The 1,200-square-foot Hearing Center was opened in March of 2012, in response to JHBI's needs for increased space for our growing hearing aid and implantable hearing devices department. The Hearing Center has a reception and waiting area, two hearing aid consultation/fitting rooms, a hearing aid repair lab, an implantable device consultation/fitting room and a test room with a sound booth and state-of-the-art equipment. The reception area is looped for demonstration with telecoil-compatible devices. Batteries, battery testers, drying units and ear protection devices are available for purchase.
All styles and sizes of digital hearing aids and a variety of hearing aid circuitry are available through the Hearing Center. We offer hearing devices from a variety of manufacturers, such as: Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Siemens, and Widex. This allows our audiologists ultimate flexibility in providing you the best selection for your specific needs. We also offer cochlear implants from all 3 major cochlear implant manufacturers (Cochlear Americas, Advanced Bionics, and Med El).
The Hearing Center audiologists provide thorough and objective advice to patients. Our audiologists are salaried, non-commissioned, experienced and ethical professionals. The Hearing Center's hearing aid prices include a comprehensive package of services.
If you are not satisfied with your hearing aids, you may return them within the first 30 days of use for a full refund.
Procedures for obtaining hearing aids through The Hearing Center at Jacksonville Hearing & Balance are trouble-free. Appointments can be arranged by calling (904) 399-0350 x246. A current hearing test (within 6 months) is necessary. If you have had a hearing test performed elsewhere, this can be submitted for review and approval prior to your appointment. General information about hearing aids can be obtained without an appointment by stopping in and speaking with one of our Audiology Assistants. Informational handouts and brochures are available.. Hearing Aids,Implantable Devices,Audiology
In the state of Florida,both audiologists and hearing aid specialists hold state licensure which allow the practitioner to sell and dispense hearing aids. The requirement for state licensure is based on the need to protect the well-being of the patient. While both types of professionals are licensed to work with hearing aids,the steps necessary to obtain licensure are significantly different between professionals.
At minimum,audiologists complete an undergraduate and graduate training program and a supervised clinical fellowship prior to obtaining state licensure. Since 2007,audiologists have been required to obtain a clinical doctorate,known as the Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology) degree,before entering the profession. The transition to the Au.D. degree reflects the increasing scope of practice for audiologists,and the need for further training given the major advances in technology and professional responsibilities. During their Au.D. program,most audiologists complete clinical rotations in a wide variety of practice settings,including hospitals,private clinics,schools,and industrial settings. Before obtaining state licensure,audiologists must pass a national examination of core competencies is the diagnosis and management of hearing and balance disorders.
Audiologists now complete at least 8 years of college before being eligible to practice (4 year undergraduate degree,4 year Au.D. program).
Hearing aid specialists are also licensed by the state of Florida; however,the process of obtaining licensure is significantly different than that of an audiologist. To obtain licensure as a hearing aid specialist,the practitioner must be a graduate of an accredited high school or its equivalent,complete a Hearing Aid Specialist Training Program which consists of at least 6 months of training under the direct supervision on a licensed hearing aid specialist,and pass a licensure examination.
The differences in educational requirements for audiologists versus hearing aid specialists reflects the much larger scope of professional practice that audiologists are licensed to engage in. Audiologists receive extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance disorders,as well as the fitting,adjustment,and verification of hearing aid,cochlear implant,and implantable hearing aid devices.
Hearing Aid Consultation and Selection,Earmold Impressions (if necessary),Hearing Aid Fitting and Orientation,Ongoing Hearing Aid Programing Adjustments,Hearing Aid Cleanings,Access to Bi-Weekly Hearing Aid Walk-In clinics,In-House Hearing Aid Repair Services and Access to JHBI Aural Rehabilitation Class