June 13, 2023

An Audiologists Guide to Hearing Aids in Charlotte

Navigating through life with hearing loss can pose significant challenges, but the good news is that technological advancements have widened the choice of hearing aid solutions at your disposal. 

Navigating through life with hearing loss can pose significant challenges, but the good news is that technological advancements have widened the choice of hearing aid solutions at your disposal. 

If you’re based in and around Charlotte, NC, and seeking to improve your hearing, read on. This detailed guide will delve into the variety of hearing aid options currently available, underscore the benefits of opting for an audiologist over a hearing aid dispenser, highlight the crucial role of Real Ear Measurements in hearing care, and emphasize the importance of choosing a provider with stellar patient reviews. Finally, we’ll look at the advantages of unbundled hearing aid pricing, an exciting new way to purchase hearing aids.An Audiologists Guide to Hearing Aids in Charlotte:

The Newest Hearing Aids

At Audiology & Hearing Services of Charlotte we offer a diverse selection of cutting-edge hearing aids from reputable manufacturers. Let's explore some of the featured options:

Starkey Genesis AI

The Starkey Genesis AI hearing aid combines advanced artificial intelligence with exceptional sound quality. Its remarkable features include improved speech recognition, personalized noise cancellation, and seamless connectivity.

Phonak Lumity

The Phonak Lumity hearing aids utilize groundbreaking technology to deliver clear and natural sound. With its adaptive features and advanced noise reduction capabilities, Lumity ensures a personalized and comfortable listening experience.

Oticon Real

Designed for natural sound experiences, the Oticon Real hearing aids employ innovative technology to enhance speech comprehension and reduce listening effort. They offer personalized settings and wireless connectivity for effortless communication.

Resound Omnia

Resound Omnia hearing aids provide personalized sound experiences through advanced features like adaptive noise reduction, speech enhancement, and direct streaming from smartphones and other devices. They offer flexibility and control for improved hearing.

Should you Choose an Audiologist or a Hearing Aid Dispenser?

In the journey towards improved hearing, it's essential to distinguish between an audiologist and a hearing aid dispenser. Our Audiologists have a Doctor of Audiology degree, a testament to their comprehensive education and training in hearing healthcare. They are equipped with the skills to diagnose hearing loss, conduct thorough evaluations, and propose tailored treatment options. On the other hand, hearing aid dispensers are primarily concerned with the sale and fitting of hearing aids, and they do not have the same depth of professional training and qualifications.

Importance of Real Ear Measurements in Hearing Aid Fittings

We’re one of the few hearing aid practices in Charlotte that offer Real Ear Measurements (REMs). A pivotal part of the hearing aid fitting process, REMs involve the measurement of sound levels within the ear canal to verify that the hearing aids are delivering the correct amplification tailored to individual hearing needs. By integrating REMs into the fitting procedure, we can adjust the settings of the hearing aids to maximize their effectiveness and enhance speech clarity.

And it works. A recent study conducted by a team of researchers for Trends Hear has shown promising results in improving outcomes for adults using hearing aids. The study investigated the effectiveness of Real Ear Measurements when fitting hearing aids. The researchers analyzed six experimental studies involving over 1,400 records and found that REM led to positive effects on speech intelligibility, user preference, and self-reported listening abilities. 

Finding a Hearing Care Provider with Excellent Reviews

When selecting a hearing care provider, it is crucial to consider their reputation and patient satisfaction. We’re proud of our positive reviews which we feel show our commitment to exceptional service. With a stellar 5-star rating on Google and over 39 reviews, patients have expressed their appreciation for the care and expertise provided by Dr. Saul, Dr. Karp, and the rest of our team. 

Let's highlight a direct quote from a satisfied patient. Lori H. left the following review on Google: 

"This is an excellent Audiology practice! I am a new patient. First I called on Friday afternoon and got their answering service and had a question. This person sent a message to the practice that I have a question. I did not expect to get a call back until Monday. Dr. Melissa Karp called me within 30 minutes of getting the message. She gave me an answer and listened to why I needed to see her. This was so awesome! I live in the university area of Charlotte which is 30 or more minutes away from their practice. The drive was well worth the time and effort! They are extremely nice, caring, and professional. Very good listeners and truly care about you. I am an RN and I strongly recommend this practice and Dr. Melissa Karp as your Audiologist!"

We hope this highlights the compassionate and thorough approach of our team at Audiology & Hearing Services of Charlotte, emphasizing our dedication to providing personalized care and life-changing hearing solutions.

Bundled vs Unbundled Hearing Aid Pricing

Unbundled hearing aid pricing is a transparent pricing model where the cost of the hearing aids and the cost of the services are separated. This model allows patients to see exactly what they are paying for and only pay for the services they need. It offers lower upfront costs and potential long-term savings. 

We follow an unbundled pricing structure at Audiology & Hearing Services of Charlotte. All hearing aids purchased include one year of service at the listed price. After the first year, patients can choose between a continued annual service plan or a fee-for-service model, ensuring they only pay for what they need.

When it comes to hearing aid options in Charlotte, we’re the standout choice. With a wide range of advanced hearing aids from renowned manufacturers, including the Starkey Genesis AI, Oticon Real, Phonak Lumity, Widex Moment Sheer, and Resound Omnia, choosing an audiologist like Dr. Ivy Saul or Dr. Melissa Karp over a hearing aid dispenser ensures that you get the comprehensive evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support you deserve.  Our exceptional reviews and high patient satisfaction reflect the outstanding care and service provided by our team. Finally, the unbundled pricing model we offer ensures transparency and affordability, making quality hearing care accessible to more people.

​​Book your appointment today and embark on a journey to better hearing and improved quality of life. Don't miss out, start your hearing wellness journey now!

Written by
Reviewed by
Dr. Melissa Karp, Au.D.
Audiologist
Read full bio

Melissa Karp is a board-certified audiologist with special expertise in tinnitus treatment, auditory processing disorder (APD) evaluation, hearing aid fitting and aural rehabilitation.