Interviewers: Julie Petruzzi and Mariya Hutto
Interviewee: Founder and CEO Dr. Charles L. Hutto, Au.D.
In July 2015, Chesapeake Hearing Centers celebrated our 40th anniversary. Dr. Charles L. Hutto, Au.D., founded the practice in 1975, and we remain a Severna Park family business: Dr. Hutto has been joined by his two daughters, Mariya Hutto and Julie Petruzzi (SPHS graduates), along with the president, Timothy P. Aland, and the supervising audiologist, Dr. Caroline Aland, Au.D. On this occasion, his daughters interviewed Dr. Hutto.
What does it mean to you to still be in private practice?
I could never have imagined the people we would help, the wonderful providers and staff who would join us, and what we would learn from our patients. As the oldest and first private audiology practice in Maryland, our success depends entirely on our patients’ trust in us.
Why Maryland?
We started in the Severna Park and Annapolis areas. They are great communities for kids, we loved being near the water, and Park Plaza was an excellent location. I also early on drove down to Salisbury and started seeing patients on the Eastern Shore. We are excited that one of you has chosen to move back to Severna Park to raise her son. Though we have six locations, Severna Park is still our home base.
What is the most rewarding part of being an audiologist?
Seeing someone hear for the first time or reconnect with loved ones is gratifying, but it is also rewarding to hear the stories of local residents. I am amazed at the humility of the many service men and women who served our nation, so I make myself available to hear the stories of veterans. It is incredible what you can learn if you allow yourself to listen. This is an important value I have tried to instill in everyone at the practice.
What is the most rewarding part of being a practice owner?
Leadership. I am proud that everyone here embodies our mission — to treat patients as we would want to be treated. Through our certification with Audigy Group, we adhere to national best practices and receive regular training to set the standard for care not only in Severna Park or Maryland, but in the country.
How are we involved in the community?
It is important to our family to give back to the community that has been so good to us. Around the holidays, we organize our patients and staff to donate to the various food pantries located near each office. We work closely with the Department of Aging, and we offer free screenings at senior centers and other such organizations. We are members of several chambers of commerce and look for ways to work with other organizations.
What are your expectations for the next 40 years?
We must always innovate to give our patients the best. We keep the newest technology in stock so patients can try the latest and greatest. New advances include hearing your phone directly in your ears; a special program for the iPhone; much-improved microphone technology; and devices that focus on the person you are trying to hear and that stream TV, music, or a lecture. I hope our patients will be right there with us as we continue to bring the latest advancements to them!
By: Julie Petruzzi and Mariya Hutto
For More Information: Chesapeake Hearing Centers, www.helpyourhearing.com, 410-647-7795, info@helpyourhearing.com