Poteet works to help others hear better

While attending college at the University of Central Missouri, Jerry Poteet became intrigued by the idea of starting his own business.

Poteet, owner of ClearSound Hearing in Sedalia, was studying to get a degree in industrial safety, but conversations with his roommate, who was in the master’s program for audiology at UCM, along with the prospect of becoming his own boss, steered Poteet down the path of becoming a hearing instrument specialist.

“I think what intrigued me the most was that you could actually own your own business and stay local. You could make a living doing this,” Poteet said.

Poteet grew up in Cole Camp and attended high school there.

“I’m a local boy, through and through,” Poteet said.

After graduating from UCM with a Bachelor of Science degree in safety management, Poteet learned the ins and outs of the hearing aid business while working as an apprentice at Beltone Hearing Aid Center in Sedalia. He then struck out on his own and has been operating ClearSound Hearing in Sedalia for more than two years now, and also owns a ClearSound location in Columbia.

Poteet specializes in the sale and servicing of hearing instruments and also performs hearing tests.

Poteet said the average age of his clients is between 60 and 85 years old and the number of patients he has been seeing is steadily increasing.

“The entire time I’ve been a specialist, I’ve seen steady growth,” he said. “Then when I went out on my own, it kind of exploded. More and more people started coming to me.”

Throughout his nine years as a hearing instrument specialist, Poteet has seen changes in the technology of hearing instruments and said one of the most important changes has been in the style of the instruments.

“They’re getting smaller and smaller, with better quality and more natural-like hearing,” Poteet said.

Poteet has been married to his wife Theresa for 11 years and together they have four children: Andrew, 9; Olivia, 7; Zachary, 5; and Sophia, 3.

With four young children, Poteet said his activities outside of his business are “geared around the kids.”

“The biggest things I’m involved in are church related — and playing sports,” Poteet said.

ClearSound Hearing is located at 1716 W. 9th St., Suite 9, in Sedalia. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday, but Tuesday and Thursday are by appointment only, Poteet said.

Poteet can be reached at 826-3700.