LOCK HAVEN — Jeff Bayliff owns Hear the Birds Hearing Aid Center at 306 N. Grove St. in Lock Haven, and he’s optimistic about his business’s future. This year marks the 16th anniversary of Jeff’s business.

“I started Bayliff Hearing Services, LLC in September 2010, working as a vendor in 12 optometrists’ offices across Blair and Lancaster counties,” Bayliff explains.

He returned to Lock Haven in 2012 and married Tanya Boone in August 2014.

“Towards the end of 2012, I began doing business as Hear the Birds Hearing Aid Center part-time, setting up a card table in the lobby of Tanya’s salon,” he said. “Since our clients scheduled at different times, I was able to expand into a full-time venture, eventually moving into my own office five years ago at 306 N. Grove Street.”

Anyone familiar with Bayliff or his annual progress knows that his clinic has become one of the busiest hearing aid centers in Central Pennsylvania.

Bayliff credits his growth to a business philosophy focused on helping more people while taking less profit.

Initially, his prices were about half the regional average for hearing aids. Due to rising wholesale costs, he no longer uses that exact phrasing but emphasizes that his prices are still consistently $1,800 to $2,000 lower per pair than others in the area.

Bayliff attributes many friendships and steady referrals to his willingness to help anyone, regardless of whether they bought from him or received hearing aids through the Veteran’s Administration.

“People never pay to visit me,” he shares. “The first hearing test and consultation are always free, and lifetime service is included at no cost.”

Reflecting on changes since he began, Bayliff notes, “Aids are typically rechargeable now and connect via Bluetooth to your cell phone, which makes the phone a simple remote control.

Business-wise, I now offer a 10-day test drive for patients who want it — so you can try before you buy.”

When people ask about his retirement plans, Bayliff replies, “I turned 70 last July and have started taking Fridays off. I work longer hours Monday through Thursday to accommodate everyone who calls. Plus, I’m hiring part-time help to fill in if I’m sick or away, and a retired audiologist has agreed to substitute for me during vacations.”

Asked about his exit strategy, Bayliff explains, “Nearly every new patient asks that. I don’t plan to retire soon, but we’re discussing bringing on another full-time professional, which could lead to new ownership. Either way, I’d stay on part-time and would only sell to someone who shares my approach to price and service.”

So does he intend to work forever?

“I’d love to keep going into my mid-eighties if I stay healthy! My office is just a five-minute walk from home, and I truly love what I do!” Bayliff said.

Hear the Birds Hearing Aid Center is at 306 N. Grove St., Lock Haven, Pa. Learn more at www.hearthebirds.com or call 570-660-6914 (new number).