World-Class Hearing Care: The Ascent Audiology Difference
For over a decade, Ascent Audiology & Hearing has been Fredericksburg's premier destination for comprehensive hearing healthcare. Founded by Dr. Paul Kuster in 2011, what began as a small clinic has evolved into a state-of-the-art practice serving thousands of patients with cutting-edge technology and personalized care.
Advanced Technology Meets Personal Touch
Ascent Audiology proudly utilizes Starkey Hearing Technologies, the most advanced hearing solutions available, and the only hearing aid manufacturer still based in the United States. These revolutionary devices feature industry-leading machine-learning systems that analyze and adapt to sound environments in real-time, mimicking natural brain processing.
The results are transformative: improved hearing in noisy environments, clearer conversations across all frequency ranges, enhanced directional sound recognition, and exceptional battery life extending up to 51+ hours. "After 30 years in this field, it still gives me goosebumps," says Dr. Kuster. "When you're helping someone reconnect with their world, you need to offer the best tools possible."
A Unique Approach to Audiological Care
Dr. Kuster brings a distinctive perspective to hearing healthcare, drawing inspiration from an unexpected source: his musical creativity. Over two decades, he has created hundreds of songs, with 120 archived in the Library of Congress under his pseudonym "DoXoniK." This creative process involves weaving musical loops into compositions, limited only by imagination and patience.
"This process is very much like how I program each patient's hearing aids into a prescription that becomes unique to them," explains Dr. Kuster. "Unfortunately, the vast majority of hearing aids are set using a static formula, and the computer basically guesses at the proper settings. Patients deserve better than a guess. In a sense, each of my patients becomes another of my compositions, and I get much pride and joy from that."
The practice recently welcomed Dr. Ryan Malkiewicz, a second full-time doctor of audiology with over a decade of clinical experience and current service in the U.S. Army Reserve. This expansion allows Ascent to accommodate more patients while maintaining its signature individualized care approach.
Modern Facility, Community Spirit
After nearly 14 years, Ascent relocated to a custom-designed space at 2119 Lafayette Boulevard, complete with dual soundproof testing suites and ample private parking. Patient reactions have been overwhelmingly positive—one longtime patient's opening-day comment, "Nice new digs, Dr. Kuster," has become the office catchphrase, complete with a celebratory bell.
Despite the upgrades, Dr. Kuster maintains perspective: "I still think of us as a little neighborhood office. We're just a little neighborhood office with state-of-the-art everything and world-class care. Now, with everything in place, we've hit our stride again. Business is booming and our patients are happier than ever."
The practice continues to expand partnerships with local care providers and integrate advanced diagnostic tools. Having served over 4,650 unique patients, Ascent maintains strong community ties through hearing aid donations to global missions and exceptional customer service.
Ascent Audiology accepts most federal insurance plans and Workers' Compensation, offering zero-interest payment plans with approved credit. The office operates Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Saturday appointments available.
For appointments or more information, visit www.ascentfxbg.com or call 540-386-0454.
