Childhood Hearing Loss Leads Portland’s Doug Logel to Career Helping Others

Doug Logel was born with a unique hearing loss called a “cookie bite.” This childhood condition would wind up playing a huge role in his future career helping others.

“I have been wearing hearing aids since the age of four. My own self-discovery of hearing loss is what led me to pursue a career in the field of Audiology,” Logel said recently.

After graduating from Portland St. Patrick’s, Logel went on to Central Michigan University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders, followed by a Master’s degree in Audiology from Michigan State University.

Logel says, “I also hold a Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech, Hearing and Language Association, am a fellow member of the American Academy of Audiology and am certified through the State of Michigan. I deal with hearing loss all day, every day, like my patients, and I enjoy the challenge of using my experiences to help my patients achieve favorable results.”

Logel opened Grand Hearing Center in Portland in 2011. Its current location is 1330 E. Grand River Ave. He opened a second location in Williamston in 2016. Other than Logel, Grand Hearing Center employs one Patient Care Coordinator.

“Our Portland office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am to 5pm. Nights and weekend appointments are available upon request,” Logel added.

At the practice, Logel performs hearing tests with state-of-the-art technology that can find what hearing aid will be best suited for an individual based on hearing loss and lifestyle. He also makes minor repairs to hearing aids and helps individuals take preventative measures to reduce the risk of hearing problems.

“I enjoy finding the right solution for patients to help them hear their family and friends,” said Logel. At Grand Hearing Center, they will honor any other office/manufacturers warranty and also provide no-cost hearing examinations to get the process started.

When asked what separates Grand Hearing Center from other providers in your industry, Logel responded, “We set ourselves apart, because we know that you can get the same hearing aids somewhere else, but you will not receive the same service and attention that our staff provides. We use a lifetime of hearing aid use in combination with extensive education and ongoing training to provide the best experience to achieve the best results. We are delivering on this commitment because we have been awarded Portland’s Favorite Hearing Clinic four years in a row.”

We asked Logel what he would recommend first for someone who thinks they may be experiencing hearing loss, or has a loved one they believe is developing a hearing issue? He said, “Once you reach the age of 60, it is recommended that you have your hearing checked once a year. If you notice any changes in your hearing, it should be checked sooner. If you have a feeling of fullness, pressure, drainage, sudden onset of ringing, pain, numbness or complete loss of hearing, you should consult your physician immediately. At Grand Hearing Center, we test your hearing annually once you have purchased hearing aids. This allows us to monitor changes so we can apply them to your hearing aids or refer you to a specialist if necessary.”

Logel is also the Audiology Consultant for Ionia County ISD. “I am proud to say that I am the Ionia County ISD’s Audiologist Consultant. In this role, any child in the Ionia County school system that has a need for hearing care, is referred to me. This may be something as simple as a minor repair or re-programming or even the replacement or pursuit of new hearing aids,” Logel explained.

When asked if most insurances cover his services, Logel said, “Roughly 50% or our patients have some sort of coverage for hearing services. We participate with most major insurance companies including: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Priority, Aetna, PHP and many more. We offer a no cost or obligation service to verify what your coverage may be through your insurance company.”

Logel’s passion for helping others is not limited to his work as an Audiologist. He is also a volunteer for the Portland Fire Department, following in the footsteps of his father. His grandfather was also a volunteer for the Williamston Fire Department.

“A strong sense of community and giving back are important to me and all of my family,” said Logel.