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Testimonials

"I wasn't able to hear talking and had to ask people to repeat themselves. [My] wife complained I had the TV too loud. Friends urged me to do something about my hearing loss. It was obvious that Christian Pogreba was both competent and conscientious. The examination was thorough and explanations were clear and understood. I feel I am in good hands. He provided hearing aids that helped my problem and I know that he will continue to be there for any future needs. [I can hear better now] in small and large group settings. I would freely advise anyone I know to Hearing Healthcare for hearing problems because they have committed to provide fine products and service."

Charles Fuquay

 

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About Us

 

christian pogreba hearing aidsChristian Pogreba
Hearing Instrument Specialist & Founder

Christian Pogreba is a native of Minnesota.  He was born in Minneapolis and resided in central Minnesota until 1991.  He met his wife, Vanessa, while she was in college and they married upon her graduation.  They lived in Colorado for 3 years and moved to Virginia to establish a home and start a family in 1999.  He and Vanessa have four wonderful boys, Tristan, Jabin, Kieran, and Graesen.  They are very active members of the community especially in conjunction with his religious affiliation. 

Christian began his career in the Hearing Industry in early 2000 as a Regional Manager for American Hearing Aid Associates (AHAA).  He worked mainly with the development of hearing practices.  He realized the impact that helping an individual to hear once again can have.  He knew he wanted to have a more active role in helping people.  After 3 years of traveling with AHAA he knew it was the time to make a change, not only for himself but also for his young children.  In 2003 Christian began the education necessary to become a Hearing Instrument Specialist.

Christian knew he did not want to be part of a chain franchise and desired to stay complete independent.  This would allow him the freedom to always make recommendations that were in the best interest of the patient without pressure from a corporate entity.  It has also given him the flexibility to offer products from more than one manufacturer. Through his previous position, he had made many contacts among hearing aid manufacturers in the United States.  He has taken advantage of this by selecting the very best of those and always doing his own purchasing with no “middle man’ involved.  He thoroughly enjoys bargaining with these companies to get the best deals and then being able to pass those savings on to his customers.

 In 2004 Christian opened the doors on the first practice in Waynesboro.  Charlottesville closely followed and opened in 2005. In 2007 he had the opportunity to purchase his own business space in Fishersville and in September of 2007 the Waynesboro office location was moved to 1534 Jefferson Hwy. in Fishersville.   A third location in Lexington opened in January of 2008.

Christian loves working with people and helping them regain the conversational ability they have lost.  He realizes that as we age we have a lot to share.  If we are hearing impaired, that limits our ability to have truly meaningful conversation.  Christian’s easy going approach, patience, care and listening ability has been able to help over 700 people regain a hearing lifestyle.  He is thrilled to help so many who have thought they would never be able to successfully wear a hearing instrument.  He looks forward to meeting you and helping you hear what you may be missing.


 

roger merchant hearing aidsRoger D. Merchant
Hearing Instrument Specialist

My name is Roger D. Merchant and I am a Shenandoah Valley native. I was born on July 10, 1973 at Waynesboro Community Hospital.  I grew up in Stuarts Draft, VA and attended local schools there.  I also attended Valley Vocational Technical Center during my junior and senior years, completing the carpentry course during those years.  I have been happily married to my wife, Beverly, for 11 years.  She works full-time in the home, and part-time as a dental assistant/instructor at VVTC.  We have two energetic boys, ages 6 and 3, and another child on the way!  We’re not sure just yet if it’s a boy or a girl though.  I recently acquired my state license as a hearing instrument specialist, after receiving the proper training with Hearing Healthcare of Virginia, under the direct supervision of Christian Pogreba.  I was intrigued by the possibility of starting a career in this field and with his help I was able to attain this goal.  I started working some with Hearing Healthcare of Virginia back in the spring/summer of 2005, and on June 21, 2007 I received my state license.  I really enjoy working with the public, especially when it comes to being able to help them understand hearing loss and the benefits of bridging the gap with the help of hearing aids. Having experience in the business world, I’ve worked for the past 13 years as a professional window cleaner, maintaining the windows for many popular establishments here in the valley.  I am looking forward to being able to “pass the torch” to someone else to manage those accounts for me. I am really looking forward to assisting folks here in the valley to help them hear well!

 

vanessa pogreba hearing aidsVanessa Pogreba
Business and Accounting Manager

Vanessa was born in, of all places, Minot, North Dakota.  Her parents moved a lot and lived in Western Virginia during her middle and high school years.  She swore that one day the Shenandoah Valley would be her permanent home.  She met Christian while she was in college and they married upon her graduation from North Dakota State College of Science as a Registered Dental Hygienist.  They immediately left the iceberg of North Dakota and settled in Colorado. 

After 3 years Vanessa began really missing Virginia.  They purchased their home in Augusta County in 1999.  Shortly after the move they gave birth to a son and adopted another son, and found out she was pregnant again. So in 1 short year they established a family of 3 young boys.  The youngest son was added in 2006 to round out the number to 4 very active little men.  Vanessa stayed at home to raise the boys.  When Christian started his education to open his own hearing practice Vanessa initially had to work more outside of the home.  Now she is again able to stay home and raise their four boys.

She works closely with Hearing Healthcare of Virginia behind the scenes.  She does all accounting, advertising, human resources, and anything else that needs to be tackled, even painting and digging fence posts.  So rarely is Vanessa in the office but she is available for whatever the need may be.

 

melanie shields hearing aidsMelanie M. Shields
Scheduling and Office Coordinator

Melanie M. Shields was born in Rockford, IL. in 1973  to Michael B. and Patricia A. Bond, but was raised in Coeburn Va.  Melanie along with her husband Sam, are raising 2 boys, Kodi and Dustin, in the Lyndhurst area.

Melanie acquired her education in Coeburn as well as Staunton. Melanie comes to Hearing Healthcare of Virginia with a strong background in customer service both in the restaurant and the hotel industry.  For over 14 years Melanie has been involved in customer relations, in both a secretarial and administrative capacity.

Hearing Healthcare of Virginia was privileged to have Melanie join their team in July 2006.  Melanie provides invaluable service as the Scheduling and Office Coordinator for the Fishersville location.  She is always ready with a smile and a willing attitude.

debbie hughes hearing aidsDebbie Adair
Marketing and Event Coordinator

Debbie grew up in Caroline County Virginia.  She always said, on family trips through the valley, that when she grew up she’d live here.  After graduation from secretarial school in Richmond she moved to Staunton. 

She has enjoyed a variety of secretarial and administrative positions.  She has also enjoyed a diverse career as a Realtor. She was the realtor that helped the Pogreba family find their home in Augusta County.  After working with her on several real estate ventures, Christian and Vanessa knew that she would be a wonderful asset to Hearing Healthcare and the growth of the practice.  She accepted an invitation to join the company in May 2007 as the Marketing and Event Coordinator. She has enjoyed a variety of secretarialand administrative positions.

Although Debbie doesn’t love the 45 minute drive to work, she loves her office in Charlottesville. The location is convenient and easy to find for patients. She views all of the people who come in the door as friends she just hasn’t met before. She loves working with the Specialists, Christian, Josh, and Roger. They are so patient, caring and knowledgeable. Having another secretary like Melanie to work with is invaluable. While many may dread their workday, Debbie considers her job a real blessing.

Debbie now resides in Stuarts Draft, with an active teenage son and her father, Ed, who recently joined her here. She feels very privileged to live in a place with so much beauty. Sitting in her yard watching the birds getting one last snack, watching her dogs play, and petting one of the cats is her idea of the perfect ending to the day!