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!

4.8 out of 5 Stars based on 5136 Reviews on Google.

Excellent service! Elijah takes all the time necessary for your fitting and answers all your questions. He provides all adjustments that need to be done and his customer service is outstanding. I would highly recommend this Audibel location to anyone, In fact I have a friend who has an appointment...

Reviewer Profile Photo David Reed, on Google

Very detaile top-notch, very professional.d examination.👍

Reviewer Profile Photo Paul Tully, on Google

They are so great, receptionist as well as Dr, can't wait to return, and both so smart

Reviewer Profile Photo Pamela, on Google

I've had a good experience in the Brandon location. Kristen provides wonderful care every time I am here.

Reviewer Profile Photo Geovanna Edwards, on Google

Richard is knowledgeable and professional!

Reviewer Profile Photo Joe LaLuna, on Google

It was a great visit and I was tested and fitted for hearing aids within an hour. I can already hear much better ! Thanks Audibel

Reviewer Profile Photo Jim Shimberg, on Google

John explained and was very detailed in all the steps taken in my testing.

Reviewer Profile Photo Sandy Shipman, on Google

Eric was super helpful and knowledgeable!

Reviewer Profile Photo Mackenzie Robinette, on Google

Smooth professional friendly service.

Reviewer Profile Photo Russ Kasten, on Google

I’ve worked with Keith now for many months. He is so thoughtful and encouraging.

Reviewer Profile Photo Bruce Harting, on Google

My hearing aids would change the volume without any action by me. Audibel replaced them with new ones at no charge to me.

Reviewer Profile Photo Jon Laubscher, on Google

I had a six month check of my hearing and my hearing aides. Scott Smith was very thorough and very competent. He made the necessary adjustments based on my latest hearing test. I would highly recommend Audibel Ellenton and Scott Smith

Reviewer Profile Photo Gregory Litzo, on Google

My experience included a very informative and well presented diagnosis of my hearing issues.

Reviewer Profile Photo Aaron Judy, on Google

Everyone in the office are both friendly and professional. I would highly recommend.

Reviewer Profile Photo Cheryl Keating, on Google

Great experience! Kristen was great to work with!

Reviewer Profile Photo James Moran, on Google

Great the doctor is always helpful and answers all my questions

Reviewer Profile Photo Russell Dula, on Google

Donnie Limeberry has always been very helpful, very professional, and available when needed. The receptionist is always very nice.

Reviewer Profile Photo Betty Roberts, on Google

Wow I was shocked to see the amount of wax coming out of my ear. Thanks Doctor for your gentle touch.

Reviewer Profile Photo Cynthia Wade, on Google

Haven't received my hearing aids yet but the young woman that did the testing...so much better than any other company I've been to. Personable, knowledgeable, and just very, very good at her job.

Reviewer Profile Photo Mike Charles, on Google

Professional, courteous, and kind

Reviewer Profile Photo Terry D. Saturday, on Google