Providing a Full Range of Audiology & Hearing Aid Services in Owensboro

The Hearing Center of Owensboro provides a full range of audiological services, including complete hearing evaluations, tinnitus evaluations, hearing aid consultations, hearing aid customization, and all necessary follow-up care.

We utilize the most up-to-date and sophisticated hearing aid technologies from leading hearing aid manufacturers from around the world.

Our team of Audiologists, Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialists, and support staff attend training annually to provide the latest in hearing healthcare to better serve our clientele.

Convenient Hearing Aid & Hearing Care Services

Services and Treatments

Routine Hearing Check-Ups

Just like your vision, It is important to have your hearing checked every year.

This evaluation is done to determine if a hearing loss is present; and if so, to detail the type and severity of the hearing loss. It also may provide insight into the cause of the hearing loss as well as guide the hearing care professional in making appropriate treatment recommendations.

The hearing test will take approximately 30 minutes. Following the hearing evaluation, our hearing professional will review your test results, discuss options, and answer any questions.

What Tests Will Be Done?

OTOSCOPIC EXAM

Looking in the ear canal to determine if the ear canal is free of earwax or other obstructions, as well as to inspect the condition of the eardrum.

CASE HISTORY

A case history gives us a more complete picture of your general health and hearing issues, including ringing in the ears (tinnitus), noise exposure, or past physical ear issues or surgeries.

Before your hearing test, a medical history will be completed and the hearing care professional will want to hear about any complaints about your hearing.

We will pay special attention to any concerns you have about exposure to noise, tinnitus, and balance issues.

TYMPANOMETRY

Tympanometry is an acoustic evaluation of the middle ear and eardrum. This is done by creating variations of air pressure in the ear canal. Tympanometry is an objective test of middle-ear function.

PURE-TONE AUDIOMETRY

Tones are presented at specific frequencies establishing the softest level of hearing at that frequency. Each ear is tested individually.

BONE CONDUCTION AUDIOMETRY

Bone-conduction testing bypasses the outer and middle ear and directly into the inner ear. This test helps determine the type of hearing loss present.

SPEECH AUDIOMETRY
While pure-tone testing measures your hearing thresholds at specific frequencies, speech recognition testing measures your hearing comprehension.

We use two different tests to accomplish that.

SPEECH RECOGNITION THRESHOLD
Determining the minimum hearing level for speech that is recognizable. These thresholds allow us to establish the level of awareness.

WORD RECOGNITION SCORES
Single-syllable words are presented to see how well you can discriminate one word from another. With hearing loss, speech can be distorted and we need to know what speech sounds you can hear and which ones you are having difficulty with.

Other Hearing Tests May Include:

OTOACOUSTIC EMISSIONS (OAE)
Measures the hair cell function of the inner ear (cochlea). OAE emission refers to the sound generated within the cochlea in response to stimulation.

UNCOMFORTABLE LOUDNESS LEVELS (UCL)
UCLs are used to identify the sound levels that are perceived as “too loud.”

MOST COMFORTABLE LOUDNESS LEVELS (MCL)
MCLs are used to determine the most comfortable volume for speech for an individual.

Please Bring A Family Member or Friend

It is recommended that you bring a family member or friend with you for your hearing test appointment. Most hearing care professionals agree that hearing loss is a family issue that needs to be supported. It helps to have another supportive person at the appointment to help you understand the information and recommendations.

IF YOU NEED HEARING AIDS

The Hearing Center of Owensboro offers hearing aids from the finest hearing aid manufacturers from around the world.

A successful hearing outcome occurs with the integration of advanced hearing aid technology, expert provider programming, with caring follow-up and support services. The team of hearing professionals at The Hearing Center carefully matches your hearing loss, lifestyle, budget, and physical capabilities to recommend the correct hearing aid for you.

Hearing Aid Fitting

Ensuring a Proper Fit

Just like fingerprints, each person’s ear and hearing impairment is unique. The intricacies of auditory function underscore the significance of precise and careful fitting of hearing aids.

The Unique Nature of Hearing

Hearing is a profoundly intricate sense, and no two people experience it the same way. Every individual’s auditory system is distinct, which means that the approach to addressing hearing loss must be tailored to suit each person’s specific needs. An essential aspect of this tailored approach lies in the fitting of hearing aids.

The Essence of a Well-Fitted Hearing Aid

At the heart of an effective hearing aid fitting is the art of harmonizing numerous audio components with the unique characteristics of an individual’s hearing loss. This harmonization process involves an in-depth understanding of factors such as the type, degree, and configuration of the hearing impairment. Achieving a proper fit involves more than merely placing a hearing aid in the ear; it entails meticulous calibration to ensure optimal better hearing support.

Precision through Advanced Fitting Software

Modern technology has bestowed upon us advanced fitting software that serves as a powerful tool in the pursuit of an impeccable hearing aid fitting. This software enables our audiologists and hearing instrument specialists to calibrate hearing aids with unparalleled precision. What sets us apart is our capacity to fine-tune various sound settings while the individual wears the hearing aids. This real-time adjustment is pivotal because, in addition to the uniqueness of each ear, personal preferences for sound quality vary widely.

1. Fine-Tuning Frequencies

The software enables hearing care professionals to fine-tune specific frequencies based on the individual’s hearing profile. This customization ensures that the hearing aid compensates for the frequencies the individual struggles with the most, thus improving overall sound perception.

2. Comfortable Sound Levels

Adjusting sound levels is crucial to prevent discomfort or distortion. The software allows for gradual adjustments to sound levels until the individual finds a comfortable and clear auditory experience.

3. Customization of Settings

Different listening environments require distinct settings. Our fitting software permits customization of hearing aid settings to accommodate varied scenarios, ensuring optimal hearing in quiet settings, noisy environments, restaurants, riding in a car, television, and more.

4. Real-Time Personalization

The ability to fine-tune while the individual wears the hearing aids is revolutionary. It accounts for the dynamic nature of hearing experiences and allows for immediate adjustments to suit the individual’s lifestyle and preferences.

A wide range of technologies and features are available in every hearing aid style.

The cost of hearing aids generally depends on the technology level and feature set of the hearing aid selected and not the style. Modern digital hearing aids are typically offered in various technology levels, such as essential, advanced, premium, or premium plus levels. Within each level, different technologies and features are included.

Essential technology-level hearing aids generally require the user to make some manual sound adjustments in different listening environments, such as adjusting the volume control up or down or pushing a button to change listening programs.

In contrast, a premium or more advanced technology-level hearing aid responds automatically and adjusts itself to changes in the wearer’s environment, making its changes based on the sounds being detected by the hearing aid. Generally, the hearing aid user is not required to make manual changes.

As the level of technology increases in hearing aids, so does the availability of advanced features.

Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Hearing aid manufacturers aids are always looking for ways of making hearing aids better and more useful in people’s lives. Bluetooth technology in hearing aids is a huge leap forward in making it easier for hearing aid wearers to connect to various accessories and other external devices for improved sound quality.

Bluetooth hearing aids are wirelessly connected to televisions and cell phones.

Bluetooth accessories are compatible with many styles of hearing aids, including behind-the-ear (BTE), mini-BTE, in-the-ear, and in-the-canal styles, though each manufacturer provides a different array of products and accessories that are Bluetooth-enabled.

Rechargeable Hearing aids

All hearing aids offered by The Hearing Center are offered as either rechargeable or zinc-air battery-powered options.

Rechargeable lithium-ion hearing aid batteries are built into the hearing aid casing and do not require any maintenance. Rechargeable hearing aids can last upwards of 5 to 7 years and can hold a daily charge of 18-30 hours (depending on streaming use).

Perks of Rechargeable Hearing Aids

Set them and forget them. To begin charging the hearing aids, simply place the hearing aids inside the charger case. The hearing aids will automatically begin to charge.

Rechargeable hearing aids are great for those with reduced dexterity or touch sensitivity. Rechargeable hearing aid batteries do not require any maintenance, this eliminates the need to change small batteries every week or so.

For those who travel or worry about access to outlets/electricity, there are convenient options. All of our hearing aid manufacturers offer travel chargers.

You can also use any USB-compatible charging unit (which can be purchased at most electronic retailers or online).