of life is holy, the way can be difficult, and we all need grace, mercy and help in times of need.  Finding answers and resources for CAPD help can be daunting.  I pray your road will be divinely inspired, "lighted" to meet these needs, for you, your children and significant others.

If you need to make inquiries please call 877-456-4725.

Family Passages:

• My daughter Rebekah (37), made her big move to "Rainbow Acres"--a Christian community for adults with developmental disabilities located near Camp Verde in northern Arizona.  The big day was August 13, 2019.  and she was doing very well.  We weren't sure if she would feel really homesick and insecure, but she left the nest and prospered!  She enjoyed classes, creative activities, outings and developing new friendships.  She became an encourager for some of the other "ranchers" and was recently recognized for this strength by leadership.  We knew she would be a blessing, as well as being blessed!  Covid restrictions changed all that, unfortunately.  Since they are regulated as an assistive living facility, the limitations were severe.  We didn't get to see Bekah for 9 months, she missed Thanksgiving and Christmas with family.  The experience became very confining.  After much prayer, Bekah has moved back home, found a good job, and is enjoying the freedoms she missed.  At some point, she may again need a facility like Rainbow Acres.  The RA staff assure us that she will be welcomed back if, and when, that time should occur.  We are so thankful for their unique ministry to adults with disability. Their website at https://www.rainbowacres.com/.

Due to a significant shortage of CAPD-qualified audiologists, and after requests from audiologists (and related specialists like SLPs) for help in this area of practice, EAR-Central, PLLC now offers various forms and levels of CAPD practice and procedures training for those wishing to expand their expertise into this promising, yet underserved sub-specialty.

One of Mike Webb's specialty areas is the fitting of Personal Hearing Devices (Hearing Aids) for Management of CAPD.  (More info here.) His forty-plus years of hearing aid experience (with ten-plus in fitting CAPD patients) makes him a great resource for training in this specialty field.  

Services range from email or phone consults, to online training, to on-site training.  We also offer 1-3 day training courses for groups or individuals who desire that in a particular locality.  Click here for a closer look.  We welcome any questions you may have about availability, costs, or other specifics.

In this turbulent and disruptive season of audiology practice, the return to our habilitative and diagnostic roots--separate from, but including the use amplification devices--will mark the future and expand the value of the audiological specialist who assesses and treats the WHOLE system, not just the peripheral.  And as more CAPD diagnoses impact the caseloads of related specialists, we can help de-mystify how to move forward cooperatively to help our mutual patients.  We welcome your interest and inquiries.

Email:  mowebb.earc@gmail.com.  Call:   877-456-4725 (toll-free).

We received a very kind letter of recommendation from Dr. Jack Katz!

February 7, 2016

I am pleased to recommend my friend and colleague Michael O. Webb, M.S. CCC-A and his wife Mrs. Shelley Webb in their Neuro-Audiology and Auditory Processing Services. Michael Webb has extensive background in these two areas of Audiology and Shelley Webb’s training and experience are in reading. In addition, I have worked closely with the Webbs in the effective use of my tests and therapy materials.

For me what makes the Webbs so wonderful to work with is their intelligence, integrity and concern for those with whom they work. For these reasons I recommend them to you without qualification.

Sincerely,

Jack Katz

P.S. Mr. Webb did not request this letter of recommendation. Rather I asked if he would like me to write a letter of recommendation for his website.

Book Coming in 2021!

   A Challenging and Informative Look at CAPD--Diagnosis, Treatment,    and  Why it gets Overlooked.   By our CAPD Specialist, Michael Webb!

The Elephant Between Our Ears (Some Assembly Required):

A Proactive Guide to Diagnosing and Managing Auditory Processing Disorders (APD)