Mike Rametta

Michael J. Rametta has an interesting history behind him. He is the third generation family member to own Rametta Audiology and Hearing Aid Center located in Tarentum and Vandergrift. It was 47 years ago, 1958, when Dr. James P. Rametta, Sr., his grandfather, opened the practice in his Vandergrift Walnut Street home. As he continued from his home for many years, Dr. Rametta probably didn’t know that two more generations would continue with the business.

In fact, Dr. Rametta’s son, James, didn’t immediately follow him in the business. He became a steel worker and in the late 70’s Safety Director at Union Carbide. He found himself without work when the steel business began its decline and the plant closed. He thought about moving, but made a decision to stay in the area. At that point he decided to join the business. The year was 1984. He then went to Florida to learn how to build and repair hearing aids. Stepping into the audio logy and hearing aid business was not easy. James Rametta struggled to earn enough income to care for his family and ended up having to hold a second job. That continued for a time and then business improved. Two important steps were taken. The first was to open up an office on Columbia Avenue in Vandergrift, moving into part of the space that was formerly occupied by the Pennsylvania State Unemployment Office. Mike recounts that the most important part of that move was his grandfather had to have the Allegheny Steel desk he worked on for years go with him. He had sold hearing aids for years using that desk, and even though it was too heavy and inefficient compared to modern desks, it had to come. The second important step taken was a decision to open the Fourth Avenue, Tarentum office and make that the central office. Mike Rametta, like his dad, had other plans while in school. He had thought of heading into the construction business, but in 11th grade trigonometry class he had an experience that changed his mind. One day a student went by with a boom box up to his ear and Mike relates that this event began a change in his thinking about the family business. He headed for the California University of Pennsylvania and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. Actually, as odd as it seems, he had studied speech pathology to prepare for an advanced degree in Audiology, but California UP did not have a particular degree for that field, so he ended up with the B.S. in History. From there he went to Clarion University and received his Masters in Audiology in 1994. His next step, Mike says, is to earn his doctorate degree. When you think about audiology and hearing aids, many do not realize the education required to be a practitioner. Mike has spent over seven years studying speech pathology, Audiology and related sciences to be qualified for his practice. As a third generation family member he has not only made the decision to continue in the practice, but has invested a good many years in study and intends to continue his studies to be knowledgeable and offer the latest technology.

Mike’s career began by working with his dad part time for five years and then a few years after college. He then joined another firm in Sharon, PA for five years. By this time he married and came back home to practice in the family business. Two and half years ago Mike purchased the practice from his dad, who is now semi-retired, but still works with Mike on a reduced schedule. Today there are five employees in two locations. Both his dad’s wife, Beverly and Mike’s wife, Jennifer, have worked in the business taking care of the books. Jennifer continues to assist Mike with the business. Mike and Jennifer have two children, 3 and 5 years old, at home. When talking with Mike about Rametta Audiology and Hearing Aid Center, he said they have “one the lowest return rates” in the industry. What this means is that the testing, fitting, and selection of a quality hearing aid for their customers is done in a manner that very few return with a problem. This is something he and the family are extremely proud about and points to the overall value of their hearing aids. Another vital personal service that Rametta Audiology and Hearing Aid Center offers, Mike points out, is educating customers about Audiology and hearing aids. Mike says, “we spend approximately one hour and fifteen minutes with every customer in education”. You can see how this sets Rametta’s service apart from others.

But, it doesn’t stop there. Rametta’s is a full service audiologist and hearing aid center that offers everything you need to improve hearing. Medical doctors often prescribe and send their patients with hearing problems to Rametta’s. You can also go yourself without referral. A comprehensive hearing evaluation takes place that covers tones (using a sound booth), detailed discriminating speech testing, middle ear testing, Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing, which measures the inner ear's response to sound.

Live speech mapping is done for those with hearing aids by placing a microphone in each ear measuring 144 frequency bands simultaneously. This is done if a person is dissatisfied with their hearing aid, have an adjustment problem or technical problems. Mike says this is the most useful tool they have. Rametta’s is very particular about the companies they use for hearing aids. There are 64 manufacturers that produce some 120 different models each. But, Rametta uses only four trusted manufacturers to supply their hearing aids. With nearly 1,700 active patients, you can see the trust they have in Rametta’s service. It’s what separates this three-generation family business from others. They take care of their patients with a great service program, free batteries for five years, and extended warranties at discount on most of their hearing aids. Their business offers overall value and everything you need at a great place. And Granddad? Today he is 90 years old, retired, and living in Monroeville to be near his wife, who is living at an Assisted Living Care home. What about the future? Is there a fourth generation waiting in the wings? We’ll have to wait and see.

Watch a video of the interview with Mike Rametta at http://www.alle-kiskitoday.com/webcasts/1437