Audiology Services

Although it is possible to test your own hearing through online hearing tests, it is not advised. These tests may seem appealing because they are quick and can be conducted from the comfort of your own home, but the results provided are not comprehensive and won’t tell you if you have underlying causes that should be treated – or even which hearing aids are correct for your hearing loss, listening needs, and lifestyle.

The bottom line is that diagnosing hearing loss is complex, and is best done at an audiology office where trained hearing professionals can provide you with a thorough evaluation, and advise you on the right treatment plan for your hearing needs.

Online hearing tests are widely available, and although they are advertised to be a quick way to test your own hearing, they do not provide a reliable evaluation. Taking an online hearing test does not result in comprehensive results or context, which means you won’t be provided a clear path forward on how to address your hearing loss. They typically don’t show how well you are able to hear speech in a noisy environment, which is an important aspect of hearing. If you choose to purchase an over-the-counter hearing device based on online test results, chances are your selection will either over or under-correct your hearing loss. You may also miss out on the diagnosis of an underlying condition that requires treatment. Relying on online hearing tests alone can have long-term, negative impacts on your hearing health.

Ear candles can be found at many retail locations, advertising a home remedy for earwax removal. But do they work? Scientists indicate that ear candles are not effective, and in fact, can actually cause harm. Although numerous studies have been conducted, no study has shown ear candles actually remove earwax. The FDA warns consumers that there isn’t valid scientific evidence of a medical benefit, and in fact, the risk of injury is high. Burn injuries have occurred from people attempting to use ear candles. Instead of attempting a home remedy, seek assistance from one of our audiologists, who can safely remove any earwax blockage you may have.

Earwax, also known as cerumen, is naturally occurring and effective at protecting your ear by preventing debris and bacteria from entering the ear canal. The color of earwax can vary, with yellow-brown being the most common. If your earwax is dark brown, it indicates the earwax is older and has potentially built up more than it normally would. While this is not a cause for alarm, you may want to seek the assistance of one of our audiologists to remove it, especially if you are also experiencing an earache, ringing in your ear, or a decrease in hearing.

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At Alabama Hearing Associates, our audiologists use real ear measurement (REM) to fit your new hearing aids. Not every audiology practice completes this process, but they should, as it is the best practice to ensure long-term hearing aid satisfaction.

Utilizing a probe microphone, our audiologists make measurements with your hearing aid in place and then compare the results to specific targets. Incremental changes are made to the programming of your hearing aid, so that the sounds you hear are comfortable when soft, medium, and loud. Using REM allows us to know that your hearing aids are programmed properly for your unique hearing loss.

It is possible to get an over-the-counter hearing aid without a hearing test, but it is not advised. First, the devices that are sold over-the-counter are only available for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. In addition, anyone seeking a hearing aid – regardless of their level of hearing loss – should have their hearing tested by a certified audiologist. This hearing health professional will identify exactly which device is best for the hearing loss being experienced and then appropriately fit the hearing aid so it works properly for all levels of sound. Patients who seek an over-the-counter hearing aid without a test may find they over or under-correct their hearing.

Auditory processing disorder is caused by a neurological issue, so medications are generally not helpful.  However, treatment options do exist to improve communication.  For example, hearing assistive technology and speech therapy can both be implemented to help with sound perception.  Active listening skills can be taught to help individuals with APD compensate for listening difficulties.  Re-evaluating the environment and removing noise-generating items, such as air purifiers, can be beneficial. Working with one of our audiologists, a speech-language pathologist and/or a psychologist to develop and implement a treatment plan often yields successful improvements for both children and adults with APD.

Although auditory processing disorder is generally identified in childhood, it can also be diagnosed in an adult.  Our audiologists at Alabama Hearing Associates can correctly identify APD in adults and offer customized treatment options. Auditory training through speech-language therapy can be beneficial, especially when coupled with assistive listening devices.  In addition, coping strategies – such as avoiding environments with significant background noise, or learning how to lip read – may be helpful.  If hearing loss is present, our audiologists can prescribe hearing aids as a valuable treatment option.