Perception Plus, Inc.

Type of Business: Audiology-specializing in Tinnitus and Sound Sensitivity-Sound Therapy

Location:
Manan Hearing Center
11593 Allisonville Road
Fishers, Indiana 46038

Phone: 317-691-2369

E-Mail: dsegal@perceptionplus.com
Web site: www.perceptionplus.com
Founded: June 2006

Owner’s background:
Donna has a clinical doctorate in Audiology from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences as well as a Master's Degree from Purdue University and Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University. She has been an audiologist for 22 years and has worked in a variety of hospital and private settings in the Midwest and on the East Coast. Donna is originally from Indianapolis and moved back to Indianapolis in 2001.

Why started business:
I have been intrigued by the area of Tinnitus (ringing in the ears). I have studied the area extensively and have been teaching a doctoral level course for the last two years that I developed from scratch. There previously was not a college level course available on this topic. I want to help people experiencing tinnitus utilizing conventional techniques as well as blending the entire wonderful alternative healing art approaches. My mission is to assist as many people as possible who have been experiencing this frustrating condition and have been told after medical intervention that it is just something to live with. I am able to offer them hope.

Competitive advantage: I currently do not know of any other audiologist that specializes in tinnitus in Indianapolis. I have also been trained utilizing a unique form of Sound Therapy as well as the Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment. Its benefits are clinically based. Clinical trials completed over the last ten years show up to 90% of the people who experience tinnitus experienced relief, improved sleep, sense of control over their tinnitus and reduced disturbance. I am currently the only audiologist in Indiana trained to provide this treatment. These treatments offer exciting alternatives and hope to the reported 40-50 million Americans in the U.S. that experience this debilitating condition.

Startup Cost: $5,000 (not including equipment)
Funding source: personal savings
Projected first year revenue: $6,000

Potential problem and contingency plan: Segal’s only advertising has been word of mouth. The website took some time to get set up. It is being edited frequently to update the site with services etc. Segal plans to get a brochure completed and begin to contact healthcare practioners more aggressively regarding her uniques services as well as setting up open houses etc.

First-year goal: I would like to pay off the expenses of supplies and the educational tools purchased to begin the business.

Five year vision: Expansion of services/development of contracts with other healthcare practioners to provides services in multiple locations.