Hearing Aids & Audiologist in Huntsville

Hearing Aids at Alabama Hearing

Why has Alabama Hearing Associates been known as the best choice for hearing healthcare in Alabama since 2002?

First, today’s comprehensive hearing evaluations go well beyond the simple “beep-beep” test you may remember from elementary school. Our experienced audiologists will fully assess your understanding of speech in a real-world environment and measure how your ears and brain interpret sounds.

In addition, Alabama Hearing offers the finest advanced prescription hearing aid technology in the industry. Our wide range of hearing aids and customized support allow you to reconnect with the people you need to hear, so you can live your best life.

Your journey to better hearing starts with a thorough evaluation at Alabama Hearing Associates!

Alabama Hearing in Huntsville provides which hearing aids?

Alabama Hearing in Huntsville provides a variety of reputable hearing aids brands to meet the unique needs of the individuals that we assist. ReSound, Oticon, Phonak, Lyric, Starkey, Widex, Signia and Unitron are all brands that offer advanced prescription hearing aid technology. Styles range from behind-the-ear (BTE) to invisible-in-the-canal (IIC), with many options in between.

Here at Alabama Hearing in Huntsville, we recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work when it comes to something as precious as your hearing. Our experienced audiologists work with each individual to determine which prescription hearing aid technology is best for their hearing loss, listening needs, preferences and lifestyle.

How do I choose a hearing aid?

Selecting a hearing aid is a very personal decision. Factors to consider when choosing a hearing aid include your level of hearing loss, your personal preference for hearing aid design, and your lifestyle. Individuals with severe hearing loss may require a certain level of technology appropriate to achieve the best outcome. Some of our clients desire specific features, such as a wireless connection to a cell phone. Other individuals may be conscious of style and therefore request a certain hearing aid design. Battery type – rechargeable versus replaceable – may be a priority as well.

During the selection process, be sure to ask about the warranty, care and maintenance programs available. You may also want to inquire if the hearing aid can be reprogrammed in the future, should your hearing loss continue to decline. These details can help ensure your hearing aid works as well in the future as it does today.

How much should I pay for a good hearing aid?

A pair of high quality hearing aids with advanced technology features typically costs anywhere between $3,000-$6,000. When you are evaluating the cost of hearing aids, inquire with your insurance policy to see if they cover part, or all, of the cost. Veterans should contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as hearing aids are typically covered in full.

Alabama Hearing Associates in Huntsville works with individuals to identify hearing aids that will meet their hearing loss and lifestyle needs, while also fitting within their budget constraints.

Hearing Aids Services in Huntsville

Has your hearing loss been a hindrance to your ability to connect with family, friends and co-workers? Do you wish you could start each day with confidence instead?

Our expertise at Alabama Hearing Associates in Huntsville, combined with the technologically advanced hearing aid services we offer, will allow you to communicate successfully and live your best life.

Hearing aids available today provide a sound quality and performance level that is truly impressive. The hearing aid services offered in Huntsville follow the latest research and best practices, so you can have confidence that you are receiving the right technology for your hearing needs. Partner with Alabama Hearing Associates to see what a difference we can make!

How does an audiologist fit a hearing aid?

The hearing aid fitting process starts with identifying your specific hearing needs. Our audiologists will obtain your medical history and learn about you personally, including your lifestyle and listening preferences. They will then conduct a thorough hearing assessment to understand your unique hearing loss. Using this knowledge, they will recommend which style of hearing aids will work best for your situation.

A followup appointment will be scheduled for when your selected hearing aids arrive, so you can have them programmed using real ear measurement (REM). This will ensure the amplification level is correct. In addition, our audiologists will provide you information on how to adjust to your new hearing aids, methods of proper maintenance, and a demonstration on how to utilize all of the features.

By taking the time to understand your preferences, identify a device that will work for you, and then assist you with the transition to successfully wearing the hearing aid, our audiologists will help you achieve the best possible outcome!

How long does it take to program a hearing aid?

Programming your hearing aid is a key step in ensuring you achieve the best possible listening experience with your new device. This process tailors the hearing aid to your specific needs, allowing you to hear clearly.

At Alabama Hearing in Huntsville, real ear measurements (REM) are conducted by our audiologists to verify the hearing aids are working appropriately for you. When the programming is complete, your hearing aids will successfully produce appropriate soft, medium and loud sounds. Due to the complexity of the process, programming your hearing aid can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes, but the thoroughness involved ensures your comfort and satisfaction with your new hearing aids.

Can hearing aids be fixed?

Yes, hearing aids can be fixed. However, with routine maintenance, it may be possible to avoid many types of repairs altogether. Replacing wax guards and using a hearing aid brush are two steps patients can take to avoid some of the most common problems.

Additionally, having a trained professional conduct a more thorough hearing aid cleaning twice a year is recommended for maintenance. Alabama Hearing offers a 19-Point Preventative Maintenance Plan to catch issues while they are still simple fixes, instead of lengthy repairs.

However, should a more extensive fix be needed, our “speed of light” repair specialists are able to assist you, often within 2 business days.

How often should a hearing aid be cleaned?

Hearing aids are commonly worn over 10 hours a day, 7 days a week. They experience varying temperatures and humidity levels and are placed in an environment with earwax and debris that can cause clogging and other issues. Therefore, regular cleaning of hearing aids is imperative to keep them fully functioning.

Using a hearing aid brush to wipe your devices each day helps remove dirt, earwax, sweat and anything else before it can accumulate on the receiver or microphone. Many people find it easiest to form a habit of wiping them each day in the evening, after they are removed for the night.

In addition, scheduling a thorough cleaning of your hearing aids at your audiologist’s office every 4-6 months is beneficial for proper maintenance. The 19-Point Preventative Maintenance Plan at Alabama Hearing Associates offers the advantage of identifying and repairing potential issues before they become major problems.

Alabama Hearing Audiologists

What makes Alabama Hearing Audiologists the most trusted experts in North Alabama? Put simply, we have a passion for improving patient’s lives and recognize that good communication is an essential factor toward well-being. We know that assisting patients with hearing loss requires problem-solving and a focus that goes beyond just the ears; the best path forward for an improved quality of life requires matching up-to-date research with each patient’s individual hearing loss and desired lifestyle.

Alabama Hearing Audiologists are Alabama’s most trusted Doctors of Audiology, assisting patients in overcoming barriers to good communication and helping them reconnect with the people they love. We truly improve our patients’ lives through better hearing!

What conditions do audiologists treat?

Audiologists are highly trained medical professionals that focus on diagnosing and treating hearing and balance disorders. People commonly visit an audiologist if they are experiencing hearing loss or earwax blockages. However, audiologists also assist patients who are dealing with ear infections, vertigo (perceived dizziness), or tinnitus (ringing in the ears). They conduct tests to diagnose specific conditions, identify underlying causes, and then suggest treatment options ranging from exercises to medications to hearing devices. These treatment plans improve a patient’s quality of life by resolving or improving the symptoms they are experiencing.

What is the difference between an audiologist and an ENT doctor?

Audiologists are medical professionals that use medication, medical devices and/or exercises to assist patients suffering from hearing loss, balance issues, tinnitus or earwax blockage. Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialists are also medical professionals, but they offer surgical services and other medical procedures to aid patients dealing with hearing or balance issues. In many cases, a patient will first see an audiologist, who will conduct tests to identify their condition and its underlying cause. Commonly, a medication, medical device or exercise treatment option is suggested, but in some cases a referral to an ENT for a medical procedure is necessary to address the issue.

Who needs an audiologist?

Most often, people make an appointment with an audiologist when they begin to suspect they may have hearing loss. They notice they have to turn the volume up on the TV and other family members complain it is too loud. Or, they struggle to understand someone speaking in an environment where background noise exists.

However, anyone with questions about their hearing health or balance should seek the assistance of an audiologist, including individuals experiencing a potential earwax blockage, ear pain, or ringing in their ears. Audiologists have specialized training that allows them to accurately conduct evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of symptoms.

Audiology Services in Huntsville

If you are concerned that your hearing loss is negatively impacting your life, reach out to Alabama’s most trusted Doctors of Audiology, and take the first step in the journey to hearing health. The audiologists at Alabama Hearing Associates in Huntsville have positively changed the lives of patients experiencing hearing loss by offering the latest in prescription hearing aid technology, combined with the necessary human touch of our caring staff. Our expertise, along with our focus on the whole person, will help you achieve your personal goals and improve the quality of your life.

What are 3 types of treatment for hearing loss?

The three main categories of hearing loss are sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss and mixed hearing loss.

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type, and occurs due to damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve. Hearing aids are beneficial in treating this type of hearing loss, which often occurs due to aging, injury, disease, or exposure to a loud noise.

Conductive hearing loss is more likely to be treated through medical intervention because it occurs in the outer or middle ear and is often due to a blockage by earwax, fluid, or a bone abnormality.

Mixed hearing loss refers to the combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. A person with this type of hearing loss may have started with one and then the second developed subsequently. Thorough hearing testing can identify if mixed hearing loss has occurred so an appropriate treatment plan can be developed.

How can you get rid of tinnitus?

Although it may be clear that you have tinnitus based on your symptoms alone, it is highly recommended that you visit an audiologist so they can work to identify any underlying conditions that may be causing the tinnitus. An audiologist will conduct a thorough hearing exam and may also recommend imaging and laboratory tests, such bloodwork or CT scans. If an underlying condition is identified, it can be treated to reduce the tinnitus symptoms. Alternatively, hearing aids, white noise machines, and/or counseling from a trained professional may be recommended to help improve your symptoms in cases where an underlying condition cannot be identified and treated.

Can I test my own hearing?

Diagnosing hearing loss is complex, and so-called “at-home” hearing tests online – though convenient – oversimplify important subtleties in your condition. Utilizing an online hearing test as a shortcut to purchase hearing aids won’t solve your underlying condition …it will only mask your symptoms. In addition, it is likely you will either under or over-fit yourself, which may have long-term detrimental impacts.

Only a licensed audiologist can provide the kind of thorough testing to accurately determine the type and severity of your hearing loss. They will also evaluate underlying causes that may require treatment. An audiologist will not only recommend the right hearing aid for your hearing loss, they will complete a real ear measurement (REM) to ensure the settings on your hearing aids are appropriate for optimal hearing.

How do you fix auditory processing disorder?

Individuals with auditory processing disorder (APD) have difficulty interpreting sounds, specifically the subtle differences in sounds of words. In this case, it is not a problem with the ears, but instead with the way the brain processes sounds. This makes communication difficult and can lead to frustration, social withdrawal, or behavioral problems, especially in children. Although a cure does not exist, options for treatment include incorporating assistive listening devices and auditory listening strategies. Audiologists, speech-language pathologists and psychologists can all be helpful in formulating a treatment plan to minimize the symptoms of APD.

How do you know if you have an earwax blockage?

Earwax generally provides a significant benefit to your hearing health by coating, cleaning and protecting your ear canal. It traps dirt and prevents the growth of bacteria. However, in some cases ear wax builds up to a level that causes a blockage, resulting in ear pain or loss of hearing. Those that use cotton swabs or other items in an effort to clean their ear may inadvertently push the wax deeper in the ear and cause a blockage – or worse – damage the eardrum. It is therefore best to seek an appointment with an audiologist for an evaluation. They can safely remove the earwax blockage or address any other health conditions that are causing your symptoms.