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 4434 Reviews on Google.

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

Very prompt on appointment time, with through service. Great at walking through the features of the devices and covering the regular maintenance and cleaning. All updates and instructions completed quickly and I was on my way!

Reviewer Profile Photo Bruce Collins, on Google

I have been coming here for many years, largely due to the professionalism and kindness of your employee Ashley Smiles. She has taken wonderful care of me and I have enjoyed good hearing due to her diligence and care. I would recommend this Audible office to anyone wanting to have...

Reviewer Profile Photo Peggy Carmichael, on Google

We always appreciate the thoroughness of the testing and exceptional care that both my husband and I receive at Audibel. Our audiologist Dalton Dagostino, takes time to explain test results and discuss our needs. We feel fortunate to have met Dalton and appreciate his warmth and expertise.

Reviewer Profile Photo P Cossette, on Google

Christen was exceptionally good explaining everything and performing several tests in order to make a diagnosis of my hearing loss condition.

Reviewer Profile Photo Jose Parrilla, on Google

Excellent

Reviewer Profile Photo Dr. Christopher Bonham, on Google

My experience was good but I have decided not to follow through with the order. Called to cancel and was refused but I made it clear that I am not paying a cent for anything in the future.

Reviewer Profile Photo Angela Phillips, on Google

Always pleasant and good service since I changed my hearing serviceI i have so much better care

Reviewer Profile Photo dorothy hays, on Google

I cannot tell you how wonderful they are at this office. They helped my mother for 20+ years. And when she got into her 90s, it was so great to be able to go to someone that we trusted and could help her with her hearing. I highly recommend.

Reviewer Profile Photo Katherine Thalheimer, on Google

Great professional service, Ashley is the best.

Reviewer Profile Photo Richard Ellis, on Google

This practice is customer service oriented! I feel I am part of a family. Education and options are provided. No pressure to purchase. Follow up is thorough, professional and efficient. The front office staff are the best!

Reviewer Profile Photo geraldine wyche, on Google

They are always helpful, keep me going straight.

Reviewer Profile Photo David Gardner, on Google

On the recommendation of a family member, I brought my 86 year old mother to the hearing center for her first pair of hearing aids. Keith was amazing! He was so kind and patient with my mother, he answered all of our questions, and we left there feeling confident with...

Reviewer Profile Photo Maria Lyza, on Google

Staff is extremely thorough and helpful. They are never hurried to get you out and fine tune the aids each visit.

Reviewer Profile Photo buzz, on Google

Extremely pleasant atmosphere. Both employees at the desk were very nice and personable. James was wonderful with John and me. John was tested and amazed at the amount of hearing loss he had. Would recommend this practice to anyone.

Reviewer Profile Photo Meg Savage, on Google

Was not happy with my appointment she Sunday even check my hearing

Reviewer Profile Photo Jean Hawkins, on Google

Great people to work with. Very patient with customer.

Reviewer Profile Photo Harry Sweet, on Google

Wonderful staff. Very professional and happy to assist.

Reviewer Profile Photo Ann Thomas, on Google

EVERYTHING was TOP NOTCH… from the front desk attendant / receptionist to the actual hearing aid specialist. Very pleased.

Reviewer Profile Photo David B Miller, on Google

James Cunningham from the Inverness store has been our hearing aid specialist since we went to check on getting hearing aids. He is very knowledgeable in the aids , testing, and his recommendations that is helpful for us.

Reviewer Profile Photo Pauline Hibbard, on Google

A young lady named "April" helped me today. She repaired my hearing back to 100 percent. Thank you April,

Reviewer Profile Photo Jack Westerman, on Google