Audiologists are healthcare professionals who evaluate, diagnose and treat hearing loss and other auditory conditions like tinnitus and balance disorders. Audiologists also provide valuable insight and products to help you prevent hearing loss, like protective custom earplugs. Audiologists are trained to work with all ages, from newborns to the elderly, however some do specialize in certain age groups or conditions. An audiologist holds an advanced degree in audiology. Currently, Audiologists are required to obtain a doctoral degree and must be licensed by the state in which they practice. Additionally, audiologists must be licensed in the state they practice and are regulated by the Division of Consumer Affairs.​In addition to their education and state licensure, an audiologist may be awarded the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), otherwise known as the CCC-A. With additional training and expertise, the audiologist may receive the Honor of Fellow, which is awarded by the American Academy of Audiology (AAA).

Common services and treatments provided by an audiologist include:​Diagnostic hearing testsAudiologic evaluationsHearing aid fittings and consultationsHearing aid repairs and maintenanceAural rehabilitationPediatric hearing loss detection and treatmentHearing loss prevention and protection programsEarmold and earplug fitting and consultationCustom musicians earplugs and monitorsTinnitus treatment programsDizziness and balance testing and treatmentHearing rehabilitation and auditory trainingCochlear implant candidacy evaluations and implant programming

If you’re concerned you or a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss, you are not alone. Because hearing loss can come on gradually, it’s often the people around you who notice your hearing problems before you do. Typically, it takes people an average of seven years to seek treatment. If you exhibit the following symptoms, consider visiting an audiologist:​You hear mumbling when people are speaking to youYou have to ask people to repeat what they saidYou laugh at jokes even though you may not have heard the detailsYou frequently complain that people mumbleYou need to ask others about the details of a meeting you just attendedYou play the TV or radio louder than your friends, spouse or relativesYou cannot hear the doorbell or the telephoneYou find that looking at people when they speak to you makes it easier to understandYou miss environmental sounds, such as birds chirping or leaves blowingYou find yourself avoiding certain restaurants because they are too noisy You hear a ringing sound in your ears, especially when it is quiet.

Hearing loss can be due to several factors such as the aging process, exposure to loud noise, medications, infections, head or ear trauma, congenital (birth) or genetic factors, diseases, as well as a number of other causes. It is estimated that nearly 20 percent of adults in the United States (48 million) report some degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss often occurs gradually throughout a lifetime.

If you exhibit symptoms of hearing loss, you should see an audiologist to have a formal hearing evaluation. This hearing test, or audiologic evaluation, is diagnostic and allows the audiologist to determine the type and degree of your hearing loss. There will also be a hearing test that evaluates your sensitivity, acuity and accuracy to speech understanding. Your audiologist may also test for speech understanding at different volume levels and conditions – like noise – to help the professional recommend the best hearing aids for your particular needs.​The hearing evaluation will also include a thorough case history and a visual inspection of the ear canal and eardrum. Additional tests of middle ear function may also be performed depending on your symptoms. The results of the evaluation can be useful to a physician, if the audiologist believes your hearing loss may benefit from medical intervention.​Results of the hearing evaluation are plotted on a graph called an audiogram. The audiogram provides a visual view of your hearing test results across various pitches or frequencies, especially the ones necessary for understanding speech. The audiogram and results from your speech understanding tests are used to create a prescription by which hearing aids are programmed, if necessary.

The results of your hearing test are plotted on a chart called an audiogram. Loudness is plotted from top to bottom. The top of the graph is very quiet and the bottom of the graph is very loud. Frequency, or pitch, from low to high, is plotted from left to right. Hearing level (HL) is measured in decibels (dB) and is described in general categories. The general hearing loss categories used by most hearing professionals are as follows:​Normal hearing (0-25 dB HL)Mild hearing loss (26-40 dB HL)Moderate hearing loss (41-70dB HL)Severe hearing loss (71-90 dB HL)Profound hearing loss (greater than 91 dB HL)

There are three main types of hearing loss and each can be caused by different factors and require different hearing aid technology and features to have the best listening experience. The three types of hearing loss include:​Conductive hearing loss​Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with the way sound is conducted to the inner ear and a structure called the cochlea. The problem may lie in the ear canal, eardrum (tympanic membrane) or the middle ear (ossicles and Eustachian tube). The inner ear and auditory nerve remain unaffected in this type of hearing loss.Symptoms for conductive hearing loss are similar to the other types; however, individuals may complain of sounds being muffled or far too quiet. ​​Some causes of conductive hearing loss can include:Outer or middle ear infectionsComplete earwax blockageDeterioration of the middle ear bones (ossicles)Otosclerosis, the fixation of the ossiclesPerforated tympanic membrane or a hole in the eardrumAbsence of the outer ear or middle ear structuresConductive hearing loss may be temporary or permanent, depending on the source of the problem. Medical management can correct some cases of conductive hearing loss, while hearing instruments may be a recommended treatment option in long-standing or permanent cases.​Sensorineural hearing loss​Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with the sensory receptors of the hearing system, specifically in the cochlea of the inner ear or auditory nerve. The majority of sensorineural hearing loss occurs as a result of an abnormality or damage to the hair cells in the cochlea. This abnormality prevents sound from being transmitted to the brain normally, which results in a hearing loss.  Individuals with sensorineural hearing loss may hear muffled speech, suffer from tinnitus (or ringing in the ears), have difficulty hearing in background noise or clarity of speech problems.​There are a number of causes of sensorineural hearing loss, including:​Congenital: These hair cells have been abnormal since birth, which is considered a congenital condition.Damage to hair cells: A deficit in hearing also occurs when the cells are damaged as a result of genetics, infection, drugs, trauma or over-exposure to noise (late-onset or acquired).Presbycusis: Age-related hearing loss​Sensorineural hearing losses are generally permanent and may remain stable or worsen over time. Routine hearing tests are needed to monitor the hearing loss. Hearing aids are the most common and successful treatment, allowing hearing professionals to adjust settings as needs change.  Mixed hearing loss​Mixed hearing loss occurs when a person has a sensorineural hearing loss in combination with a conductive hearing loss. This means there is a problem in the inner ear as well as in the outer and/or middle ear. ​The conductive hearing loss may be temporary or permanent, depending on the source of the problem. Mixed hearing loss can sometimes be treated with medical management and hearing aids are a common treatment recommendation.

What are the signs of hearing loss in children?Hearing loss in children can occur at any time in life from acquired factors such as ear infections, head trauma, certain medications and genetic factors. You may suspect your child has a hearing loss if you observe any of the following:​Failed newborn hearing screeningDelays in speech and language acquisition, including baby babblingFrequent ear infectionsNot startled by loud soundsNot turning to the location of sounds after six months of ageDifficulty following verbal directionsDaydreaming in many situationsConcerns by school teachers or failed school hearing screeningLoud volume on the TV or radioComplaints from the child that they cannot hear A pediatric audiologist is trained to test children of all ages. Any symptom of hearing loss in children should be addressed promptly so that speech, language and academic development are not delayed or negatively impacted.

There are many types of hearing aids today and the style or device depends on your lifestyle, budget and hearing loss needs. There are in-the-ear styles as well as behind-the-ear styles. In addition to selecting the right style of device, it’s also important to consider what features would be most beneficial to you. From directional microphones to waterproof options, there are numerous varieties to meet everyone’s personal needs. Today’s hearing aids are even equipped with Bluetooth connectivity to work with wireless technology like a cell phone or television. Hearing aids are available in many different sizes and styles, thanks to advancements in digital technology and miniaturization of the internal components. Many of today's hearing aids are considered sleek, compact and innovative – offering solutions to a wide range of hearing aid users. When selecting a style of hearing aid, the following should be considered:​The type/degree of the hearing lossPower requirementsManual dexterity and visual abilitiesBudgetCosmetics and aestheticsAnatomical and medical considerationsLifestyle requirements

People with all types and degrees of hearing loss can benefit from an assistive listening device (ALD). Since the microphone of a typical hearing aid is worn on or behind your ear, its ability to enhance the talker-to-background-noise ratio can be limited. However, ALDs are designed to increase the loudness of a desired sound, such as a radio, television or a public speaker, without increasing the background noise. This is because the microphone of the assistive listening device is placed close to the talker or device being used, while the microphone of the hearing aid is always close to the listener. ALDs include alarm clocks, TV listening systems, telephone amplifying devices and auditorium-type assistive listening systems. Many newer devices are small, wireless and compatible with a person’s digital hearing aids. Alarms and other home ALDs may be small devices that are placed discreetly on tables, next to the TV or on the wall.

Tinnitus is a common disorder affecting over 50 million people in the United States. It is often referred to as "ringing in the ears," although some people hear hissing, roaring, whistling, buzzing or clicking. Tinnitus is not actually a disease, but a symptom of another underlying condition of the ear, auditory nerve or other influencing factor. Tinnitus can be intermittent or constant, with single or multiple tones. The perceived volume can range from very soft to extremely loud and may be recurrent or consta

The exact cause of tinnitus is not known in every case. However, there are several likely factors that may worsen tinnitus. These include:​Noise-induced hearing lossWax build-up in the ear canalCertain medicationsEar or sinus infectionsAge-related hearing lossEar diseases and disordersJaw misalignmentCardiovascular diseaseCertain types of tumorsThyroid disordersHead and neck trauma

Depending on the severity and underlying condition causing the tinnitus, there are several treatments available to improve the perception of unwanted noise. The most common treatments for tinnitus include:​Hearing aids with tinnitus-masking featuresTinnitus retraining therapySound therapyAvoidance measuresAvoidance of certain medicationsBehavioral therapy

There are a number of different hearing healthcare professionals available, but each has different education and training requirements. An audiologist and a hearing instrument specialist (HIS) are two of the most common professionals when seeking treatment for hearing loss. To better understand which professional is best for you, it’s important to distinguish the differences between the two.​Audiologist: An audiologist is trained to diagnose, treat and monitor disorders of the hearing and balance system. They are trained in anatomy and physiology, amplification devices, cochlear implants, electrophysiology, acoustics, psychophysics and auditory rehabilitation. Doctors of Audiology complete, at a minimum, an undergraduate and doctoral level degree in audiology, as well as a supervised externship prior to state licensure and national certification. This usually requires eight years of post-secondary education (four years of college and four years of graduate school). The graduate school years focus on the medical, diagnostic and rehabilitative aspects of hearing loss, hearing aids and the vestibular system. Upon completion of training, audiologists must also pass a national standardized examination in order to be eligible for state licensure. Continuing education requirements must be met in order for an audiologist to maintain state licensure. For individuals with hearing loss, auditory issues or balance problems, an audiologist is the most qualified professional to assist with diagnosis and treatment.​Hearing instrument specialist (HIS): A hearing instrument specialist is licensed to perform audiometric testing to sell and fit hearing aids. In order to obtain a license, a HIS generally has to take a certification program in hearing aids, complete in-the-field training hours and pass an exam. Hearing instrument specialists are able to fit and repair hearing aids, however, they cannot diagnose a hearing loss.

We believe the best hearing care starts with putting your needs first—not the requirements of a third-party program. By remaining independent, we're able to recommend the hearing technology and treatment plan that's right for you, without restrictions on products, appointment time, or follow-up care. Our focus is on providing personalized care and long-term support for every patient.

Not necessarily. While every patient's needs are different, our goal is to provide exceptional value through comprehensive hearing care, expert fitting, ongoing follow-up, and personalized service. We believe investing in the right solution—and the support that comes with it—leads to better hearing and greater long-term satisfaction.

No two people experience hearing loss the same way. Your lifestyle, hearing needs, and listening environments are unique. We take the time to understand your concerns, perform a thorough evaluation, and recommend solutions based on what's best for you, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Our recommendations are based solely on your hearing needs, lifestyle, and goals. Because we're not limited by the rules or product restrictions of a third-party program, we can recommend the technology and treatment options we believe will provide the best results for you.

Your appointment includes much more than a hearing test. We'll discuss your hearing concerns, review your medical history, evaluate your hearing, explain the results in clear language, and talk through your treatment options. If hearing aids are recommended, we'll help you choose the solution that best fits your needs and budget.

Absolutely. Hearing better is a journey, not a one-time appointment. We'll continue to work with you after your fitting to fine-tune your devices, answer questions, make adjustments as your needs change, and help you get the most from your investment.

Patients choose us because they value personalized care, experienced audiologists, and recommendations they can trust. We take the time to listen, educate, and build long-term relationships so you can feel confident in every step of your hearing journey.

Yes. A comprehensive hearing evaluation is the first step in finding the right solution. A hearing test helps identify the type and degree of hearing loss and allows us to recommend hearing technology that's tailored to your specific needs. Skipping this step can lead to hearing aids that don't provide the best results.

Professionally fit hearing are customized to your unique hearing needs. An audiologist evaluates your hearing, programs the devices specifically for you, and provides ongoing adjustments and support to help you hear your best.

An audiologist does much more than provide hearing aids. We perform a comprehensive hearing evaluation, identify the type and degree of hearing loss, recommend the right technology for your lifestyle, and program your hearing aids to match your specific needs. We also provide follow-up care to ensure you're hearing comfortably and effectively over time.

For most people, yes. The hearing aids themselves are only one part of the solution. Proper programming, verification, adjustments, and ongoing care can make a significant difference in how well your hearing aids perform. Our goal is to help you communicate more confidently – not just provide a device.

Absolutely. Every person's hearing loss is unique. We use the results of your hearing evaluation to precisely program your hearing aids, ensuring they provide the right amount of amplification across different pitches and listening environments. We can also make adjustments as your hearing needs change.

Not always... and that's completely normal. Your brain needs time to adjust to hearing sounds it may not have heard in years. Most patients benefit from follow-up visits to fine-tune their hearing aids and address things like comfort, speech clarity, and background noise. That's why ongoing support is such an important part of hearing care.

Our relationship doesn't end when you leave the office. We'll schedule follow-up appointments to make adjustments, answer questions, and ensure your hearing aids continue to meet your needs. As your hearing or lifestyle changes, we'll be here to help keep your hearing technology performing at its best.

Yes. During your hearing evaluation, we look for signs that may indicate a medical condition affecting your hearing. If we identify something that requires further evaluation, we'll refer you to the appropriate medical specialist before recommending hearing aids.

Even the most advanced hearing aids need to be programmed correctly to perform their best. Professional programming ensures your hearing aids are customized to your hearing loss, listening preferences, and daily activities. Small adjustments can make a big difference in comfort, speech understanding, and overall satisfaction.

No. Hearing aids are just one part of better hearing. Hearing care includes a comprehensive evaluation, personalized recommendations, expert fitting, programming, follow-up appointments, education, and long-term support. We believe that ongoing partnership is what helps our patients achieve the best possible hearing outcomes.

Most people adjust over several weeks, though everyone's experience is different. Your brain is learning to process sounds that may have been missing for some time. During this adjustment period, we'll work with you to fine-tune your hearing aids and answer any questions, helping you become more comfortable and confident each day.