John Staten

Staff Photo by Brian Lazenby John Staten II, office manager at Signal Hearing Center, researches ear plugs for musicians at the location near state Highway 153.

Name: Signal Hearing Care Center

About the company: Signal Hearing Care Center is a privately owned hearing screening and hearing aid company in business in the Chattanooga area since 1971. Its two area locations are at 4295 Cromwell Road and 815 Ridgeway Ave. on Signal Mountain.

Economic Impact: Owner John Staten said the economic recession hurt sales in 2008, but he has seen a giant rebound in 2009.

"Business is up about 100 percent from last year," he said.

The business struggled at the end of 2007 and throughout 2008, but things began to pick up in March, he said.

He said the company has been helped by the number of baby boomers getting older and needing hearing devices.

Also, people who put off having their hearing checked during the recession are more apt to do something now that the economy appears to be improving, Mr. Staten said.

Reaction: Mr. Staten continues to adjust to the market to ensure his facilities are in the best spots.

He sold an underperforming facility in Cleveland and opened on East Brainerd Road. He recently left that facility for the one at 4295 Cromwell Road.

Signal is planning to open a third facility in Hixson in about 30 days and is considering a location on Shallowford Road.

"We are in a growth mode and are putting more employees on staff," Mr. Staten said.

Signal has three employees, but Mr. Staten said that number should double within the next year.

The company also has run several specials, such as a recently advertised deal promoting hearing aids at almost half off and others at about 25 percent off.