Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know when it's time to have my hearing tested?

Adults previously undiagnosed with hearing loss should have their hearing screened every five years.

Adults who have been diagnosed with hearing loss should have their hearing tested every two years.

Adults with diagnosed hearing loss who wear hearing aids should have their hearing tested every two years and their hearing aids adjusted to reflect any changes in their hearing.

Adults who wake up with sudden hearing loss should be seen by an audiologist or an ENT that day.

Adults who suffer ear pain from flying should obtain medication to prevent this before departure.

Children and adults who report tinnitus (perception of sound not audible to others) should have their hearing tested promptly.

If you suspect you may be suffering hearing loss, try taking this online hearing test. Then, call our offices to schedule a no-charge consult with one of our clinical audiologists.

2. How long does a hearing test take?

A good hearing test is a thorough hearing test. It should take about one hour. If you have questions, it can take longer. Appalachian Audiology performs all hearing evaluations within a sound booth. The difference between a desktop hearing evaluation and booth testing is accuracy.

3. Can I bring a copy of a recent hearing evaluation performed by a hearing aid dealer or another audiologist?

Yes. Please keep in mind, however, that the state of Tennessee requires a current hearing test in order to be fit with hearing aids. Tennessee defines "current" as within six months.

4. Why do you charge for a hearing test?

It is our experience that those who do not charge for a hearing test are not qualified to be credentialed by health insurance providers. Insurance regulations do not permit us to provide "free" hearing tests while also billing patients for a hearing evaluation. This practice allows us to charge much lower prices for hearing aids instead of inflating hearing instrument costs to cover the expenses of performing "free" hearing evaluations.

5. If I purchase hearing aids, how long will it be until they become obsolete?

Major technological advances in hearing aids do not always apply to all types of hearing loss. You can rest assured that improvements in hearing instruments that impact your particular type of hearing loss typically surface every 3 to 4 years. With the proper care and maintenance of hearing aids, they will usually last 4 to 7 years.

Appalachian Audiology's Green Team Initiatives.

130 Mabry Hood Road, Suite 103   |   Knoxville, TN 37922   |   tel: (865) 357-2334   |   fax: (865) 357-2416