Audiology (Hearing)

If you're experiencing hearing loss, dizziness or balance issues, our team of audiology experts can help. They specialize in ear issues for all ages and can help improve communication and quality of life.

Find out more about our audiology services:

• Conditions and consultations
• Diagnosis and treatments
• Audiology specialists
• Referrals
• FAQ
• Audiology locations near you
• Audiology specialists near you

Conditions and consultations

Our audiologists provide consultations and a personalized treatment plan.

Conditions we treat include:

• Balance disorders. Balance problems are conditions that make you feel unsteady or dizzy. While standing, sitting or laying down, you might feel as if you're moving, spinning or floating. While walking, you might suddenly feel unsteady. Most balance problems result from issues in the inner ear.
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the sudden sensation that you're spinning or that the inside of your head is spinning. It causes brief episodes of mild to intense dizziness and is usually triggered by specific changes in the position of your head.
• Dizziness. Dizziness ranges from fleeting faintness to a severe balance disorder — making normal functioning difficult or impossible. It may feel like lightheadedness, unsteadiness in balance or a false sense that your surroundings are spining or moving. It typically is temporary.
• Earwax blockage (cerumen). Earwax blockage occurs when earwax, also known as cerumen, accumulates in your ear or becomes too hard to wash away naturally. Although earwax is a helpful and natural part of a body's defense, it can build up and cause earaches, ringing or decreased hearing.
• Hearing loss. Hearing loss occurs gradually as you age and is common. For those older than 65, the number of people affected is almost 1 in 2. Aging, chronic exposure to loud noises, or excessive earwax can prevent your ears from conducting sounds as well as they should.
• Tinnitus. Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. Although it is a common problem, it isn't a condition itself — it's a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury or a circulatory system disorder. It can improve with treatment.

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Diagnosis and treatments

We specialize in diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting your hearing.

Treatments we provide include:

• Aural rehabilitation
• Auditory processing evaluations
• Bone anchored hearing appliance (BAHA) evaluation and fitting
• Behavioral and electrophysiological hearing/audiological evaluations
• Cochlear implants
• Dispense, service and repair listening devices (limited locations)
• Earplug evaluation and fitting for musicians, hunters and shooters, swimmers and noise protection
• Hearing aid/assistive listening device evaluation and fitting
• Hearing rehabilitation
• Newborn screening follow up
• Tinnitus assessment and management
• Vestibular or balance evaluation and management
• Videonystagmography

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Audiology specialists

Our experienced team of audiologists have specialized training to determine appropriate treatment by reviewing your history and performing specialized auditory and balance assessments.

Our specialists include:

• Audiologists

Find audiology specialists near you.

Additional care and therapies may be provided by:

• Otorhinolaryngology (ENT/Head and Neck Surgery)
• Speech-Language Therapy

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Referrals

A referral may be required depending on your need. Call the appointment number of your preferred Audiology location to learn more.

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FAQ

How do I know if I have hearing loss?

You might have hearing loss if you've experienced:

• Muffled quality of speech and other sounds
• Difficulty understanding words, especially in a crowd of people or against background noise
• Asking others to speak more loudly and clearly
• Needing to turn up the volume on the television or radio
• Wanting to withdraw from conversations
• Avoiding social settings

What should I bring for my first appointment?

For your first appointment, bring your current prescription information or medical records from non-Mayo Clinic Health System facilities. Complete a medical records release form (PDF) to authorize the transfer of health records from another healthcare facility to us. Visit our Medical Record Forms page for this form and other forms in multiple languages.

What style of hearing aid should I get?

There are various styles of hearing aids, such as completely in the canal, in the canal, in the ear, behind the ear, open fit, or with the receiver in the canal or ear. Hearing aids vary in price, size, special features and the way they are placed in the ear. You and your audiologist will work together to find the best fit for your individual hearing needs.

What are helpful tips I should know about using my hearing aids?

• Hearing aids won't restore your hearing to normal but can improve your hearing by amplifying soft sounds.
• Allow for time to get used to wearing your new hearing aid. The more you wear them, the quicker you will adjust to them.
• Practice using your hearing aid in new environments because sounds are different in different places.
• Seek support from family and friends to help determine success in your new hearing aid.
• Follow up with your audiologist for an appointment within your 60-day adjustment period.

How do I know if my newborn has hearing loss?

Newborns often have a hearing screening shortly after birth to test their sensory responses. If additional screening is noted, your provider will refer your child to have a more in-depth newborn hearing evaluation. Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent delays in learning abilities as your child grows.

What are my payment options, and do you offer financial assistance?

Visit the billing page of your preferred location for information on insurance, billing and payments.

We serve patients in difficult financial circumstances and offer financial assistance to those who have an established need to receive medically necessary services. Learn more about financial assistance options.

Can you provide a second opinion?

Yes — call the appointment number at your preferred Audiology location. See What should I bring for my first appointment? for tips on how to prepare.

Where can I find more information for hearing concerns?

Learn more about hearing and balance:

• American Academy of Audiology
• American Speech Language Hearing Association
• American Tinnitus Association
• Mayo Clinic
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Cochlear Implants
• Wisconsin Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Professional Association

Do you have an after-hours number in case of emergency?

Always call 911 in case of an emergency. For after-hours help with other issues, get virtual care 24/7 through the Primary Care On Demand app or review our convenient care options.

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Explore locations or providers near you for details on high-quality audiology care: