A hearing test identifies the status of the outer, middle, and inner ear as well as determine hearing levels.

There are several parts to the hearing test- this process takes 30-45 minutes:

• We ask you about your symptoms related to hearing and any relevant history.

• We will look in your ears.

• We will perform tympanometry, which is a measure of how the eardrum is moving- you may feel a slight pressure change during this test. It looks for any fluid or abnormal pressure in the middle ear.

• We will check your hearing levels. You will wear some headphones and respond to very quiet sounds as well as repeat back words.

• Finally, we will go over your results with you and provide appropriate recommendations.

Tinnitus can be a complex symptom of a variety of causes. It requires a customized treatment approach that will vary between individuals.

Treatment for tinnitus often involves three things:

• Amplification (if there is a detectable hearing loss).

• Sound therapy / masking / habituation.

• Cognitive-behavioral interventions such as CBT.

We work with you to develop a treatment plan, which includes a recommendation on the style and type of hearing aid that would be best suited to meet your needs and preferences.

Often times, people will decide to be fit with hearing aids that are rechargeable and have bluetooth connectivity (using an app to change programs, streaming phone calls/music/podcasts/books)

The biggest difference in our office is the service model- we are a concierge-style audiology practice. We take the time to provide excellent, personalized, and thorough care.

Retail chains and over-the-counter devices may be ‘good enough,’ but we raise the bar when it comes to treating hearing loss, tinnitus, sound sensitivities such as hyperacusis, and auditory processing disorders.

The average life of a hearing aid is 5-7 years

• Zinc-Air (disposable batteries) last between 3-7 days

• Lithium-ion batteries last between 18-30 hrs

• Lithium-ion batteries lose capacity over time and generally need to be replaced every 3-5 years

The most successful hearing aid users wear their hearing aids full-time (all waking hours)- this allows for consistent stimulation to the brain and better adaptation to this new input. Hearing aids do not need to be worn to bed or in the shower. 

Most hearing aids are water, sweat, and dust resistant. Some hearing aids companies market their products as waterproof because of this. Avoid submerging your hearing aids in more than 3 feet of water. 

The standard warranty is usually 1-3 years. This covers manufacturer repairs such as wire or lithium-ion battery replacements, circuitry issues, and general repairs.

The loss & damage warranty is usually 1-3 users. This covers any event of loss or damage beyond repair and allows the user to get a replacement device for a fee- this warranty can only be used ONCE per hearing aid per warranty period.

Additionally, as part of the treatment plan, our office offers services during the warranty period for the hearing aid (fitting, and orientation, routine follow ups) and are included in the hearing aid price.