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 what some of our patients have to say about our staff and our office in our Google Reviews!

4.9 out of 5 Stars based on 5179 Reviews on Google.

This review is from Deanna Strange I had a wonderful experience at Audibel hearing center Port richey Florida . Christian was very thorough and knowledgeable during my visit ! He explained everything that he was doing, and it was a very smooth and pleasant experience! Also Jasmine, who works at...

Reviewer Profile Photo kevin strange, on Google

Been going to Audible for years now have my second set of aides Keith is an expert in his field always in concerned for the client listens and solves any issues, and the office staff Cindy really knows her job friendly and outgoing this is my 4th set of aides...

Reviewer Profile Photo Gordon Musolf, on Google

Top notch service and friendly and knowledgeable people

Reviewer Profile Photo Steven Van Loan, on Google

Great Staff! The very best!

Reviewer Profile Photo Paul Jones, on Google

Quick and easy fix

Reviewer Profile Photo Gerald Hahn, on Google

Joey was courteous, professional and very comprehensive! I feel like I and my hearing deficiencies are in GREAT hands!! Always good appointment from reception, scheduling and treatment! Great product and service! Audibel has been my choice for many years!

Reviewer Profile Photo B OBrien, on Google

Kristen is amazing! She has always helped to get the best out of my hearing and my hearing needs. Thanks Audibel!

Reviewer Profile Photo M Serralta, on Google

We always have a very pleasant and satisfying experience when we visit our Audible appointments.

Reviewer Profile Photo Nancy Bonsall, on Google

We always have a very pleasant and satisfying experience when we visit our Audible appointments.

Reviewer Profile Photo Nancy Bonsall, on Google

Very professional and friendly, answered all of my questions. Office visits are always a pleasure.

Reviewer Profile Photo John Clements, on Google

Auto bell hearing has changed my life I can now hear my grandchildren speak I can now hear everything and I could not be more blessed and more happy with auto bell of Homosassa. The people are amazing.

Reviewer Profile Photo Patricia Tarr, on Google

:very polite and helpful. I have been a patient for many years and would recommend them highly.

Reviewer Profile Photo Emily Westervelt, on Google

:very polite and helpful. I have been a patient for many years and would recommend them highly.

Reviewer Profile Photo Emily Westervelt, on Google

Very professional and thoughtful service

Reviewer Profile Photo Alan Jordan, on Google

My visit to Audibel hearing was exceptional. Friendly, efficient and capable individuals helped me through my visit at the Port Charlotte facility. I was fitted with my first set of hearing aids and shown not only what I was missing but how to operate them. I give them a four...

Reviewer Profile Photo Dennis Allen, on Google

Was extremely impressed with the technician and the degree of evaluation during the hearing test. Very articulate and knowledgeable. Took his time and adjusting the hearing aid to exactly what was needed to get the maximum benefit.

Reviewer Profile Photo Theresa Francis, on Google

I am very happy with their servers A very thorough exam and the staff is very pleasant courteous and caring I'd highly recommend them. Yeah very professional

Reviewer Profile Photo Wanda Figueroa, on Google

Very explicitly and detailed about the whole process. Very friendly

Reviewer Profile Photo gale Avbott, on Google

I had a very profitable visit with Joey, whom I saw today. He did a thorough exam, provides timely information and identified the problem for correction. He spent extra time making sure my hearing aids were functioning at optimum level. Turns out they were not, but he identified the deficits...

Reviewer Profile Photo Connie Toops, on Google

Staff very helpful. Good quality service Went out of their way to help me

Reviewer Profile Photo anthony Madaio, on Google