Hearing Aids & Audiologist in Madison

Consulting with an audiologist to determine the right hearing aid for your unique needs will help ensure that you are satisfied with the product you purchase, resulting in the best value for your money and an improved quality of life!

Alabama Hearing Associates will work with you to determine which technology is suitable for your level of hearing loss, as well as accommodate your personal preferences. Many users enjoy the exceptional clarity that quality hearing aids offer. Certain features, such as the ability to stream phone calls, music, and television directly to your hearing aids through a wireless connection, are often highly desirable. The human touch and expertise provided by our Doctors of Audiology at Alabama Hearing Associates ensures the best possible outcome.

Hearing aids can be reprogrammed, which is advantageous because often hearing loss is not static, but continues to change with time. You may notice a degradation in your hearing over the years, or it may be identified at a routine appointment. In either case, having your hearing aids reprogrammed will allow them to continue to perform optimally for your hearing needs, instead of purchasing brand new devices.

“However, be forewarned: some lower cost brands and private-label brands, such as those purchased at Sam’s Club, Costco, Miracle-Ear, Beltone, and Audibel (to name a few), might be “locked.” Locked hearing aids cannot be reprogrammed at unaffiliated clinics. Before purchasing a hearing aid, it is best to ask if it is “locked” or “unlocked,” so you know if you can extend the life of the device by having it reprogrammed if you go elsewhere.”

As with all electronic devices, sometimes an issue occurs and a repair is required. At Alabama Hearing Associates, we offer a “Continued Care Treatment Plan” that allows you to have the support of a hearing expert throughout the year. If an issue arises, you can reach out to us for assessment. Often, our “speed of light” repair specialists can resolve the problem within 2 business days. In some cases, however, intensive repairs are required and the device may need to go back to the manufacturer. Resolution of these more significant issues may take 10-14 days.

In addition, your hearing aid may be susceptible to moisture from humidity, or even your own sweat. Opening the battery compartment and removing the batteries in the evening will allow the device to air out properly while you sleep.

Although audiologists are considered clinical doctors and are certified and licensed to identify, diagnose and treat issues such as hearing loss, tinnitus and balance disorders, they do not undergo full medical training. For that reason, they often make referrals to an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialist for underlying medical conditions that may be causing a hearing or balance issue and require surgical intervention.

For the pure-tone test, earphones are used and each ear is tested individually to determine the quietest tone that can be heard at a particular frequency. You will be asked to signal when you hear a sound and the audiologist will record the minimum volume you hear at each frequency.

For speech testing, the audiologist will record the faintest speech that can be distinguished and repeated correctly. The purpose of this test is to determine how well you hear and understand speech.

The frequency of earwax removal varies from person to person. Some people may need it every few months, while others might only require it once a year. It’s best to consult with your audiologist to determine a schedule that suits your individual needs.

The safest methods for earwax removal include professional cleaning by an audiologist or using specialized ear drops. Avoid using cotton swabs or other objects to remove earwax, as these can push the wax deeper into the ear canal and cause injury.