The best way to determine if you have hearing loss is by having a professional hearing assessment. If you struggle to hear in noisy environments or acoustically complex settings, frequently ask people to repeat themselves, find yourself turning up the volume on the TV or radio louder than others, or experience ringing or buzzing in your ears, you may have hearing loss.

Hearing aids can significantly enhance your quality of life by improving awareness of environmental sounds, boosting speech understanding, enhancing social interactions, reducing the effects of hearing loss such as fatigue and isolation, and helping you hear more clearly—not just louder.

The cost of hearing aids varies based on factors such as type, style, features, and follow-up care. While some insurance plans may cover part or all of the cost, it’s essential to check with your provider before making a purchase. Remember that hearing aids are not a simple transaction; they involve ongoing treatment and support from your hearing healthcare provider.

You will want to check with your hearing healthcare provider to see what insurance they accept at their hearing clinic. Our office accepts both Medicare and Medicaid insurance. Consult with your insurance to find out exactly what is covered under your personal plan.

Hearing aids typically last around five years, but their longevity depends on factors like quality, maintenance, usage, and environmental conditions. You can extend their lifespan with regular cleaning, avoiding moisture and extreme temperatures, proper battery care, and routine professional checkups.

Tinnitus refers to the perception of sound in your ears or head when no external sound is present. It can manifest as ringing, buzzing, hissing, clicking, or roaring sounds. These auditory sensations may vary in pitch, loudness, and duration. Remarkably common, tinnitus affects approximately 15% of the population. For some, tinnitus can be very bothersome and for others hardly noticeable at all.

Tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, including hearing loss, noise exposure, ear infections or wax buildup, certain medications, head or neck injuries, stress or anxiety, and underlying medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or thyroid disorders. In some cases, the exact cause remains unknown. A professional evaluation can help identify potential triggers and guide you toward the most effective tinnitus management plan.

An Audiologist performs an assessment of your hearing and tinnitus inquiring about your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle. Additionally, the Audiologist conducts a hearing test and other relevant assessments to measure the tinnitus and rule out any underlying conditions.

While there’s no cure for tinnitus, several treatments can help manage it. Hearing aids amplify external sounds and can mask tinnitus, improving communication and reducing stress. Sound therapy uses background sounds like music or white noise to make tinnitus less noticeable, whether through apps, devices, or natural sources like a fan or open window. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps reframe negative thoughts, offering effective coping strategies and reducing stress, anxiety, or depression linked to tinnitus.

A hearing test is a painless and non-invasive procedure that assesses your ability to perceive various sounds at different frequencies and volumes. It serves to identify any hearing loss or issues related to your ears or hearing system.

You might need a hearing test if you struggle to hear or understand speech in quiet or noisy environments, frequently ask others to repeat themselves, or turn up the volume on the TV or radio higher than usual. Other signs include ringing or buzzing in the ears, a history of ear infections or ear surgery, and exposure to loud noises like music, firearms, or machinery. You may also be at risk if you have a family history of hearing loss, medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or if you're 50 or older, as age-related hearing loss is common.

The recommended frequency of hearing tests depends on age, risk factors, and symptoms. Children and teens should be tested to monitor development and noise-related changes. Adults under 50 should test at least every 10 years, while those over 50 should test every two to three years. More frequent testing is advised if you have symptoms, use hearing aids, or are exposed to loud noise at work.