Frequently Asked Questions

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 aid professional like an audiologist, hearing aid specialist or ENT for an evaluation, consultation and hearing test. Many hearing aid 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 aid professional face to face who specializes in hearing aid 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 Georgia?

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 aid professionals do offer financing plans.

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 aid 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.

Patient Reviews

Read a Few of Our Google Reviews

4.7 out of 5 Stars based on 90 Reviews on Google.

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

I’ve had a few test other places, but no other place has ever given me the information about my Hearing loss Like I received it Audibel DOUGLAS, Georgia. They gave me all the time I needed to ask as many questions as I wanted, and they were very thorough by...

Reviewer Profile Photo wayne murphy, on Google

Audiologist Ben Collins is knowledgeable and personable. The office and staff is very helpful.

Reviewer Profile Photo Ralph Proenza, on Google

Great place to go if you need hearing test done!! Staff was very friendly and caring..Ben Collins went above and beyond to help Jerry finally hear what he had been missing for over 20yrs.Thank you so very much for your patience and understanding in helping US..have a better quality of...

Reviewer Profile Photo Carla Harper, on Google

Highly recommend Ben and the others. They made the process simple from start to finish. Ben explained everything, took his time to make sure I understood, and made getting hearing aids an easy process.

Reviewer Profile Photo Rachel Clement, on Google

I previously had my hearing tested here and was told I had significant high frequency loss. I chose not to do anything at that time. However I found myself in a emergency type situation and Ben went above and beyond and helped me out at a moments notice. I highly...

Reviewer Profile Photo Jimmy Littlejohn, on Google

First time ever getting my hearing examined. Ben put me completely at ease. He explained what he was doing and how it measured my hearing. I always feel better when i understand the process. He was great. Ms. Gwen was great at the front too. Very nice. Top notch operation.

Reviewer Profile Photo Paul Rentz, on Google

Ben was amazing!! He took his time to explain how everything worked and demonstrated the functions so that we understood. He even gave us time to explore and experiment with the new hearing aid ourselves. He was extremely patient and knowledgeable. Overall and most importantly he treated us with respect,...

Reviewer Profile Photo Britt Williams, on Google

Ben is THE BOMB!! He’s been so patient with my mom as she learns how to get her hearing aids in place. She forgets, he reminds. Thank you for your professional service!!!!!

Reviewer Profile Photo Kelly Golden, on Google

Amazing employees!!! Always have a easy going appointment.

Reviewer Profile Photo Sara Welch, on Google

I leaned more about hearing aids, fitting, and tuning, sitting in on my fathers appointment than my last four visits to the VA in Atlanta. Jason is both passionate and talented in his field. Jason noticed my hearing aids continually became dislodged. He correctly fitted the correct size cup for...

Reviewer Profile Photo heath shaw, on Google

We had a really great first visit with Jason. He was cheerful and friendly and very patient with my dad. We’ll likely be moving forward with him!

Reviewer Profile Photo Suzanne, on Google

Awesome friendly service!

Reviewer Profile Photo Marsha Bradley, on Google

Jason is great! Very knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with!

Reviewer Profile Photo lisa bartley, on Google

Everyone was very professional. The receptionist was friendly and helpful. Mr. Murphy explained the process for evaluating my mother's hearing in precise detail. He took time to make sure we understood how the ears work with the brain to process language. When my mother had a medical issue with her...

Reviewer Profile Photo Debbie Riveiro, on Google

Wonderful service! Stop by anytime!

Reviewer Profile Photo Benny Smith, on Google

Jerry and Kerry are so friendly and always helpful. Jerry has been taking care of my hearing loss and fitting me with the exact hearing aids that I need for many years now . I come in every few months for him to check them to be sure everything is...

Reviewer Profile Photo Linda Nall, on Google

Best investment for your quality of life! Jerry and staff are amazing!

Reviewer Profile Photo Sue Harson, on Google

I highly recommend Audibel Hearing. Jerry Carver and Carrie are outstanding. Always ready to answer any questions.

Reviewer Profile Photo Patricia James, on Google

Jerry Carver is the best of the best, every one in office Treats you like family . Go see Mr Jerry you won't regret it. I love my hearing aids!!!

Reviewer Profile Photo Dena Roberson, on Google