THE FREEDOM OF HEARING

Thetechnology for hearing has come a long way from the ear trumpet to the tiny, unseen hearing aids available today. Kirk Malone, president of The Villages Ear, knows all about the tiny wonders that bring the world of sound back to his patients. He also knows a great deal about the most important element in helping his patients—compassion.

That’s why the company serves nearly 5,000 active patients and typically sees 12,000 patients each year. In addition, approximately 70 percent of new patients come via referral, a glowing testament to The Village Ear’s emphasis on patient satisfaction.

Because Kirk focuses on providing superior customer service, The Villages Ear is The Villages’ largest and most trusted name in hearing healthcare. As a result, Kirk takes pride in sharing his company’s success by giving back to the community where he lives, works, and plays.

Perhaps The Villages Ear has this distinction because Kirk and his staff are always taking things one step further. For example, they opened a new office in the Brownwood area. This office is as far from the typical medical office as it can be. Instead, the waiting room resembles an upscale living room, complete with comfortable furniture and warm pendant lighting. The overall brightness and spaciousness of the reception area soothes, calms, and cheers the spirit, preparing patients for an overall pleasant experience.

“You will not find a more caring and friendly staff, and we always put the needs of our patients first—that is our GUARANTEE!

Our impeccable reputation is proof of that commitment,” Kirk says. “In addition, we pride ourselves on treating our patients with the most advanced and up-to-date technology that the industry offers.”

A board-certified hearing instrument specialist, Kirk knows patients are more relaxed in this attractive, comforting environment, which makes the process of having their hearing screening and being fitted with hearing instruments smoother and easier.

Another way The Villages Ear makes getting care easier for patients is with three golf-cart approved locations. No matter what part of The Villages you make your home in, you can access one of the offices of The Villages Ear within a short distance.

“I’m also very excited about having a presence in Brownwood because it’s the fastest growing part of The Villages,” Kirk says. “We’re on the outskirts of Wildwood and only four miles from Leesburg and Fruitland Park. Residents from these towns have convenient access to us now, and we look forward to developing relationships with them.”

Having lived in this area for 34 years, Kirk is not only passionate about helping his patients, he’s passionate about helping his community. He and his staff have many goals toward strengthening the community and improving the quality of life for their friends and neighbors.

“I’m a firm believer that you are blessed so you can be a blessing,” he says. “The minute you stop giving back is the minute you stop receiving. I think it’s important to be openminded about helping others who need help.”

Local entities that have benefitted from Kirk’s kindness include the American Cancer Society of Lake/Sumter counties, the Boys and Girls Club of Lake and Sumter Counties, Beacon College, Buffalo scholarship foundation, the PGA Junior Golf League, Quantum Leap Horse Therapy Farm, Catholic Charities of Central Florida, Meadowbrook Church, The Father’s House Church, New Life Presbyterian Church, New Life Presbyterian Church and Corporate Sponsor of The Villages Parrotheads.

“I take lots of pride in doing whatever I can to help the community,” Kirk says. “People in this community have been gracious in supporting The Villages Ear, so it’s only fitting to give back. Our community is our livelihood; therefore it’s important to give back to our community and invest in the future.”

You may run into Kirk around town as he makes his home on a farm in Oxford, where he enjoys raising a number of pets, including four rescue dogs. It’s obvious that compassion and caring he exhibits at work is simply a part of who he is.

“I wake up every day excited about going to work,” he said. “Not only do I get to meet so many wonderful people from The Villages and surrounding communities, I also provide them with the gift of hearing. There’s nothing more gratifying that that.”

The Villages Ear

3 convenient golf-cart-approved locations in The Villages:

2951 Traverse Trail | 352.259.8976 (Grand Traverse Plaza west of Brownwood)

3399 Wedgewood Lane | 352.259.8070 (in the Southern Trace Professional Plaza)

314 LaGrande Blvd. | 352.753.3033 (U.S. Hwy. 441 across from Wendy’s) www.TheVillagesEar.com