Final answer:
The best method to retain patients in a competitive environment is to maintain regular communication and offer three-month check-ups, as it builds a strong, ongoing relationship that cultivates loyalty and trust.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best way to keep your patient/clients coming back when facing competition is through option D. regular communication and three month check-ups. This approach ensures that you maintain a strong relationship with your patients by staying in regular contact and offering personalized care. Such preventive and ongoing engagement can help build loyalty and trust, making it less likely for patients to switch to a competitor.
Option A. using the buy one get one free battery/hearing instrument sale could be a short-term incentive but may not build long-term loyalty. Option B. bigger advertisements in the newspaper may increase visibility but does not engage existing patients directly. And option C. lowering your hearing instrument prices could reduce your margins without guaranteeing patient retention, especially if competitors match or beat the prices.