Hearing Aid Center in Douglas

Wayne Murphy is a Nationally Board-Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist and an Audioprosthologist credentialed by American Conference of Audioprosthology. Growing up in the 1950’s in his hometown, Hazlehurst, Georgia, Wayne learned the importance of working hard along with his two brothers, Edward and Ronnie. As a boy, Wayne worked mowing lawns and harvesting tobacco during the summer. Wayne graduated from Jeff Davis High School in 1971 and began employment at a local textile factory. In 1975, Wayne enlisted into the United States Air Force serving as an Ammunition Specialist Inspector for four years. During his service, Wayne was stationed in Bitburg, Germany, and Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. After honorable discharge in 1979, Wayne began a position painting and stenciling locomotives and box cars with CSX Railroad in Waycross, Georgia, until his introduction into the hearing industry.

While visiting his parents’ house in March 1983, a Hearing Aid dispenser came by to service his dad’s hearing aids creating Wayne’s curiosity about hearing. Wayne witnessed the positive impact hearing aids had on his dad and especially his mom’s quality of life. This experience led him to pursue a career in helping others receive the gift of better hearing, much like his parents received. Wayne’s humble beginning as a hearing instrument specialist knocking on doors, has flourished into purchasing a hearing aid business along with his wife, Shelia, in June 1997.  

In 1999, a group of 24 hearing aid dispensers gathered in Atlanta to discuss a partnership with an American Owned Manufacturer, Audibel. Wayne and Shelia decided to join along with 19 other dealers, becoming known as the Audibel Atlanta Club and founding members of Audibel. This unique opportunity helped their practice grow to four offices over Southeast Georgia. In 2009, Wayne and Shelia were inducted into the Audibel Hall of Fame, an honor they cherish.

Audibel Hearing Aid Centers now has offices located in Douglas, Tifton, and Waycross, after entrusting their Valdosta location to their son.   

Wayne’s motivation is watching the reaction after someone receives hearing aids; the pleasant surprise and joy expressed in their eyes once they hear comfortably and understand conversation once again. He educates the hearing aid user and their family members on how hearing aids improve the brain’s ability to understand therefore helping them maintain better communication for years to come. Wayne continues to ensure his patients’ hearing aids are performing their best throughout the hearing journey. 

Wayne loves his family. In 1977, he married his wife, Shelia, and they have a son, Jason. Jason resides in Valdosta with his wife, Heather, and their fur baby, Cotton. Wayne is happy Jason followed in his footsteps in the hearing aid profession. Along with his wife, Shelia, Wayne enjoys traveling to the mountains and Destin beach. When not spending time with family, Wayne enjoys restoring his 1972 Oldsmobile 442, riding motorcycles, tending his fruit trees, bowling and improving his golf game.

Ben Collins is a Georgia licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist.  Ben is originally from Newnan, Georgia.  While growing up, Ben moved multiple times, but finally, in 2012, he settled back in his home state in Douglas.  Ben graduated from Independence High School in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1988. Ben credits his parents for his strong work ethic and desire to help people leading to his decision to join the US Army following graduation. 

Ben began his law enforcement career as a Military Policeman.  During his four years of service, he spent time stationed in Germany. In 1992, Ben briefly worked with Douglas County Georgia Sheriff’s Office until joining the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in 1993.  He worked as a GBI Special Agent in both the Perry and Douglas Regional Offices for 25 years. During this time, Ben proudly served in the Georgia National Guard and did a combat tour in Iraq from 2005-2006 with the 48^th Infantry Brigade.  In addition, Ben eagerly served on the GBI Bomb Squad for eight years.  In 2018, Ben transferred from the GBI to the Georgia Department of Corrections Southeast Region, where he worked as a Special Agent until retirement in June 2022. Ben always prided himself on being the voice for victims in violent crimes and being able to help people in their time of need.

Shortly after retirement, Ben crossed paths with Wayne Murphy at Audibel Hearing Aid Centers in Douglas, Georgia that prompted a job opportunity.  Ben’s personal experience with hearing loss combined with his deep-rooted desire to continue helping people inspired Ben to join the Audibel team.  As a hearing aid wearer himself, Ben knew he could make a difference in people’s lives with hearing loss.  Ben loves when people realize there is help, and they can resume enjoying life with better hearing. Ben strives to educate people about hearing loss and improve their quality of life in his everyday work with patients.

Outside of saving hearing lives, Ben loves military history and enjoying time with his wife, Michelle, stepson, BJ Fussell, son, Beau, and daughter, Analeigh.

Gwen Moore is a Patient Care Coordinator. Gwen grew up in Baxley, Georgia as the oldest.  She graduated from Appling County High School in May of 1994.  Gwen attended Altamaha Technical College in Jesup, Georgia, where she studied Information and Office Technology.  She has worked as an Assistant Market Manager, meat cutter and merchandizer for a grocery store.   Gwen enjoyed her time as a stay-at-home mom the most. She moved to Douglas in July 2009, where she worked with Coffee County Department of Family and Children’s Services as a Program Assistant.  In January 2021, Gwen began working with Audibel Hearing Aid Centers and developed an interest in helping people hear better.

Gwen loves seeing the hearing impaired hear the little things most people take for granted in their daily lives such as leaves crumbling under their feet.  She finds joy in observing the difference hearing aids can make in someone’s life.  Gwen strives to create a welcoming environment in the office.  She wants everyone to feel comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns.  Gwen’s willingness to learn daily strengthens her ability to help those with hearing loss.

Outside of work, Gwen loves spending time with her family, attending church and visiting new places. She enjoys learning how to accomplish “Do It Yourself” Projects.  Gwen has two children, Sydney and Gavin, and two grandchildren, Felix and Lydia.  She and her son, Gavin, like going to concerts and trying new restaurants.  Gwen looks forward to playtime with her Cockapoo, Cinnamon, the newest addition to her family,