Our Services

Diagnostic hearing evaluations at Hearing Care Resources, LLC are performed by a Doctor of Audiology. A complete hearing evaluation is necessary to determine the degree, type and configuration of your hearing loss. Using a variety of tests we will determine your level of detecting and understanding speech. Testing is accomplished in an Audiometric Sound Proof Booth. We evaluate infants through seniors.  Diagnostic evaluations include painless tests that can evaluate the degree of your hearing loss and determine the course of subsequent treatment. Tests may include air conduction, bone conduction, speech testing, tympanograms, and distortion product otoacoustic emissions, as well as auditory brainstem response testing. Your Hearing Care Resources, LLC audiologist will establish your thresholds and medically treatable hearing loss will be ruled out. The results will be reviewed with you and if necessary, the appropriate hearing aid for your needs and your listening environments will be determined

Prior to your diagnostic evaluation, we will take a complete case history asking about your medical health and hearing health history. We will pay special attention to concerns about noise exposure, tinnitus or balance issues.  We ask that you bring a copy of all medications you are taking with you to your appointment.

Diagnostic evaluations are usually covered by most health insurance policies; however a primary physician referral may be required.  Patients are seen on a self referral basis as well.  An office visit at Hearing Care Resources, LLC may or may not be covered by your private insurance. You will be responsible for paying for services if insurance does not cover the services provided to you. Consult your insurance contract and personal physician.

Hearing Aid Selection/Fittings

Once a diagnosis of hearing loss is established, your Audiologist may recommend hearing aids. We offer a large selection of hearing aids from only the largest and most reputable manufacturers. Our ability to choose from different manufacturers assures you that we have your best interest in mind... hearing aids are not one size fits all. We can find a hearing aid with features that are right for your needs and for your budget. Learn more about our hearing aid products ›

Hearing Aid Repairs/Programming

With the purchase of any new hearing aids, programming will be required. We have software which allows us to work with and accurately program all leading manufacturer's hearing aids. Multiple programming visits should be expected to maximize your hearing aid performance. These programming visits are included in the initial cost of your hearing aid from our office. Should your hearing aid need repair we offer a comprehensive in-house laboratory. Our ability to repair your hearing aid in-house means less inconvenience for you. Should a problem arise which we cannot fix, all of our hearing aids come with manufacturer’s warranties. After your manufacturer warranty expires we are happy to offer extended manufacturers warranty packages on all hearing aids. Major hearing aid repairs are sent directly to the manufacturer.

Hearing Care Resources, LLC offers diverse selection of custom and non-custom hearing aids from leading manufacturers including Oticon, Sonic Innovations, Phonak, Siemens, Widex and Resound. Working with you, your audiologist can determine the best solution to fit your needs and your budget. A 45 day trial period with amplification is standard in this field. If you are not satisfied after the allotted period of time, you may return the hearing aid(s) for a refund, minus professional service fees.

Common Tests and Procedures

Cerumen Removal/Ear Cleanings

We offer earwax (cerumen) removal for those with excessive wax or debris. Depending on the degree of impaction, curettes, picks, or suctioning may be implemented to clean your ears.

Middle Ear Evaluations

Tympanometry testing is completed to determine if a middle ear problem may be contributing to your hearing loss. Tympanometry is a measure of the stiffness of the eardrum. This test can be helpful in detecting fluid in the middle ear, negative middle ear pressure, disruption of the ossicles (three small bones of the middle ear), and tympanic membrane perforation.

Acoustic Reflex Testing

This test consists of subjecting the ear to a loud sound to see if it causes the stapedius muscle to tighten the stapes. A test of these reflexes is mainly useful as a crude but non-subjective method of evaluating hearing, as the stapes should tighten for a given level of perceived loudness. Absence or elevation of these reflexes can be a sign of brainstem dysfunction.

Important information to know
before your hearing test:

Having your spouse, significant other or family member present for your appointment is often helpful.  During your initial appointment, your audiologist will discuss your medical history with you as well as your history of hearing loss in general.  You may be asked questions about noise exposure, medications you are taking, any ear surgeries you may have had, any diseases of the ear that you have or had, and hereditary factors.  It may be helpful to bring notes with you to make sure that you cover everything comprehensively before the hearing test begins.

Upon completion of this discussion, your hearing will be tested with a series of several different tests to gauge different aspects of hearing loss.  Procedures for adults usually include visual inspection of the ears, tests of middle ear function and acoustic reflexes, detection thresholds for tones and measures of speech thresholds and speech recognition.

Following testing, your results are interpreted by your audiologist and will be discussed with you.  Based upon degree and type of hearing loss detected, recommendations are made regarding medical follow-up, hearing aids, and hearing protection.  If you are interested in learning more about hearing aids, additional appointments can be scheduled.  Once hearing loss is detected, annual reevaluations of hearing are recommended to monitor any possible changes.

If you are experiencing pain, ear drainage, or dizziness, before you have a hearing test administered, it is important to first visit your physician to find out if there is a medical cause.  Your physician will be able to assess your situation and may be able to treat your underlying issues, such as an ear infection, a blockage with wax, or even a hole in your eardrum.  Once any medical issues have been evaluated your physician may request further evaluation of the hearing mechanism with a hearing evaluation to determine if the cause of your hearing loss is medically treatable.  If our evaluation determines that you could potentially benefit from a hearing aid we will request medical clearance from your physician for you to pursue hearing aid fitting to treat your loss.

Your insurance may cover part or all of the cost of testing.  You should speak with your insurer to get confirmation of coverage.  Bring insurance cards and photo ID to the appointment with the audiologist to be copied for your records. (A referral order from your Physician is often required to submit for insurance purposes). Request a referral to Hearing Care Resources, LLC prior to your appointment.