Lubbock
First-Time Patients FAQ
Welcome! We know your first visit can feel overwhelming, so here’s what to expect and how to prepare.
Bring your photo ID, insurance card, a list of medications, and any hearing aids, or prior test results you may have. This helps us give you the most accurate evaluation.
Most patients do not need a referral. Some insurance plans require it, but we can check for you ahead of time.
Your audiologist will:
- Talk with you about your hearing history, lifestyle, and any concerns
- Examine your ears and perform a comprehensive hearing test
- Review your results and discuss personalized options, including hearing aids, tinnitus management, or earwax care
Expect your first visit to take about 60-75 minutes, giving us plenty of time to answer your questions.
Not at all! All testing is painless, and our providers will explain every step. We want your experience to be calm, informative, and friendly.
Only a professional hearing evaluation can determine this. After testing, your audiologist will review your options, which may include hearing aids, therapy for tinnitus, or just monitoring your hearing.
Many first-time patients feel nervous, and that’s okay! We take time to answer questions, show you equipment, and walk you through every step so you feel confident and comfortable.
Hearing Tests & Evaluations FAQ
Your audiologist will begin by discussing your hearing history, lifestyle, and any concerns. Then we perform a comprehensive hearing evaluation, which may include:
- Looking inside your ears (otoscopy)
- Air and bone conduction testing
- Speech understanding testing
- Middle ear measurements (tympanometry)
Afterward, your results are reviewed in detail and personalized recommendations are provided. Most evaluations take 60-75 minutes.
No. Hearing evaluations are completely painless and non-invasive. The equipment is designed to be comfortable for all ages
We recommend testing every 1–2 years for adults, or sooner if you notice:
- Difficulty following conversations
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears
- Increased TV or phone volume
- Fatigue from listening
Yes! We offer pediatric hearing evaluations tailored to different ages, from infants to teenagers, using age-appropriate testing methods.
Let us know! Early detection helps prevent further challenges and ensures the best care, whether it’s adjustments, hearing aids, or monitoring.
Hearing Aids & Treatment Options FAQ
Often, yes. Hearing loss typically affects both ears, even if one seems worse. Two hearing aids help with:
- Understanding speech in noisy environments
- Localizing where sounds are coming from
- Reducing listening fatigue
Your audiologist will make personalized recommendations based on your hearing test.
We offer a wide selection of hearing aids from top brands, including styles that are behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, or receiver-in-canal. Because we are independent, we recommend what’s best for your hearing, not what’s in stock.
Most patients adjust within a few days to a few weeks, and follow-up visits help with comfort, sound clarity, and fine-tuning.
Yes! Many modern hearing aids include tinnitus management features like masking or sound therapy to reduce awareness of ringing.
Yes. We can often adjust, clean, and troubleshoot devices from other providers, ensuring your hearing aids continue working well.
Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears) FAQ
Tinnitus is ringing, buzzing, humming, or hissing in the ears when no outside sound is present. It often accompanies hearing loss.
Yes! We provide:
- Tinnitus questionnaires and history review
- Hearing tests and pitch-matching
- Counseling and education
- Sound therapy and masking strategies
It varies. Some people experience temporary tinnitus, while others have chronic symptoms. Management strategies can reduce awareness and improve quality of life.
Yes! Reducing stress, improving sleep, and protecting your ears from loud noise can sometimes lessen tinnitus perception.
Definitely. Audiologists can evaluate underlying hearing loss, provide personalized tinnitus management, and track improvements over time.
Earwax (Cerumen) FAQ
Yes! We provide safe, professional earwax removal performed by trained providers.
Not usually. Earwax protects your ear canal, but excess buildup can cause:
- Hearing difficulty
- Tinnitus
- Discomfort or infection risk
- Hearing aid problems
We use safe, clinical methods, choosing the technique based on your ear health and the type of wax present.
We do not recommend cotton swabs or home syringing—they can push wax deeper or injure the ear. Professional removal is safest.
It depends. Some patients need occasional cleanings, especially hearing aid users or those with excessive wax. Your provider will advise you.
Dizziness & Vertigo (BPPV) FAQ
Yes! We evaluate and treat Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), the most common cause of positional dizziness.
BPPV occurs when tiny crystals in the inner ear become displaced, causing brief spinning sensations with head movements.
Through specific repositioning maneuvers, often providing relief quickly. Your audiologist will guide you safely through the process.
Sometimes, yes. Your audiologist will teach you exercises and provide guidance to reduce recurrence.
Yes. We can determine if vertigo is BPPV or refer for further testing if another cause is suspected.
Insurance & Appointments FAQ
We accept most major plans and can verify your benefits during your appointment.
Yes. We provide flexible financing options to make hearing care accessible.
You can schedule online or by phone. Our team is happy to answer questions and help you choose the best time.
Photo ID, insurance card, list of medications, and any prior hearing aids or test results.
We understand life happens! Please contact us as soon as possible to reschedule.
Veterans & Community Care FAQ
We are honored to provide hearing care to our nation’s veterans. Here’s what you need to know. Learn more about VA Community Care here!
Yes! We provide care through the VA Community Care Network under the MISSION Act. Eligible veterans can receive audiology services and hearing aids at no cost.
The MISSION Act allows eligible veterans to receive care outside the VA when:
- Specialty services aren’t available locally
- Travel distance to the VA is difficult
- There’s a long wait time for care
Absolutely. Veterans receive:
- Comprehensive hearing evaluations
- Hearing aid consultations and fittings
- Tinnitus management
- Earwax removal and other routine audiology care
Eligible veterans receive covered services at no cost, including hearing aids and follow-up care. Our team will help make the process smooth and transparent.