Roberts Hearing Clinic provides expert hearing care to help you stay connected to the sounds that matter most. From comprehensive hearing evaluations to advanced hearing aid solutions, our Alexandria, LA audiologists are here to support your hearing health with personalized care.
Hearing Services in Alexandria, LA
Hearing Evaluations
Your journey to better hearing begins with a thorough assessment. Our audiologists use state-of-the-art testing to identify hearing loss and create customized solutions that fit your lifestyle.
Which hearing test is the best?
The best hearing test depends on your specific needs. A comprehensive hearing evaluation conducted by an audiologist is the most accurate way to assess your hearing. Common tests include:
- Pure-tone audiometry – Measures your ability to hear different pitches and volumes.
- Speech audiometry – Assesses how well you understand speech at various sound levels.
- Tympanometry – Evaluates middle ear function and detects fluid buildup, infections, or eardrum issues.
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing – Checks inner ear function, often used for newborns and children.
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing – Measures how the brain processes sound, typically used for neurological evaluations.
A professional hearing test provides the most reliable diagnosis and helps determine the best treatment options.
Can I test my own hearing?
You can do a basic self-check by paying attention to signs of hearing loss, such as:
- Struggling to hear in noisy environments
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Turning up the volume on the TV or phone
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched voices
There are also smartphone apps and hearing test kits that provide a general idea of your hearing ability. However, these are not a substitute for a professional hearing evaluation and may not detect all types of hearing loss. If you suspect hearing problems, an audiologist can perform a thorough assessment to determine the best course of action.
Are online hearing tests any good?
Online hearing tests can be a helpful starting point, but they have limitations. They typically measure your ability to hear certain tones through headphones or speakers, but they cannot:
- Diagnose the type or severity of hearing loss
- Assess speech comprehension or middle ear function
- Identify underlying medical conditions that may affect hearing
Since background noise, device quality, and calibration can affect results, online tests should only be used for a general screening. If an online test suggests hearing difficulties, it’s best to schedule a professional hearing evaluation with an audiologist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized solutions.
Diagnostic Services
We provide in-depth diagnostic testing to evaluate hearing health and detect any underlying conditions. Our team ensures precise results and guides you toward the best treatment options.
What are audiology diagnostic services, and why are they important?
Audiology diagnostic services include a range of tests used to assess hearing ability, ear health, and balance function. These evaluations help identify hearing loss, tinnitus, middle ear issues, and other auditory conditions. Accurate diagnosis allows audiologists to recommend the best treatment, whether it’s hearing aids, medical intervention, or specialized therapy.
What types of diagnostic tests are performed during a hearing evaluation?
A comprehensive hearing evaluation may include:
- Pure-tone audiometry – Measures the softest sounds you can hear at different frequencies.
- Speech audiometry – Evaluates how well you hear and understand speech in quiet and noisy environments.
- Tympanometry – Tests middle ear function to detect fluid buildup, infections, or eardrum issues.
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) – Assesses inner ear function, often used for newborns and young children.
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR) – Evaluates how the brain processes sound, used for neurological assessments.
These tests help determine the type and severity of hearing loss and guide treatment options.
When should I get a diagnostic hearing test?
You should consider a diagnostic hearing test if you experience:
- Difficulty hearing conversations, especially in noisy settings
- Frequent ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus)
- Muffled sounds or a sensation of fullness in the ears
- Sudden or gradual hearing loss
- Dizziness or balance issues
If you notice any of these symptoms, scheduling a hearing evaluation with an audiologist can help identify any hearing-related conditions and provide appropriate solutions.
Tinnitus Evaluations and Treatment
If you experience ringing or buzzing in your ears, our tinnitus evaluations can help determine the cause. We offer effective treatment options, including sound therapy and management strategies, to provide long-term relief.
Should I go to an audiologist for tinnitus?
Yes, an audiologist is one of the best professionals to help with tinnitus. If you’re experiencing ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other phantom sounds in your ears, an audiologist can:
- Conduct a tinnitus evaluation to determine potential causes.
- Check for underlying hearing loss, which is often linked to tinnitus.
- Provide treatment options such as sound therapy, hearing aids with tinnitus masking, and relaxation techniques.
- Offer coping strategies to help manage the effects of tinnitus on your daily life.
If tinnitus is interfering with your sleep, focus, or emotional well-being, seeing an audiologist can help you find relief and improve your quality of life.
Is tinnitus a brain problem?
Although tinnitus originates in the ears, it is often considered a neurological issue involving the brain’s auditory system. When the brain no longer receives certain sound signals due to hearing loss or ear damage, it may compensate by creating its own noise, which we perceive as tinnitus.
Because tinnitus is linked to brain activity, stress levels, and auditory processing, treatments focus on reducing perception rather than eliminating the sound completely. Techniques like sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and hearing aids can help the brain adjust and minimize tinnitus awareness.
What happens if tinnitus is not treated?
While tinnitus itself is not dangerous, leaving it unmanaged can lead to:
- Increased stress, anxiety, or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
- Worsening hearing problems if linked to untreated hearing loss
- Emotional distress, including frustration, depression, or social withdrawal
Ignoring tinnitus may make it feel more persistent and disruptive over time. Seeking professional help can help you better manage symptoms and prevent it from interfering with your daily life.
Hearing Aid Services
From choosing the right hearing aid to ongoing maintenance, we provide expert support every step of the way. Our services include fittings, adjustments, cleanings, and repairs to keep your hearing aids working at their best.
Hearing Aid Fittings
A well-fitted hearing aid ensures comfort and optimal sound quality. We customize your device for a seamless and natural listening experience, tailored to your specific hearing needs.
How long does it take to get fitted for a hearing aid?
The hearing aid fitting process typically takes about one to two hours. During this appointment, the audiologist will adjust the settings to match your hearing needs, ensure a comfortable fit, and teach you how to use and maintain your device. If a custom earmold is required, it may take an additional one to two weeks to be made before your final fitting. Follow-up visits are often scheduled to fine-tune the device for optimal performance.
How does an audiologist fit a hearing aid?
An audiologist fits a hearing aid through a step-by-step process to ensure the best sound quality and comfort:
- Programming the device – The audiologist adjusts the hearing aid settings based on your hearing test results.
- Ensuring proper fit – The hearing aid is placed in your ear and adjusted for a secure and comfortable fit.
- Real-ear measurement (REM) – A small microphone measures how sound is amplified inside your ear canal, ensuring the device delivers the right level of amplification.
- Testing and fine-tuning – You will listen to different sounds and speech to ensure clarity and comfort.
- Providing instructions – The audiologist will show you how to insert, remove, clean, and maintain your hearing aids.
- Scheduling follow-up adjustments – Additional visits may be needed to make further refinements based on your real-world listening experience.
Can you get a hearing aid without a test?
Yes, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are available without a hearing test, but they are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss and do not offer the same level of customization as prescription hearing aids.
A professional hearing test ensures that you receive the right hearing aid for your specific needs. An audiologist can determine the type and severity of your hearing loss, program the device for optimal clarity, and rule out any medical conditions that may be affecting your hearing. If you’re unsure about your hearing needs, scheduling an evaluation with an audiologist is the best way to get the right solution.
Hearing Aid Repair
If your hearing aid isn’t functioning properly, our team provides fast and effective repairs. Whether it’s a simple adjustment or a more complex issue, we’re here to help.
What are common problems that require hearing aid repair?
Hearing aids can develop issues over time. Some common problems include:
- No sound or low volume – May be due to a clogged wax filter, battery issues, or internal component failure.
- Distorted or muffled sound – Can result from moisture buildup, microphone damage, or speaker problems.
- Whistling or feedback noise – Often caused by a poor fit, earwax buildup, or malfunctioning components.
- Physical damage – Cracked casings, broken battery doors, or loose parts may need professional repair.
How long does it take to repair a hearing aid?
The repair time depends on the issue. Simple fixes, like replacing a wax filter or cleaning the device, can often be done in-office within minutes. More complex repairs, such as internal component replacements, may require sending the hearing aid to the manufacturer, which can take several days to a few weeks.
Can I fix my hearing aid at home?
Some minor issues can be addressed at home, such as:
- Replacing the battery
- Cleaning the microphone, wax filter, and tubing
- Checking volume settings and ensuring proper fit
- Using a hearing aid dehumidifier to remove moisture
However, if the hearing aid still isn’t working properly, do not attempt to open or repair internal components yourself. This can cause further damage. Instead, consult your audiologist or hearing aid provider for professional repair.
Hearing Protection
Protecting your hearing is just as important as treating hearing loss. At Roberts Hearing Clinic, we offer custom hearing protection for musicians, hunters, industrial workers, and anyone exposed to loud noise. Whether you need earplugs for concerts or in-ear monitors for work, we’ll help you find the perfect fit to keep your hearing safe-without sacrificing sound quality or comfort.
Why should I use hearing protection?
Loud sounds can damage your hearing over time, and once it’s gone, it can’t be reversed. Hearing protection helps reduce the risk of permanent hearing loss.
Are custom earplugs better than store-bought ones?
Yes. Custom earplugs are molded to your ears, so they fit better, feel more comfortable, and block out noise more effectively.
Can I still hear people talking with earplugs in?
Yes! Some earplugs are made to reduce harmful noise while still letting you hear speech clearly, which is perfect for work or social settings.
