Frequently Asked Questions

What is an audiologist?

An audiologist is a professional who diagnoses, treats, and manages individuals with hearing loss or balance disorders. Our audiologist have earned a doctoral degree from an accredited university graduate program. They work closely with Ear Nose and Throat doctors (ENT) and are able to refer on if the hearing or balance issue requires medical or surgical intervention.

Audiologist use a variety of tests to help confirm specific hearing and balance disorders. Based upon the results and a comprehensive case history, an audiologist can determine the appropriate treatment method whether hearing or balance related. One main method of treatment that audiologist specialize in for hearing loss is amplification: cochlear implants, bone anchored hearing aids, or conventional hearing aids.

For more information on our audiologist, please see Meet Our Staff.

How do I know if I need a hearing test?

A hearing test may be needed if:

  • I can hear, but cannot seem to understand what people are saying.
  • I have a very difficult time understanding people in noisy situations.
  • I don’t seem to follow conversation well anymore.
  • I need the television much louder than other people.
  • I often ask people to repeat themselves.
  • I’m experiencing a ringing or buzzing sound.
  • I’ve had a sudden hearing loss.
What's that ringing noise?

You may be experiencing tinnitus. Tinnitus is the perception of sounds in either of the ears or within the head. It can be described as a ringing, humming, buzzing, roaring, whooshing, or even cricket sounds on a summer evening. There are many causes: hearing loss, noise trauma, medications, stress/anxiety, ear pathologies, or something as simple as ear wax among others.

Our audiologist is here to better help you understand.

What happens during my initial visit to AOD Hearing Aid Center?

You will receive a hearing evaluation and your results will be discussed in detail. Appropriate hearing aids will be recommended based upon your results, your preference, and your lifestyle.

For more information, please call us at 217-475-1688 or visit Our Process.

How do I know which hearing aids would be best for me?
You will discuss your day to day lifestyle with your audiologist at the initial visit. This information, in addition to your hearing test, will help the audiologist choose the type of amplification that is appropriate for you.
How do I know hearing aids will work for me?
Your audiologist will be able to identify if you are a good candidate for hearing aids based upon your hearing test. Even so, there is a trial period of 6 weeks (30 business days) for you to decide if the aids are providing noticeable benefit.  If no benefit is noticed, you may return the aids for the full refund, minus the hearing aid evaluation fee of $95.00.
If I get hearing aids from AOD Hearing Aids, what’s included?

Hearing aids purchased at AOD Hearing Aid Center include a 1-3 year warranty depending upon technology level purchased.  The warranty includes repair services and a loss or damage benefit (small deductible) from the company.