You've earned this benefit. Getting to it shouldn't be hard.

Ekho Audiology is an authorized Veterans' Community Care provider in Bend, OR. Once your VA authorization is in place, we handle the coordination.

Call (541) 716-0123 Schedule Appointment

If you're a veteran in Bend, OR and Central Oregon who needs a hearing evaluation or hearing device care, you may be able to come to Ekho Audiology through the VA's Community Care Program — without traveling to a VA medical facility. This program exists specifically for situations where the VA cannot see you within a reasonable timeframe, or where the distance to a VA facility creates a real barrier. You don't have to navigate it alone.

Ekho Audiology is credentialed as a community provider within the Veterans' Community Care Program, covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Anderson is a Doctor of Audiology and a military spouse. She understands what noise-related hearing loss looks like, where it comes from, and what it takes to address it — and she understands the frustration of a system that can feel like it's working against you. That's the problem this program is designed to solve, and it's why she's committed to keeping your path through it as straightforward as possible.

Once the VA has confirmed your eligibility and a VA Community Care representative has connected you with Ekho, we work directly with the VA to get your appointment scheduled. You won't be left figuring out the next step on your own. The services available through this program include comprehensive hearing evaluations, hearing device selection and fitting, hearing aid programming and adjustments, hearing aid repairs and troubleshooting, and additional clinical services such as earwax removal.

The most important thing to know before you call us: VA authorization must be in place before care begins. We cannot start that process for you — that step belongs to the VA. What we can tell you is exactly who to call and what to expect when you do. If you have questions about what happens after your eligibility is confirmed, we're glad to answer them.

Who May Qualify

Veterans may be eligible to receive care at Ekho through the Community Care Program if the VA cannot schedule an appointment within roughly 30 days, if the nearest VA medical facility is 40 or more miles outside your service area, or if driving to a VA facility poses a hardship due to distance or lack of transportation. These are general criteria — the VA makes all eligibility determinations based on your specific location and care needs. If you're unsure whether you qualify, the right first call is to the VA, not to us.

How the Process Works

Step one: contact the VA Eligibility and Enrollment office at (800) 329-8387. They will assess your eligibility based on your location and your care needs. Step two: once eligibility is confirmed, a VA Community Care representative will refer you to Ekho Audiology, and from that point we work directly with the VA to schedule your appointment. Prior authorization from the VA must be in place before your visit — care cannot begin without it. We keep the steps on our end simple so that once you arrive, you can focus on your hearing.

What We Provide Once You're Authorized

Authorized veterans receive the same thorough care available to any Ekho patient. That includes a comprehensive hearing evaluation, hearing device selection and programming sized to your specific hearing profile, and ongoing support including repairs, adjustments, and troubleshooting. Additional services such as earwax removal are also available. Dr. Anderson holds an Au.D. from A.T. Still University, is board certified in Oregon, and is a member of ASHA, AAA, and the Oregon Academy of Audiology — clinical credentials that matter, but that earn their place behind the outcome: you can hear clearly again.

A Note on the Terminology

Community Care, eligibility determination, prior authorization — the language of this program can feel like another obstacle. It doesn't have to be. Think of it this way: the VA decides whether you can use the benefit; Ekho is where you go once they say yes. If you have questions about what to expect after your eligibility is confirmed, call us and we'll walk you through it plainly.

Dr. Anderson is a military spouse and a Doctor of Audiology. She built this practice to give veterans in Bend and across Central Oregon a straightforward answer, without the wait.

Common Questions

Do I need to do anything before calling Ekho?

Yes. Your first call should be to the VA Eligibility and Enrollment office at (800) 329-8387 to confirm that you qualify for Community Care. Once the VA authorizes your care and a Community Care representative connects you with Ekho, we take it from there. We cannot begin care without VA authorization in place.

I've never used Community Care before. Is this complicated?

The eligibility step is handled entirely by the VA — you call them, they determine whether you qualify. Once that's done, Ekho works directly with the VA to schedule your appointment. Most veterans find that once they make the first call, the rest moves on its own.

What if I'm not sure I qualify? The 40-mile rule sounds like it might not apply to me.

Call the VA Eligibility and Enrollment office at (800) 329-8387 and let them make that determination — that's exactly what they're there for. Distance is one factor, but wait times and hardship circumstances also count. If you're unsure, ask the VA directly rather than assuming you don't qualify.

What services are actually covered through this program?

Coverage is determined by the VA based on your authorized needs. Once Ekho receives authorization, services that may be provided include comprehensive hearing evaluations, hearing device selection and programming, hearing aid repairs and adjustments, and additional services such as earwax removal. The specific scope of what's covered will be outlined in your VA authorization.

Can I call Ekho to ask questions about the process before I've contacted the VA?

Yes. If you want to understand what the process looks like or what to expect after authorization, we're happy to talk you through it. We just can't schedule your appointment or begin care until VA authorization is confirmed.

Call Now or Request an Appointment

Once VA authorization is in place, Ekho Audiology is ready to get your appointment on the calendar. We work directly with the VA from that point — you won't be left figuring out the next step on your own. For program details directly from the VA: https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/veterans/index.asp VA Eligibility and Enrollment: (800) 329-8387

Call (541) 716-0123 Schedule Appointment