Services
Cary Audiology 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 audiologists are here to support your hearing health with personalized care.
Hearing Evaluations
At Cary Audiology, your journey to better hearing begins with a complete evaluation. Our audiologists use advanced testing to determine how well you hear in different environments and to uncover any underlying issues. This thorough process allows us to create customized recommendations designed to fit your needs, lifestyle, and goals.
The “best” hearing test depends on your situation. A full evaluation with an audiologist is the most accurate way to measure hearing ability. Common tests include:
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Pure-tone audiometry
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Speech audiometry
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Tympanometry
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Otoacoustic emissions (OAE)
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Auditory brainstem response (ABR)
These tests together provide the most reliable diagnosis and help guide the right treatment.
You may notice warning signs of hearing loss on your own—turning up the TV, asking people to repeat themselves, or struggling in noisy settings. Apps and online tools can give you a rough idea, but they aren’t a substitute for professional testing. Only a licensed audiologist can provide a precise diagnosis and ensure that any hearing difficulty isn’t linked to a medical issue.
Online tests can be a helpful first step, but they are limited. They typically measure whether you can hear certain tones, but they cannot evaluate speech clarity, diagnose the type of loss, or detect medical conditions. Results can also vary depending on your device or background noise. If you’re concerned about your hearing, schedule an in-person evaluation for an accurate, personalized assessment.
Tinnitus Evaluation
Tinnitus is commonly referred to as “ringing in the ears.” It is a perception of sound without an actual external source. Tinnitus is not limited to “ringing” as it can also manifest as a roaring, buzzing, clicking, or buzzing sound.
Tinnitus is more of a symptom than a disease, and since it involves the perception of sound, it is commonly linked to the hearing system. During a tinnitus evaluation, we will take a medical background check to help identify the severity of symptoms.
Common diagnostic hearing evaluations for tinnitus include Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) and an assessment of your middle ear. We will also perform hearing tests to determine the pitch and loudness of your tinnitus.
Once we get the results and identify the possible cause and severity of your tinnitus, we can then start with symptom management. In most cases, patients will not need any medical treatment for their tinnitus.
However, for patients who are greatly affected by tinnitus, we may recommend some masking techniques with the help of hearing aids, sound maskers, or similar devices. If hearing loss is identified, hearing aids can be recommended to help with hearing while additionally providing tinnitus relief.
Earwax Removal
Earwax is a natural body secretion whose main purpose is to lubricate and protect the ears from dirt, bacteria, and other foreign objects. Contrary to the common notion, earwax does not have to be cleaned out every day. You can clean the outer ears with a soft cloth or towel, but earwax generally does not require maintenance.
When the body produces too much earwax, then it can be bothersome. Impacted earwax can cause itchiness, muffled hearing, tinnitus, or even vertigo. In these cases, a visit to an audiologist is necessary so that an ear checkup can be performed.
Professional earwax removal using the right tools and techniques is the safest way to get rid of earwax. Using cotton buds, ear candles, or other sharp instruments is highly discouraged because it may only push the wax deeper into the ear canal and cause further complications.
Hearing Aid Fittings
A precise fitting makes all the difference. We program each device to your unique hearing needs, test the fit for comfort, and use real-ear measurement technology to confirm that sound levels are exactly where they should be. Follow-up visits are included to fine-tune performance as you adjust.
Most fittings take one to two hours. If a custom earmold is needed, the process may extend by a week or two. After your initial fitting, we schedule check-ins to make sure your hearing aids continue to meet your needs.
Over-the-counter hearing aids exist, but they are only suitable for adults with mild to moderate loss. A professional hearing test ensures your device is customized for your hearing profile, rules out medical concerns, and provides the best chance for long-term success.
Hearing Aid Repair
Even high-quality hearing aids need maintenance. At Cary Audiology, we provide fast and effective repair services, from quick in-office cleanings to more complex manufacturer repairs.
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Weak or no sound
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Distorted or muffled audio
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Whistling or feedback
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Physical damage or broken parts
Minor issues can often be fixed the same day in our office. More advanced repairs may require sending your device to the manufacturer and can take a few days to a few weeks.
Some problems (like replacing batteries, cleaning filters, or drying out moisture) can be handled at home. But for anything more complex, it’s best to see a professional to avoid further damage.
Real Ear Measurement
As part of our goal to provide the best possible hearing care, we use real-ear measurement testing to verify that the hearing aids prescribed to our patients are accurately programmed. Through real ear measurement, we can confidently boost the chance of success and ensure that you are getting the most out of your hearing device.
Regular programming and adjustments are part of hearing aid maintenance. Cary Audiology offers real ear measurements not only during the first hearing aid fitting but also during follow-up appointments.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss Treatment
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the cells of the inner ear get damaged. Noise exposure and genetics are the most common causes of sensorineural hearing loss. This is the most common form of permanent hearing loss.
Can sensorineural hearing loss be fixed?
Surgery and medication can not repair the damage caused by sensorineural hearing loss. However, surgery can bypass the damaged cells. Hearing aids are the primary treatment to address sensorineural hearing loss. In some cases, cochlear implants or bone-anchored hearing aids may be an alternative.
Meniere’s Disease Treatment
Meniere’s disease affects the inner ear and can lead to hearing loss, dizzy spells, vertigo, or tinnitus. Generally, Meniere’s disease affects only one ear. Meniere’s disease is usually linked to an imbalance of the fluid in the inner ear. Therefore, diuretics are the most commonly prescribed medication for Meniere’s disease.
For Meniere’s disease with hearing loss, hearing aids may be recommended.
Hearing Protection
Protecting your hearing is just as important as restoring it. At Cary Audiology, we offer custom-fit solutions for every lifestyle:
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For Musicians – Custom earplugs and in-ear monitors that lower volume without distorting music.
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For Hunters – Electronic earplugs that block harmful gunfire while letting you hear your surroundings.
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For Workers – Industrial-strength protection that safeguards your ears in loud environments.
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For Everyday Use – Comfortable, custom plugs for swimming, travel, or general noise protection.
Because once your hearing is gone, it can’t be restored. Custom protection reduces the risk of permanent damage without sacrificing comfort or clarity.
Yes. Custom plugs are molded to your ear, so they fit better, feel more comfortable, and block harmful sounds more effectively than generic options.
Absolutely. Many custom options are designed to filter harmful noise while still letting you hear speech clearly, making them ideal for both work and social environments.