New Landrum hearing care business to celebrate grand opening

LANDRUM — Family is the key word for a new hearing care business in Landrum.

The LaFebre family opened Upstate Family Hearing in June across from O.P. Earle Elementary on Rutherford Street.

Jeremy, Deana and their seven children will invite everyone in the community to join them for their grand opening week celebration Aug. 6-11 for free consults, testing and demonstrations, along with manufacturer incentives such as free upgrades and hearing aid dryers.

Jeremy is a licensed hearing instrument specialist who studied hearing and communication sciences in school. He said he chose the industry because he wanted to be in a challenging field that not only was on the cutting edge of a constantly-changing science, but also to help people.

“[The hearing aid industry] is plagued with people just out for the profit,” Jeremy said. “There are so many opportunities to help people who really need hearing aids.”

Jeremy said it was important to first determine if a hearing aid will actually help someone. He also works hard to help his clients find affordable ways to handle the cost, such as help with insurance.

“There are certain types of hearing loss that hearing aids won’t help,” he said. “Our job is to help make people’s lives better by helping them hear better.”

The LaFebre family moved from Florida to Landrum three years ago. Jeremy said it was truly meant to be.

“We wanted to be in a small town,” he said. “In one week, we had a job, a church, a place to live and a home-school network.”

While Jeremy works in the office, Deana home-schools the children and fills in from time to time to help around the office. She also decorated the office with art, furniture and décor that was carefully chosen from stores around Landrum.

The office includes a comfortable waiting area, an exam room and a fitting room, plus a demo room where patients can try out their hearing aids in real life situations, such as listening to a TV or while on a phone conversation.

On occasion, patients may spy a small child playing in the backroom, as Deana and the children spend time at the office.

Deana said she enjoys connecting with the community, and was delighted by how locals have made them feel welcomed and supported.

“Everyone wants to help us succeed,” she said. “Everyone has been so warm and welcoming.”

Jeremy and Deana’s daughter, Vienna, works as the patient care coordinator. She is also in the International Hearing Society state training program to become a hearing instrument specialist like her father.

“She has the business know how,” Jeremy said.

The LaFebre family also works hard to help veterans with hearing issues. With the Veterans Affairs office taking months to service hearing aids at times, Upstate Family Hearing offers veterans in-office repairs, cleanings and updates for their hearing aids.

The office is located at 1109 E. Rutherford St., and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

“We can also make evening appointments if someone has a need,” Jeremy said.

For more information, people can visit ufhearingcare.com or call 864-457-5827.