Dusty and Dee Spitler have called Yavapai County home for 20 years. Along with helping people hear better, Dusty’s passion is all things animals. After a near-fatal horse-riding accident, Dusty got involved in riding safety and education. She is a member of The Granite Mountain Riders and Back Country Horsemen.
Dusty networks with other animal lovers/rescuers, and has fostered over 50 dogs, helping them find their forever homes. She is involved in nonprofits such as Circle L Ranch Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, United Animal Friends and Best Friends Animal Society. During the Yarnell fire, the Spitlers helped care for 80 displaced pets evacuated from their homes.
Dee (Dewey) is involved in Boys to Men Mentoring Network for local teenage boys, and is a certified leader for the Mankind Project, an international leadership and personal development program for men.
In 2013, the Spitlers were looking to start a new business that would help others. Dee’s parents were looking to remain active, both physically and mentally, as they aged, and both parents needed hearing aids. While Dee researched providers on their behalf, he realized the need for a service to help with things like this in our area. About that time, a small manufacturer in Arizona was offering franchises. Dusty started the training and was licensed by the Arizona Health Department as a Hearing Instrument Specialist. Dusty has her bachelor’s degree in business, and is a member of the International Hearing Association, the American Tinnitus Association and Hearing Healthcare Providers of Arizona.
After a successful five years in Prescott, to ensure long-term service and commitment for their patients, the Spitlers began researching other manufacturers. They learned “the big six” manufacturers, such as Starkey and Siemens, have been around for over 50 years; their research and development is state-of-the-art and the technology and quality assurance is head and shoulders above their previous experience.
In April 2017, the franchise relationship with Zounds ended by mutual satisfaction of both parties. This allowed the Spitlers, as independents, to offer the most advanced technology available. One manufacturer stood out because of its work doing good in the community. The Starkey Hearing Foundation, through donations from people such as Larry Fitzgerald, Alice Cooper and many others, provides hearing aids to thousands of people around the world, including our veterans. With the Spitlers’ passion for helping others, Starkey was a natural fit with their shared missions.
What are signs I may have a hearing loss?
- Difficulty hearing in noisy environments, such as a restaurant or a car.
- Some people seem to “mumble.”
- You have trouble hearing people when they are not facing you or are in another room.
- You tune out in social situations due to not being able to follow conversations. You have the TV volume much higher than others feel is necessary.
- Family members are frustrated and telling you that you may have hearing loss.
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” – Pablo Picasso
State-of-the-art hearing aids, along with a great provider, enhance your quality of life dramatically. One secret to aging well is keeping your brain active with good hearing. Do something for yourself and your loved ones. Visit A2Z Hearing today.
