Austin

Schedule:   512 444 8684 

Get Directions

Schedule: 512 444 8684

Get Directions
Two hearing aids seated in open charging case with bright green insert on a tabletop

Phonak Hearing Aids

Austin Hearing Aid Center is an authorized provider of Phonak hearing aids in Austin, TX.

Phonak is one of the world’s leading hearing aid brands known for cutting-edge technology and exceptional sound quality. With features like Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable batteries, and advanced speech enhancement, Phonak devices help you stay connected to the world around you. Experience the difference personalized hearing care and top-tier technology can make.

Schedule an Appointment

Phonak Hearing Aids in Austin, TX

Austin Hearing Aid Center offers a wide selection of hearing aids in Austin, TX. Learn more about the latest Phonak hearing aids below:

Phonak Infinio Ultra Line

The Phonak Infinio Ultra Line represents the next evolution in hearing technology, delivering elevated clarity, efficiency, and adaptability through advanced AI processing. Released in October 2025, this flagship upgrade enhances the foundational Infinio platform with smarter sound recognition, better battery performance, and simplified maintenance. 

For many existing Phonak users, these improvements can be activated through an in-clinic firmware update, allowing current Infinio or Infinio Sphere devices to perform at an entirely new level without requiring new hardware.

Infinio Ultra R

A flexible, ultra-adaptive model powered by AutoSense OS™ 7.0, designed to automatically adjust to a wide range of environments. Ideal for patients seeking seamless performance in everyday listening.

Infinio Ultra Sphere

Engineered for complex and noisy situations, this model features Spheric Speech Clarity 2.0 and the breakthrough DEEPSONIC™ AI chip, the world’s first dedicated processor for real-time speech separation. This allows clearer understanding of multiple speakers from any direction, even in the most challenging soundscapes.

Unique Features:

  • AutoSense OS™ 7.0 adapts with 24% greater precision and is trained on 18× more sound scenarios, resulting in smarter environmental transitions and more natural listening.
  • Spheric Speech Clarity 2.0 (Ultra Sphere only) enhances speech up to threefold in noisy settings by isolating voices and reducing background interference.
  • Listening effort is reduced by up to 35%, supporting long-term comfort and decreasing auditory fatigue.
Phonak Audeo Infinio receiver-in-canal hearing aid in gold

Phonak Virto Infinio is a custom in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid released in 2025, built for those who want powerful performance in a discreet design. Each device is custom-molded to match the shape of your ear, giving you a snug, comfortable fit that lasts all day.

Packed with advanced sound technology, Virto Infinio delivers clear, natural hearing in a small, almost invisible shell, perfect for anyone who wants great sound without drawing attention.

Unique Features:

  • Custom-Made Fit: Each device is individually molded to the shape of your ear, ensuring a secure, comfortable fit that’s easy to wear all day.
  • AutoSense OS 6.0: Automatically adjusts settings based on your surroundings, providing seamless hearing whether you’re in quiet, noisy, or dynamic environments.

     

  • Durable & Water-Resistant: Rated IP68 for dust and moisture resistance, making it ideal for active lifestyles and daily wear.
  • Multiple Technology Levels: Available in four tiers (I90, I70, I50, I30) to meet a range of hearing needs and budgets.

The Phonak Audéo Sphere is a sleek, high-tech hearing aid built to deliver clear, natural sound for individuals with mild to severe hearing loss. It uses smart technology to adapt automatically to changing environments, making it easier to hear clearly in noisy settings, one-on-one conversations, or while enjoying music.

One standout feature of the Audéo Sphere is its long-lasting rechargeable battery, which powers a full day of use on a single charge, eliminating the need for frequent battery changes. It also pairs seamlessly with smartphones, so users can take calls, stream audio, and customize settings through a user-friendly app.

Discreet and stylish, the Audéo Sphere rests comfortably behind the ear and comes in various color options to blend with hair or skin tone. This hearing aid is an excellent choice for anyone seeking dependable performance, advanced features, and a barely-there look.

Unique Features:

  • Dedicated AI chip: Smartly separates speech from noise.
  • Automatic sound adaptation: Automatically adjusts to different listening environments.
  • Connectivity: Connects with smartphones for hands-free calls, streaming, and remote control through an app.

The Phonak Audéo Infinio is built to deliver a clearer, more effortless hearing experience with cutting-edge features like automatic sound adaptation, excellent speech clarity in noisy places, and easy connectivity to smartphones and other devices.

Designed for daily comfort and convenience, the Audéo Infinio offers rechargeable battery options and a sleek, discreet, and reliable behind-the-ear fit.

It offers intelligent sound processing and personalized settings, helping reduce listening strain and improving overall sound quality.

Unique Features:

  • CROS Compatibility: Compatible with CROS for unilateral hearing loss or single-sided deafness.
  • Roger Direct Ready: Comes with RogerDirect™ built in further to improve hearing performance in noise and over distance.
  • Connectivity: Allows up to 8 Bluetooth®-enabled devices to be paired, while two can be connected simultaneously.

The Phonak CROS Infinio is specially designed for individuals with single-sided deafness. It allows them to hear sounds from both sides by wirelessly transmitting audio from the non-hearing ear to the better-hearing ear. This helps improve awareness, speech understanding, and communication, especially in noisy or challenging environments.

Engineered to adapt automatically to changing surroundings, the CROS Infinio efficiently delivers clear, balanced sound. It features a discreet, comfortable design and works seamlessly with compatible Phonak hearing aids, offering a complete and reliable hearing solution for one-sided hearing loss.

Unique Features:

  • On-the-go Hearing: Provides uninterrupted, hands-free calls and streaming across 2x the distance.
  • Rechargeable: Hear with confidence with Phonak CROS Infinio’s long-lasting rechargeable battery.
  • Universal Connectivity: Universal connectivity allows seamless integration with Bluetooth® devices.

Released in 2025, the Phonak Virto Infinio is a custom in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid designed for those who want powerful hearing support in a discreet, personalized style. Each device is individually molded to the unique shape of your ear, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for all-day wear.

Despite its small size, the Virto Infinio has advanced sound technology that delivers clear, natural hearing in various environments. It’s an ideal choice for anyone seeking a nearly invisible solution that doesn’t compromise performance.

Unique Features:

  • Custom-Made Fit: Each device is individually molded to the shape of your ear, ensuring a secure, comfortable fit that’s easy to wear all day.
  • AutoSense OS 6.0: Automatically adjusts settings based on your surroundings, providing seamless hearing in quiet, noisy, or dynamic environments.
  • Personalized Sound Experience: Virto Infinio is equipped with advanced sound processing that adapts to your listening environments, automatically offering crisp speech understanding and reduced background noise.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity: Some Virto Infinio models offer direct streaming from smartphones, TVs, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices, turning your hearing aid into a wireless headset.

The Phonak Audéo Fit is a next-generation hearing aid designed for active lifestyles. This smart device not only delivers clear, natural sound but also supports wellness goals by tracking steps, distance, activity levels, average daily use, and even heart rate through the myPhonak app.

When paired with the app, Audéo Fit provides real-time insights into your current and resting heart rates and detailed heart health trends over daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly views-helping you stay informed and motivated.

Bluetooth connectivity lets you easily stream calls, music, and audio from smartphones, TVs, and Roger™ devices.

The Phonal Audeo Fit is available in two performance levels: Premium (P90) and Advanced (P70). This model is excellent for individuals seeking hearing excellence and health tracking in one sleek device.

Unique Features:

  • Health Data Tracker: It enables users to track metrics such as distance traveled, steps taken, activity levels, average wearing time of the hearing aid, and heart rate. This is accessed through the myPhonak app, which provides users with valuable insights into their overall well-being and helps them maintain healthy habits.
  • Tap Control: With this innovative feature, users can perform actions such as answering or ending phone calls, adjusting volume levels, changing programs, or activating other settings simply by tapping on their Audéo Fit hearing aid.
  • Universal Connectivity: You can pair Audéo Fit with Bluetooth®-enabled smartphones, TVs, and Roger™ devices.

Phonak Audéo Lumity is a cutting-edge hearing aid designed to deliver clearer conversations and easier listening in any environment. Built with Phonak’s SmartSpeech Technology, Lumity helps users focus on voices, even in noisy places like restaurants or group gatherings, while reducing background distractions.

Thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity, Audéo Lumity pairs easily with smartphones, tablets, TVs, and other devices, allowing you to stream calls, music, and media directly to your hearing aids. It’s also compatible with the myPhonak app, giving users control over sound settings, programs, and real-time support from their hearing care provider.

Available in rechargeable models, Lumity offers all-day power and comfort in a discreet behind-the-ear design. Whether enjoying a quiet moment or keeping up with a busy lifestyle, Phonak Audéo Lumity is built to help you stay connected, confident, and engaged.

Unique Features:

  • Bluetooth connectivity: Audéo Lumity pairs with the myPhonak app and Bluetooth-enabled devices to help you connect with the world around you.
  • Personalization: The myPhonak app is a free, easy-to-use smartphone app that empowers you to take control of your hearing. It allows you to connect directly to your Phonak hearing aids for volume control, program adjustments, and more.
  • Remote Help: The myPhonak app also allows you to connect virtually to remotely schedule a visit with your hearing care professional to address your hearing aid concerns.

Phonak Slim combines cutting-edge hearing technology with a sleek, modern design. This model is perfect for those who want both performance and style. Unlike traditional hearing aids, Phonak Slim features a uniquely contoured shape that follows the natural curve of your ear, offering a comfortable, discreet fit even when wearing glasses.

With its blend of style, comfort, and innovative features, Phonak Slim is ideal for individuals who want a hearing aid that looks as good as it sounds.

Unique Features:

  • Bluetooth connectivity: Phonak Slim pairs with the myPhonak app and Bluetooth-enabled devices to help you connect with the world around you.
  • SmartSpeech™ Technology: Enhance speech understanding in noise, reduce listening effort, and adapt automatically to different environments.
  • Remote Help: The myPhonak app also allows you to connect virtually to remotely schedule a visit with your hearing care professional to address your hearing aid concerns.

Phonak CROS Lumity is specially designed for people with single-sided deafness (SSD) or unaidable hearing loss in one ear, helping them reconnect with the world of sound. Daily challenges (like locating where sounds come from or following conversations in noisy places) can be frustrating with one-sided hearing loss. CROS Lumity helps overcome these barriers by delivering a more complete, balanced listening experience.

This advanced hearing solution uses contralateral routing of signal (CROS) technology: a small device is worn on the non-hearing ear to capture sounds and wirelessly transmit them to a compatible Phonak hearing aid on the better-hearing ear. Together, they allow you to hear voices and sounds from both sides, making social interactions more natural and enjoyable.

Phonak CROS Lumity is available in a rechargeable model and must be paired with a compatible Phonak hearing aid such as Audéo L-R, Audéo L-RT, Naída L-PR, or Sky L-PR.

Unique Features:

  • Bluetooth connectivity: The Phonak CROS Lumity pairs with the myPhonak app and Bluetooth-enabled devices to help you connect with the world around you.
  • Personalization: The myPhonak app is a free, easy-to-use smartphone app that empowers you to take control of your hearing. It allows you to connect directly to your Phonak hearing aids for volume control, program adjustments, and more.
  • Remote Help: The myPhonak app also allows you to connect virtually to remotely schedule a visit with your hearing care professional to address your hearing aid concerns.

Phonak Naída Lumity is a powerful behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid built for individuals with moderate to profound hearing loss. As part of Phonak’s latest Lumity platform, it focuses on clearer speech understanding thanks to SmartSpeech™ Technology that automatically adjusts to your environment.

Designed for durability and performance, Naída Lumity features a robust, water-resistant shell, Bluetooth connectivity, and rechargeable battery options for all-day power. It seamlessly connects to smartphones, tablets, TVs, and Roger™ microphones, allowing users to stream calls and media directly to their hearing aids.

With support for the myPhonak app, users can personalize their listening experience, track usage, and access remote support from their hearing care provider. Whether at work, out with friends, or relaxing at home, Naída Lumity delivers consistent, high-quality sound to help you stay connected and confident.

Unique Features:

  • Bluetooth connectivity: Naída Lumity pairs with the myPhonak app and Bluetooth-enabled devices to help you connect with the world around you.
  • Personalization: The myPhonak app is a free, easy-to-use smartphone app that empowers you to take control of your hearing. It allows you to connect directly to your Phonak hearing aids for volume control, program adjustments, and more.
  • Remote Help: The myPhonak app also allows you to connect virtually to remotely schedule a visit with your hearing care professional to address your hearing aid concerns.

Phonak Sky Lumity is a pediatric hearing aid designed to support children with mild to profound hearing loss. Built on Phonak’s advanced Lumity platform, Sky Lumity provides clear speech understanding, even in noisy school or play environments, using SmartSpeech™ Technology to help kids stay focused, engaged, and connected.

Designed specifically for active, growing children, Sky Lumity features a durable, tamper-resistant design with water and dust resistance for all-day reliability. It offers rechargeable battery options for easy, eco-friendly power and universal Bluetooth connectivity, allowing kids to connect with phones, tablets, classroom tech, and Phonak’s Roger microphones for better hearing in group settings.

Available in fun, customizable color combinations, Phonak Sky Lumity encourages confidence and independence while delivering the high-performance sound quality children need to learn, grow, and thrive.

Unique Features:

  • Bluetooth connectivity: Sky Lumity pairs with the myPhonak Junior app and Bluetooth-enabled devices to help you connect with the world around you. Universal connectivity allows your child to enjoy listening to their devices.
  • Personalization: The myPhonak Junior app is the industry’s only dedicated pediatric app, and empowers children to personalize their hearing experience. It gives children and parents access to wearing time, but also lets children take control of the sound around them and personalize their settings in the real world.
  • Tamper-resistant: Phonak provides styles that help keep the battery out of reach of curious fingers.

Phonak Virto Paradise is a custom in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid that combines powerful performance with a discreet, personalized design. Each device is custom-molded to the unique shape of your ear, ensuring a comfortable, secure fit and a natural look.

Built on the popular Phonak Paradise platform, Virto Paradise delivers clear, rich sound and outstanding speech understanding, even in challenging listening environments. It adapts automatically to your surroundings and reduces background noise, so conversations feel effortless and more natural.

Designed for individuals with mild to severe hearing loss, Phonak Virto Paradise is available in both standard and Titanium models. The Titanium model offers a lightweight, ultra-durable option. Virto Paradise is a reliable hearing aid that helps you stay connected with confidence and clarity.

Unique Features:

  • Bluetooth connectivity: Virto Paradise ITE and ITC devices connect to smartphones, TVs, and more to keep up with your busy life. Additionally, you can easily switch between two paired devices with enhanced Bluetooth capabilities-smaller products like the CIC and IIC offer streaming via Phonak accessories.
  • Personalization: The myPhonak app is a free, easy-to-use smartphone app that empowers you to take control of your hearing. It allows you to connect directly to your Phonak hearing aids for volume control, program adjustments, and more.
  • Remote Help: The myPhonak app also allows you to connect virtually to remotely schedule a visit with your hearing care professional to address your hearing aid concerns.

Assistive Listening Devices & Technology by Phonak

Phonak offers a wide range of assistive listening devices (ALDs) designed to help individuals hear more clearly in everyday situations where hearing aids alone may not be enough, such as noisy environments, over distance, watching TV, or talking on the phone.

A versatile microphone ideal for conversations in groups, noise, or over distance. It can be placed on a table, clipped to a speaker, or held in the hand.
Designed for group settings, it automatically switches between speakers and helps focus on the conversation that matters.
Perfect for meetings or classrooms, this mic picks up speech from multiple speakers around a table.
Widely used in schools, this teacher-friendly tool sends the speaker’s voice directly to a student’s hearing aids.
Enjoy crystal-clear sound from the TV directly to the hearing devices, without delay or echo. It’s plug-and-play and works much like wireless headphones.
This is a discreet clip-on microphone designed for one-on-one conversations. It’s especially helpful in loud environments or while driving, where distance or noise can affect understanding.
The myPhonak app allows users to control volume, change programs, track hearing aid usage, monitor health data (like heart rate with Audéo Fit), and even access remote support from their hearing care provider.

These hearing aid models may still be supported for hearing aid servicing and repair by Austin Hearing Aid Center in Austin, TX. Please contact us for more information.

  • Phonak Audéo Paradise
  • Phonak Naída Paradise
  • Phonak CROS Paradise
  • Phonak Naída Link Marvel
  • Phonak Sky Marvel
  • Phonak Audéo Marvel
  • Phonak Bolero B
  • Phonak Naída B
  • Phonak Virto B
  • Phonak Audéo B

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Phonak Lumity is available in four technology levels: L90, L70, L50, and L30. L90 offers the most advanced features, while L30 includes the essential core technology, giving users flexible options based on their hearing needs and lifestyle.
Phonak Audéo Life Lumity is the second-generation model of the world’s first waterproof and rechargeable hearing aid. It’s a great option for people with active lifestyles, especially those who frequently encounter water, sweat, or humidity.
Phonak Audéo Life builds on the popular Audéo Paradise by offering the same excellent sound quality and features, but with the added benefit of a waterproof design. This makes it ideal for users who need extra protection against moisture and sweat in their daily routine.

Book Appointment

Get Directions

Our office is conveniently located off Ben White and Menchaca Road. We take our time with each person, therefore, it is necessary to schedule your appointment in advance.
  • 4403 Menchaca Road, Suite E
    Austin, TX 78745
  • (512) 444-8684
  • (512) 444-8697
Get Directions

Testimonials

What People Say?

He loves helping people hear better and have had the pleasure to serve many people for years.
Bill Rudolph, the founder and clinical audiologist of this business, is the nicest guy you will ever meet--and impressed me as being the most knowledgeable and professional hearing and hearing aid service provider I've come across in Austin. I am a PA to a retired college professor, and I brought him here because we'd had such terrible (and frankly, greedy) service at New Sounds Hearing. When I told Bill how much money my boss has practically flushed down the drain with this other company, and how much they wanted to charge him for a single lost device (almost $4,000.00-for ONE hearing aid), he knocked off a big chunk of his bill, and my boss got a new pair of very high tech hearing aids for less than the cost of a single one at New Sounds.
Mr. John Smith
Mr. John Smith
I was looking for good quality audio batteries for my lapel microphones. I talked with Dr. Rudolph about the LR44 battery. Although they don't carry the LR44, they DO carry a compatible replacement, the 675 which will give me longer recording life than the LR44s I was using! Needless to say I am EXTREMELY SATISFIED with the attention and service I received today over something as small as a box of batteries. Dr. Rudolph is an order of magnitude better than any big box audiologist just wanting to make a sale. I didn't need anything to do with hearing aids, I needed help from someone who knew about hearing. I got that, I learned something, and got great service!
Steven G.
Steven G.
Bill gives personal , top quality service. This is not a high pressure store that will sell you more than you need. First rate products at competitive prices. Thanks
Richard S.
Richard S.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

An audiologist is a licensed healthcare professional with a clinical doctorate or masters degree in Audiology. They are trained to evaluate, diagnose and treat hearing loss and other auditory conditions including balance disorders and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Audiologists provide valuable insight and recommend products to help manage and prevent hearing loss, including hearing instrument technology and hearing protection.
Audiologists perform the following hearing tests and treatments:
  • Diagnostic hearing tests
  • Annual hearing evaluations
  • Hearing aid fittings, programming and consultations
  • Earmold and earplug fittings and consultations
  • Dizziness and balance testing and treatment
  • Hearing aid repairs, service, and maintenance
  • Pediatric hearing loss detection and treatment
  • Hearing loss prevention and protection programs
  • Aural rehabilitation/Hearing rehabilitation and auditory training
  • Custom musicians earplugs and in-ear- monitors
  • Tinnitus treatment programs for ringing and buzzing in the ears
  • Sound therapy and counseling
  • Cochlear implant candidacy evaluations and implant programming
The onset of hearing loss often happens gradually, so it might be hard to detect in the early stages. In most cases, people close to or usually around the person with undiagnosed hearing loss are the ones who can notice the hearing problems first. It is important to have an annual hearing evaluation, in the same way it is recommended to have an annual physical, teeth cleaning and eye exam. If you or someone you know exhibits the following symptoms, consider consulting an audiologist:
  • Perception that people are mumbling when speaking to you
  • Constantly asking people to repeat themselves
  • Playing the TV or radio louder than the volume level that others around you enjoy
  • Missing the doorbell or the telephone
  • Missing environmental sounds, such as birds chirping, your car turn signal and microwave beepings
  • Hearing a ringing sound in your ears, especially when it is quiet

Hearing loss can be caused by several factors including exposure to loud noises, aging, ear infections, head or ear trauma, medications, congenital or genetic factors, diseases, and a number of other causes.

The most common cause of hearing loss (acquired) is exposure to loud noise. Hearing can be protected by wearing suitable hearing protection like ear plugs or ear muffs.

Hearing loss is diagnosed through a hearing evaluation conducted by an audiologist. Through a hearing test or diagnostic audiologic evaluation, an audiologist will determine the type and degree of hearing loss. The sensitivity, acuity and accuracy of speech understanding will also be evaluated in a hearing test.

A hearing evaluation covers a thorough case history and a physical inspection of the eardrum and the ear canal. Additional tests may also be performed depending on the symptoms. If an audiologist assesses that the hearing loss may benefit from medical intervention, a patient will be referred to a physician.

The results of a hearing test are plotted on a chart called an audiogram. Hearing level (HL) is measured in decibels (dB) and is presented in general categories as follows:

Normal hearing (0-25 dB HL)

Mild hearing loss (26-40 dB HL)

Moderate hearing loss (41-70dB HL)

Severe hearing loss (71-90 dB HL)

Profound hearing loss (greater than 90 dB HL)

Hearing loss is categorized into three types, each caused by different factors and requires different levels of hearing aid technology.

Sensorineural hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with the auditory nerve or the inner ear, specifically damage to the nerve fibers or hair cells of the auditory system. This is the most common type of hearing loss in adults. The most common causes of sensorineural hearing loss are noise exposure and age-related changes. A disturbance in the circulation of the inner ear may also result in hearing loss. Fortunately, there are numerous options for patients with sensorineural hearing loss.

Conductive hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss is linked to problems in the middle or external ear. With conductive hearing loss, sound is not conducted efficiently through the ear canal, eardrum or middle ear bones, resulting in the reduction of hearing. This may be caused by earwax blockage or other obstruction in the ear canal, perforation in the eardrum, middle ear fluid, middle ear infection, or other disease of the middle or inner ear. If you are diagnosed with conductive hearing loss, you may benefit from hearing aids, medication, medical implants, or surgical options.

Mixed hearing loss

When there are problems in both the middle and inner ear, the diagnosis will be a mixed hearing impairment. Since mixed hearing loss links both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, treatment options will depend on the nature of the impairment and the symptoms.

Hearing loss can occur at any time in life from factors such as genetics, ear infections, head trauma or certain medications. If you suspect the following symptoms or behaviors in your child, you may need to consult with an audiologist:

-Failed newborn hearing screening

-Delays in speech and language acquisition (i.e no babbling)

-Frequent ear infections

-No startling reaction to loud sounds

-No response or turning to the source of loud sounds after six months of age

-Difficulty following verbal directions

-Short attention span

Any symptom of hearing loss in children should be addressed right away so as not to hamper or delay speech, language and cognitive development as a whole.

There are many different types of hearing aids in the market today, ranging from style, technology, features and design.

Aside from considering the style of the device, you need to consider the features that would be most beneficial to you and applicable to your lifestyle. From waterproof options, directional microphones, telecoils, and Bluetooth technology, there will surely be something for everyone.

Hearing aids are also available in different styles and sizes, and thanks to the advancements and innovations in technology, hearing aids are getting smaller without compromising power.

When selecting a style of hearing aid, the following should be considered:

-Type/degree of the hearing loss

-Power requirements

-Manual dexterity and visual abilities

-Budget

-Aesthetics

-Anatomical and medical considerations

-Lifestyle requirements

People with any type and degree of hearing loss may benefit from an assistive listening device. Since the microphone of a standard hearing aid is either worn on or behind the ear, the ability to enhance the speaker-to-background-noise ratio may become limited. This is where ALDs enter the picture, as they are designed to increase the loudness of a desired sound, such as a public speaker, TV, or radio, without necessarily increasing the background noise.

ALDs include TV listening systems, alarm clocks, telephone amplifying devices, and auditorium-type assistive listening systems. Newer ALDs are small, wireless and compatible with digital hearing aids.

Tinnitus, often referred to as ringing in the ears, is a common disorder affecting more than 50 million people in the United States. Some people experience tinnitus as a roaring, hissing, whistling, buzzing, or clicking sound in the ear.

Technically, tinnitus is not the actual disease, but a symptom of another underlying medical condition of the ear or affected by another influencing health factor. Tinnitus can be constant or intermittent, with single or multiple tones. The perceived tinnitus volume can range from extremely loud to very soft.

American Tinnitus Association: https://www.ata.org/

The exact cause of tinnitus is not known. However, there are a wide variety of factors linked to tinnitus that include:

  • Noise-induced hearing loss
  • Age-related hearing loss
  • Wax build-up in the ear canal
  • Certain medications
  • Ear or sinus infections
  • Ear diseases and disorders
  • Jaw misalignment
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Certain types of tumors in the neck or head area
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Head and neck trauma

Treatment will vary based on the severity and underlying condition of the tinnitus. There are several treatments to manage the perception of unwanted noise which include:

  • Hearing aids with tinnitus-masking features
  • Tinnitus retraining therapy
  • Sound therapy
  • Avoidance of certain medications
  • Behavioral therapy

There are various types of hearing healthcare professionals in the industry, varying in terms of education and training.

A hearing instrument specialist and an audiologist are two of the most in-demand professionals when it comes to seeking treatment or advice for hearing loss. To better understand and select which professional is best for your case, here’s the difference between the two –

Audiologist

An audiologist has a degree in audiology and is trained to diagnose, treat, and monitor disorders of the hearing and balance system. Audiologists are well-versed and trained in handling amplification devices, cochlear implants, acoustics, electrophysiology, auditory rehabilitation and psychophysics.

At a minimum, Doctors of Audiology complete an undergraduate and doctoral level degree in audiology. They also undergo a supervised externship prior to state licensure and national certification. Continuing education requirements must be completed so audiologists can maintain state licensure.

For people with hearing loss, balance problems and auditory issues, an audiologist is the most qualified professional that can provide proper diagnosis and treatment.

Hearing instrument specialist (HIS)

A hearing instrument specialist is licensed to conduct audiometric testing to fit and sell hearing aids. To get a license, a hearing instrument specialist needs to take a certification program in hearing aids, complete training hours in the relevant field and pass an exam.

Hearing instrument specialists can fit and repair hearing aids. However, they cannot diagnose or treat hearing loss.

For more questions about hearing loss and other related services, our team at the Austin Hearing Aid Center will be happy to assist you. Call us today at (512-444-8684).