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Hearing Services

We are proud to announce the addition of a comprehensive hearing health program as a fully integrated component of our clinical services. Our patients’ hearing needs are treated with the same respect, professionalism, and thoroughness that they have come to expect for their medical and surgical eye care needs.

Our hearing services are provided at the following Kentucky Eye Institute practice locations:

Corbin
Lexington
Maysville
Middlesboro
Morehead
Mt. Sterling

Common Questions

Why does my eye doctor have a hearing program?

Vision and hearing function together every minute of every day. Together these two senses create the 3-dimensional awareness of your environment. Neither works particularly well without the other, and unfortunately, both tend to fail as we get older. Leading eye groups across the United States now evaluate and treat vision and hearing problems together.

How common is hearing loss?

Hearing loss is one of the most common chronic health care problems facing older adults. It is estimated that more than 55 million Americans suffer from hearing loss significant enough to affect their communication abilities; 80% of this group remain undiagnosed or untreated. Recent studies show that over 50% of Baby Boomers are experiencing significant hearing loss as much as 20 years earlier in life than previous generations.

Will my family doctor tell me if I have a hearing problem?

Unfortunately, statistics suggest that less than 15% of family doctors address hearing loss. The onset of symptoms is gradual, and your family doctor is most likely concerned about other immediate health issues. As specialists in vision care, we are acutely aware of the importance of evaluating and treating sensory losses that affect everyday living.

What are the signs of hearing loss?

• Difficulty hearing conversations in crowded places
• Ringing or other noises in your ears
• Friends and family members commenting that you don’t seem to hear them
• Others complaining that you watch TV with the volume too high
• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
• Feeling that people are mumbling, speaking too fast, or speaking unclearly in everyday conversations
• Difficulty understanding women or young children’s voices
• Trouble knowing where sounds are coming from

What happens during the hearing evaluation?

We perform a comprehensive audiogram using the most modern equipment. An audiogram measures your ability to hear pure tones at various frequencies and to hear and understand speech. In addition, your hearing specialist will document a detailed history of your classic hearing loss symptoms. An appointment with an otolaryngologist will be made for patients experiencing any unusual symptoms. Test results, recommendations, and treatment options will be reviewed with you in detail.

If I have hearing loss will I need hearing aids?

Every case of hearing loss is different. For approximately 90% of all patients, hearing instruments of some kind are the only treatment option, because the problem is not medically or surgically correctable or reversible.

About Our Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist.

Linda began her career in the hearing instrument industry in an administrative capacity, working with a national program offering hearing instrument services to retired teachers. She realized her true passion was working directly with patients. She therefore pursued her training to become licensed by the Kentucky Licensing Board for Specialists in Hearing Instruments. She is also a member of the Hearing Aid Association of Kentucky.

Linda has worked for various companies throughout Kentucky and has fit numerous brands of hearing instruments during her career. She tests, evaluates and fits hearing instruments to meet her patient’s critical need to improve their hearing. In addition, she modifies and adjusts her patient's hearing instruments to meet their individual needs. Her experience, along with her training and concern for her patients have allowed Linda to have successful patient and professional relationships throughout her career.