What is the Hearing Aid Dispensary?

The Hearing Aid Dispensary provides evaluation and dispensing of sophisticated hearing aids and assistive listening devices (such as digital/programmable hearing aids, FM listening systems, personal amplifiers, telephone amplifiers, tinnitus maskers, and alarm/warning devices).

What can I expect?

• A comprehensive evaluation of both hearing levels and ability to understand speech
• A consultation with an audiologist to discuss hearing loss and amplification options (free of charge)
• A hearing aid fitting appointment including fitting and programming of hearing aids and care and use instructions
• A two- to three-week follow-up appointment to ensure hearing aids are providing appropriate benefit
• Additional follow-up appointments as needed
• Referral to a doctor if medical treatment is required

What services are available?

A wide variety of services are available to provide successful care and use of amplification/assistive devices. Available services include:

• Hearing aid/assistive listening device consultations
• Hearing aid fittings
• Hearing aid follow-up appointments
• Hearing aid reprogramming
• Hearing aid cleaning
• Hearing aid repair
• Electroacoustic analysis of hearing aid
• Real ear measurements
• Functional gain testing
• Battery sales

What is the focus of the Hearing Aid Dispensary?

The focus of the Hearing Aid Dispensary is to assist you in finding technology options that will allow you to compensate most effectively for your hearing loss. Our main goal is to help you increase your ability to communicate by utilizing hearing aids and assistive amplification devices.

Who does the Hearing Aid Dispensary benefit?

The Hearing Aid Dispensary benefits individuals of all ages, from newborns to adults, who have hearing impairment.

What are common signs of hearing loss?

• Asking people to repeat themselves
• Difficulty understanding (not necessarily hearing) speech
• Having the TV or radio volume too loud for others
• Accusing others of “mumbling”
• Pretending to understand, often responding inappropriately
• Difficulty hearing common sounds such as rain on the roof, footsteps in the hall, doorbells ringing, birds chirping, or voices laughing
• A hissing or ringing noise in your ear(s)
• The realization that the act of trying to hear leaves you tired and frustrated
• Your friends and relatives tell you that you don't seem to hear very well

How do I schedule an appointment in the Hearing Aid Dispensary?

The audiologists at Duke are here to help patients in their pursuit of successful communication. To schedule an evaluation, contact the Division of Speech Pathology and Audiology at 919-684-3859, through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.