Hearing health affects how you connect with family, follow a conversation at dinner, and stay safe on the road. Abilene Audiology Co. created this page to answer the questions patients ask most about hearing health, hearing loss, and hearing care.
Why Trust an Audiologist With Your Hearing Health
Hearing loss develops gradually for most people, which makes it easy to miss until it affects daily life. An audiologist is trained to catch changes early and tell the difference between issues that need medical treatment and issues that call for a hearing device.
Dr. Kelsey May, Au.D., and Dr. Steven Hamlett, Au.D., lead care at Abilene Audiology Co.
Dr. Hamlett completed his undergraduate degree at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center before earning his Doctorate in Audiology from Lamar University, and he is also a state-licensed Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and a member of the Texas Academy of Audiology.
Dr. May earned her Doctorate in Audiology from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, holds state licensure, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology with the Certification of Clinical Competence.
Hearing Health FAQs
How do I know if I have hearing loss?
Common signs include asking people to repeat themselves, turning the TV volume higher than others prefer, and struggling to follow conversations in restaurants or groups. If two or more of these sound familiar, a hearing evaluation will give you a clear answer.
What happens during a hearing test at Abilene Audiology Co.?
A hearing test includes an ear exam, tympanometry to check eardrum movement, and pure-tone audiometry to measure the softest sounds you can detect at each pitch. Speech testing follows, showing how well you understand words rather than just tones.
How often should I get my hearing checked?
Adults age 50 and older should schedule a baseline hearing test and repeat it every one to two years. Anyone with noise exposure, ringing in the ears, or a family history of hearing loss should test sooner, regardless of age.
Can hearing loss be reversed?
Sensorineural hearing loss, the most common type, results from damage to the inner ear and cannot be reversed, though hearing aids restore access to sound effectively. Conductive hearing loss, caused by fluid or earwax blockage, is treatable and can improve fully once the cause is removed.
What causes tinnitus, and can it be treated?
Tinnitus, the perception of ringing or buzzing with no outside source, is commonly linked to noise exposure, hearing loss, or changes in the auditory nerve. Abilene Audiology Co. offers tinnitus management plans that combine sound therapy, hearing aid features, and counseling to reduce its impact.
Are online hearing tests as accurate as a professional evaluation?
Online and app-based hearing tests are not conducted in a sound-treated environment, so background noise and headphone quality can skew results. A licensed audiologist uses calibrated equipment and controlled conditions, which is the only way to get a diagnosis you can act on.
What is the difference between an audiologist and a hearing instrument specialist?
An audiologist holds a doctoral degree and is trained to diagnose and treat the full range of hearing and balance disorders, not just fit devices. A hearing instrument specialist is licensed to test hearing and sell hearing aids, but does not have the same medical training or scope of diagnosis.
Does insurance or Medicare cover hearing tests and hearing aids in Texas?
Diagnostic hearing tests are frequently covered by Medicare Part B and private insurance when ordered for a medical reason. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids themselves, though some Medicare Advantage plans and private insurers offer partial coverage, so our team verifies your specific benefits before you commit to a device.
How can I protect my hearing from noise damage?
Limit exposure to sounds above 85 decibels, wear custom hearing protection during loud activities like hunting or lawn work, and give your ears recovery time after concerts or machinery use. Abilene Audiology Co. fits custom earplugs designed for your ear shape and the specific noise you encounter.
What are the signs my child might have hearing loss?
Delayed speech development, inconsistent responses to their name, and turning up the device volume higher than expected are common signs in children. Pediatric hearing loss responds best to early intervention, so testing should happen as soon as a concern arises.
How long do hearing aids last, and when should I upgrade?
Most hearing aids last five to seven years with proper care, cleaning, and regular maintenance visits. Upgrading sooner makes sense if your hearing has changed, the device no longer performs well, or newer technology would meaningfully improve your daily listening.
Take the Next Step for Your Hearing Health
Your hearing health deserves more than guesswork, and the right first step starts with a licensed audiologist who knows your history and your goals.
Abilene Audiology Co. serves patients in Abilene and Brownwood, TX, with comprehensive hearing tests, hearing aid fitting, tinnitus care, and custom hearing protection.