In the world of hearing healthcare, few understand the challenges faced by veterans better than Jubal Goodner, the owner and founder of HiFi OTC. As a Marine Corps veteran with serviceconnected hearing loss, Goodner’s personal journey through the complex and often frustrating process of obtaining hearing care led him to create a solution that’s changing lives. This is the story of how one veteran’s experience sparked a mission to make quality hearing care accessible to all.
The Battle After Service
Goodner proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, dedicating himself to protecting our nation. Like many veterans, his service came with a personal cost – hearing loss. The constant exposure to loud noises, from explosions to engine roars, took its toll on Goodner’s hearing over time.
Upon returning to civilian life, Goodner faced a new challenge: navigating the complex world of VA disability claims and hearing healthcare. His experience mirrors that of countless veterans:
- Lengthy Claim Process: Goodner found himself caught in a prolonged struggle to have his hearing loss recognized as service-connected. The process was time-consuming, often frustrating, and left him without proper care for an extended period.
- Limited Coverage: Even after his disability claim was finally accepted, Goodner discovered another hurdle. With an overall disability rating of 20%, he didn’t qualify for VA coverage of hearing aids. This situation left him, like many veterans, in a difficult position – acknowledged as having service-connected hearing loss but unable to access the necessary care through the VA system.
The Birth of HiFi OTC
Goodner’s experience highlighted a glaring gap in the system. He realized that countless veterans and civilians alike were falling through the cracks, unable to access the hearing care they desperately needed. This realization sparked an idea: what if there was a way to provide high-quality, affordable hearing aids without the need for lengthy claims processes or high disability ratings?
Driven by his personal experience and a desire to help others, Goodner founded HiFi OTC. His mission was clear: to create a company that offers premium quality over-the-counter hearing aids at accessible prices, ensuring that no one has to navigate life with untreated hearing loss due to bureaucratic hurdles or financial constraints.
HiFi OTC was founded upon key principles that also mirror Goodner’s personal mission, including:
- Accessibility: Hearing aids available without the need for a prescription or lengthy approval processes.
- Affordability: High-quality devices priced to be accessible to those who might not qualify for VA coverage or find traditional hearing aids too expensive.
- Quality: A commitment to providing top-tier technology, ensuring users don’t have to compromise on performance.
- Support: Comprehensive customer service and resources, understanding the importance of ongoing care in hearing health.
A Veteran-Centric Approach
The values instilled in HiFi OTC are deeply influenced by Goodner’s years of service, and continue to shape every aspect of the business. Having navigated the system himself, Goodner ensures that HiFi OTC’s processes are streamlined and user-friendly. Additionally, he remains committed to service – the same dedication that drove Goodner in the Marines now fuels his mission to serve others through better hearing care.
Above all, Goodner remains committed to advocacy for those in need. Beyond providing products, HiFi OTC, under Goodner’s leadership, advocates for better hearing health policies and awareness, especially for veterans
More Than a Business
For Goodner, HiFi OTC is more than just a business – it’s a continuation of his service. By providing accessible hearing solutions, he’s not only addressing a critical healthcare need but also helping veterans and civilians alike to stay connected to their world, maintain their quality of life, and continue to serve their communities.
“As a Marine Corps veteran who has walked the challenging path of service-connected hearing loss, I understand firsthand the frustrations and gaps in our current system. HiFi OTC was born out of a simple belief: no one should have to struggle to hear, especially those who have served our country. Our mission is to ensure that quality hearing care is accessible to all, without the wait, without the red tape, and without breaking the bank. To my fellow veterans and to everyone struggling with hearing loss – we hear you, we’re here for you, and we’re committed to helping you stay connected to the world you’ve sacrificed so much to protect.” – Jubal Goodner
Looking Towards the Future
Under Goodner’s leadership, HiFi OTC continues to innovate and advocate for better hearing health solutions. The company stands as a testament to the power of personal experience in driving positive change, and to the ongoing commitment of veterans to serve their communities long after their official military service has ended.
To all veterans struggling with hearing loss, and to anyone finding it challenging to access the hearing care they need, Goodner and the entire HiFi OTC team have a clear message: We understand, we care, and we’re here to help. Your sacrifice and your health matter, and we’re dedicated to ensuring you have access to the quality hearing care you deserve
