Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an appointment take?

The specialist will look in your ears. They will check for earwax. They will test your hearing. If there is no loss detected, it will take about 15 minutes. If a hearing loss is detected, additional testing will be required.

Do I need to bring anyone with me?

A spouse or a loved one is critical to assist in the speech portion of the hearing test.

Do you accept insurance?

We honor all insurance plans. Our patient care coordinator will send you a link to determine benefits

How can I recognize hearing problems?

Most of the time hearing problems begin gradually without discomfort or pain. What’s more, family members often learn to adapt to someone’s hearing loss without even realizing they are doing it. Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine whether you have hearing loss.

1. Do I / they often ask people to repeat themselves?
2. Do I / they have trouble following conversations with more than two people?
3. Do I / they have difficulty hearing what is said unless facing the speaker?
4. Do I / they struggle to hear in crowded places like restaurants, malls and meeting rooms?
5. Do I / they have a hard time hearing women or children?
6. Do I / they prefer the TV or radio volume louder than others?
7. Do I / they experience ringing or buzzing in my ears?
8. Does it sound like other people are mumbling or slurring their words?

If you answered yes to several of these questions, chances are you suffer from hearing loss. 

If I think I have a hearing problem, what do I do?

You should make an appointment with a hearing professional like an audiologist, hearing aid specialist or ENT for an evaluation, consultation and hearing test. Many hearing care professionals offer this evaluation at no charge.

What are the most common causes of hearing loss?

There are several causes. The main ones include excessive noise, genetics, birth defects, infections of the head or ear, aging, and reaction to drugs or cancer treatment. Each type of hearing loss has different causes.

Doesn’t hearing loss only affect old people?

Hearing loss can occur at any time, at any age. In fact, most people with hearing loss (65%) are younger than age 65! There are 6 million people in the U.S. ages 18-44 with hearing loss, and around 1.5 million are school age.

Are there different types of hearing loss?

There are three types of hearing loss including: sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss and mixed hearing loss. Most people lose at least some degree of their hearing as they age, and by the time they reach age 65 and older, one in three people has some type of hearing impairment.

Are there operations or medications I can take for hearing loss?

Only 5 percent of hearing loss in adults can be improved medically or surgically. The vast majority of Americans with hearing loss (95 percent) are treated with hearing aids.

If I think I have a hearing problem, what do I do?

You should make an appointment with a hearing professional like an audiologist, hearing aid specialist or ENT for an evaluation, consultation, and hearing test. Many hearing care professionals offer this evaluation at no charge.

How do hearing aids work?

At their most basic, hearing aids are microphones that convert sound into electrical signals. An amplifier increases the strength of the signal, then a receiver converts it back to sound and channels it into the ear canal through a small tube or earmold. A battery is necessary to power the hearing aid and to enable amplification.

Can hearing aids help me hear people wearing face masks?

The use of face masks and social distancing is proven to reduce speech audibility, as well as eliminate important lip-reading cues. Hearing aids — and features like our Edge Mode and Mask Mode — help offset speech audibility loss in numerous ways to help make it easier to hear people who are wearing masks.

Are there hearing aids for single-sided hearing loss?

Yes, hearing aids are available for those with single-sided hearing loss. The Starkey CROS System delivers solutions for:
– Those who are unable to hear in one ear and have normal hearing in the other ear (CROS)
– Those with little to no hearing in one of their ears, and a hearing loss in their better ear (BiCROS)

Where should I purchase hearing aids?

We do not recommend purchasing hearing aids online or from a big box retailer. Hearing aids are not a one-size-fit-all type of product. Each hearing loss is unique, and to achieve the best possible results, it is recommended to consult with a hearing professional at a clinic in which specializes in hearing health care.
Buying hearing aids fit and serviced by professionals will cost more than ones bought off the internet or from a retail store, but they’re also going to fit better, work harder, last longer and deliver more significant benefits.

How much do hearing aids cost in Florida?

The price of a hearing aid will vary depending on the specific model and features you need, and how effective it is in various noise environments.

Factors that affect the price of hearing aids include:

Features — Features that cancel noise, modulate volume, enable direct connectivity to smartphones and TV, or track and measure physical and mental activity, greatly improve performance and enhance everyday life, but also increase costs.

Professional Services — Like many other medical devices, the proper selection and fitting of a hearing aid require the skill of educated and trained healthcare professionals. Professional services associated with the selection, fitting, adjustments and overall maintenance of hearing aids are often included as part of the cost of the hearing aid.
Whatever the final cost, most hearing professionals do offer financing plans. You should also check to see if you qualify for free hearing aids or discounted hearing aids from your employer, union, the Veterans Administration, insurance provider, HMO or local charity (such as Lions Club).

Will Hearing Aids be covered by Medicare?

Medicare does not typically cover routine hearing evaluation or hearing aids. Although in some cases, exams ordered by a physician and conducted by a licensed audiologist may be covered by Medicare Part B. Medicare

Advantage Plans may have hearing aid coverage.

Check with your doctor or hearing professional about whether Medicare covers a diagnostic exam. Search your state for Medicare coverage of hearing aids and hearing exams.

Is there an adjustment period to wearing hearing aids?

Yes. Most people need an adjustment period of up to four months before becoming acclimated to — and receiving the full benefit of — wearing their hearing aids. However, you should expect to notice obvious benefits during this trial period. Remember, your hearing professional is there to help. Do not be afraid to call or visit to discuss your concerns.

1. Be realistic.
Remember that your hearing loss has been gradual; over the years you have lost the ability to hear certain sounds in the speech spectrum and normal sounds of the environment, such as traffic and wind noise, the hum of machinery and other background noises.

2. Practice.
When you begin to wear hearing aids, these sounds will be restored but your brain will need practice and reeducation in order to selectively focus on and filter sounds. Some sounds may even startle you at first. Know that your brain will acclimate to these sounds again over time.

3. Be patient.
It takes time to adapt to hearing aids. Wear them as much as possible at first to become more skilled at recognizing sound direction and to learn which hearing aid settings work best for you in different situations.

4. Rest.
The adjustment period may be tiresome. It’s a lot like retraining a muscle that hasn’t been used in a while. But the benefits will be worth it after you’ve made the adjustment.

Happy Patients

Patient Reviews

Read a Few of Our Google Reviews

4.8 out of 5 Stars based on 4756 Reviews on Google.

Read what some of our patients have to say about our staff and our office!

The personnel at the Sunset Point Audibel Hearing Center are friendly and attentive. I had a lengthy hearing test and found I had more hearing loss in both ears. My only comment is that they do not give a copy of the test results, which would be helpful to have...

Reviewer Profile Photo Elizabeth Werner, on Google

Very helpful and patient.

Reviewer Profile Photo Teresa Flail, on Google

Wonderful Hearing Center. Ashley is a knowledgeable, pleasant, caring professional. Ashley provided me all the help I have needed during the trail period and thereafter. Emma, at front office, was very helpful scheduling my appointments. Highly recommended Hearing Center.

Reviewer Profile Photo Raouf Farag, on Google

I came in to have my hearing aids repaired. The audiologist Taylor looked at them and said she could repair them and asked do they work ok. The reality is they don't. Over the last 6 years I've had several different ones and none of them worked very well. My...

Reviewer Profile Photo Roger Imhoff, on Google

My wife and I went to Audibel in Zephyrhills for my hearing consultation and were very pleased with how it went. Jeffrey Brown is very thorough and explained everything in full detail and answers all questions to your satisfaction. Highly recommend.

Reviewer Profile Photo Steve Weinman, on Google

Alec did a wonderful job. He was very nice, polite and knowledgeable. Thank you Alec.

Reviewer Profile Photo Todd Warner, on Google

Exceptional customer /client/ patient service is rare these days….but not at Audibel Hearing Center in Plant City!! In my recent visit I was greeted by name as always. Shawna was genuine and welcoming as always . The majority of my time with Alec Dockree, the consultant. Now I was having...

Reviewer Profile Photo Michael Glisson, on Google

very responsive to my concerns.

Reviewer Profile Photo Jean-Francois Schneider, on Google

For starters, I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable Jeff made my daughter and me feel thru the whole process. We were impressed enough to recommend him to anyone in need of his expertise. He made things easy for us to understand. Looking forward to follow up sessions.

Reviewer Profile Photo Paula Christensen, on Google

Competitent, personable, knowledgeable. Let me know where my ability to hear is presently and where it will be going.

Reviewer Profile Photo JoAnne Bohm, on Google

What a place, I live in Indiana but I bought my hearing aids from Ashley, she is fantastic. Always happy to answer my questions and keep my ears tuned up. Definitely a 5 star operation

Reviewer Profile Photo Mark Jamison, on Google

Always caring. Called to see that I got home alright.

Reviewer Profile Photo BONNIE GOODWIN, on Google

The technician was very informative and took his time explaining everything about my hearing loss. They came up with a payment plan for 18 months interest free. Update: one of my hearing aids stopped working and I made an appointment for the next day. Turns out the unit that goes...

Reviewer Profile Photo Rebel Rebel, on Google

Never disappointed with the excellent service here. I’ve been going here for years and I’m always very happy with them!

Reviewer Profile Photo Tempy Cook, on Google

Full and thorough exam and explanation of how and what you need my yearly check-up was professional as always

Reviewer Profile Photo Ken Marchese, on Google

Charlene in the Port Richey office was exceptional in helping me to decide if it would be beneficial in purchasing a hearing device. She was knowledgeable, professional and patiently answered every question with a smile. I made my decision based on her expertise in the field of hearing aid technology....

Reviewer Profile Photo Debra L Sutphin, on Google

Good afternoon! Last week I had my first hearing appointment in probably 25 years. Susan greeted me and I knew right away this was the place for me. Susan went out of her way to give me directions to somewhere completely not related to hearing on 19. I scheduled an...

Reviewer Profile Photo Kristen Tidwell, on Google

Very friendly and professional

Reviewer Profile Photo kay cornwell, on Google

James and his office staff Janette and all the girls have always been AWESOME! SO friendly and helpful!! My Mom had gotten a new phone and we didn't realize we had to bring it in to have it to re-connect with her ph. Very short visit but as usual James...

Reviewer Profile Photo Kristi Hall, on Google

I purchased my hearing at a company other than Audibel. When I called to ask about a broken receiver wire. The technician immediately asked for the serial number and said the hearing aid was under warranty and to come in at a scheduled time. Dr Keith cleaned both my hearing...

Reviewer Profile Photo Thomas Whiteman, on Google