Our Services
From diagnostic testing to advanced hearing aids and ongoing support — we provide personalized care at every step.
New: See our guide to tinnitus treatment options and what to expect at a tinnitus evaluation.
See what to expect from a hearing evaluation and when to schedule with an audiologist: Hearing Test Near Me (Birmingham, MI).
Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations
A hearing test is the first step toward better hearing. Our comprehensive evaluations help us understand your unique hearing profile and determine the best course of action.
Why get a hearing test? Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it difficult to notice on your own. Regular hearing evaluations can detect changes early, when treatment is most effective.
When should you get tested? If you're over 50, experience difficulty following conversations, frequently ask others to repeat themselves, or need to turn up the TV volume higher than others prefer.
Hearing Aid Solutions
Modern hearing aids are sophisticated devices that can dramatically improve your hearing and quality of life.
A hearing aid consists of three main components: a microphone that picks up sound, a processor that amplifies and adjusts the signal, and a receiver (speaker) that delivers the enhanced sound to your ear. Today's hearing aids use advanced digital processing to provide clear, natural sound.
Hearing aids typically last 3–5 years with proper care and maintenance.
Explore Hearing Aids →
For detailed information on hearing aid types and styles, visit our Hearing Aids page.
Understanding Hearing Loss
Hearing loss affects millions of people and can occur at any age. Understanding the type and cause of your hearing loss is the first step toward finding an effective solution.
Caused by problems in the outer or middle ear that prevent sound from reaching the inner ear. Often treatable with medical intervention or hearing aids.
The most common type, caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. Usually permanent but can be effectively managed with hearing aids.
A combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss affecting both the outer/middle ear and the inner ear.
Procrastination can make hearing loss worse. When your brain doesn't receive adequate sound stimulation, it begins to lose its ability to process speech and other sounds — a phenomenon known as auditory deprivation.
Research has linked untreated hearing loss to increased risk of cognitive decline, dementia, social isolation, depression, and falls. The sooner you address hearing changes, the better the outcomes.
Schedule a Hearing TestMost appointments begin with a conversation about your hearing concerns, health history, and the listening situations that matter most to you. Next, your audiologist may perform an ear exam (otoscopy) to check for wax buildup or other factors that can affect test results.
A diagnostic hearing evaluation typically includes a series of calibrated tests that measure how well you hear different pitches and speech at different volumes. After testing, your audiologist will review the results with you in plain language, explain what they mean for your day-to-day life, and outline next steps. Depending on your needs, next steps may include hearing protection guidance, medical referral when appropriate, or discussing hearing aid options and a fitting plan.
If you have insurance questions or you are unsure whether you need a referral, our team can help you understand your next step when you request an appointment. You can also learn more about Dr. Hinderliter’s background and approach on our About page.
In many cases, you can schedule directly with an audiologist without a referral, but requirements can vary by insurance plan or medical situation. If you’re not sure, contact our office and we can help you confirm what’s needed before your visit.
A hearing test commonly includes a brief discussion of your hearing concerns, an ear exam, and a series of listening tests that measure how you hear tones and speech. After testing, your audiologist explains your results and discusses the next best step for your goals.
Many diagnostic hearing evaluations take about 45–60 minutes, depending on your history and what testing is needed. When you schedule, our team can tell you what to expect for your specific appointment.
There is not one universal schedule for adult hearing screening. In general, the right timing depends on age and risk factors like noise exposure. If you have new or worsening hearing concerns, it is reasonable to schedule a diagnostic hearing evaluation now. For background, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association notes that there is no single agreed-upon screening schedule for adults and that timing depends on factors like age and risk factors. Read more: ASHA adult hearing screening guidance.
Medicare generally covers audiology services as diagnostic tests when they are medically necessary. CMS explains that Medicare generally covers audiology services as "other diagnostic tests" and that patients may be able to directly access an audiologist once every 12 months for certain diagnostic tests without an order (starting January 1, 2023). Read more: CMS: Audiology Services.
Tinnitus Treatment
Tinnitus evaluation and management: what to expect
Tinnitus — the perception of ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sounds when no external sound is present — affects millions of Americans. While there is no single cure, there are effective management strategies.
What causes tinnitus? Tinnitus can be caused by noise exposure, age-related hearing loss, ear infections, circulatory issues, medications, and other factors. A thorough evaluation can help identify contributing causes.
Repairs & Maintenance
Whether your hearing aids need a simple cleaning, a new tube, or a more complex electronic repair, our team is here to help. We service all major brands and can handle most minor repairs in-office, often the same day you bring them in.
Common repairs include: replacing tubing, cleaning wax guards and filters, repairing or replacing receivers, fixing broken battery doors, resolving moisture damage, and reprogramming after a reset.
For repairs that require manufacturer service, we work directly with the manufacturer to minimize turnaround time. We can also provide loaner hearing aids while yours are being repaired, so you never have to go without hearing.
Repair costs vary depending on the type and extent of the repair. Many repairs are covered under your hearing aid warranty. We'll always give you a clear cost estimate before proceeding with any repair work.
Custom Hearing Protection
Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most preventable forms of hearing damage. Custom hearing protection provides superior comfort and noise reduction compared to generic foam earplugs.
Custom Solutions
We create custom-fitted ear molds for hearing aids, hearing protection, in-ear monitors, and specialty applications. Custom molds are made from an impression of your ear for a precise, comfortable fit. They're more effective and comfortable than generic alternatives and are available in various materials and colors.
Get Custom MoldsSpecialized Care
Comprehensive cochlear implant care from evaluation through long-term follow-up.
A cochlear implant evaluation determines whether a cochlear implant may help improve your hearing and communication. During this appointment, our audiologists perform detailed hearing testing, speech understanding assessments, and review your hearing history. We work closely with your medical team to guide you through the candidacy process and help you understand whether a cochlear implant is the right option for you.
Activation is the exciting moment when your cochlear implant is turned on for the first time. During this appointment, we program the external sound processor and introduce you to the sounds your implant provides. Our audiologists carefully adjust the device to ensure comfort and clarity while guiding you through what to expect as your brain begins adapting to new sound signals.
Mapping appointments are follow-up visits where your cochlear implant is fine-tuned to optimize hearing performance. As your brain adjusts to sound, the implant settings are adjusted to improve clarity, speech understanding, and overall listening comfort. Regular mapping appointments are essential for maximizing the benefit of your cochlear implant and supporting your long-term hearing success.
Excess earwax can cause symptoms such as hearing loss, ear fullness, itching, ringing in the ears, or dizziness. Our clinic provides safe and comfortable earwax removal performed by trained professionals.
We use the Earigator®, a gentle ear irrigation system, designed to safely remove wax while minimizing discomfort. This advanced device uses controlled water flow to flush out earwax without the need for metal instruments in most cases.
Earwax removal is quick, typically takes only a few minutes, and can provide immediate relief and improved hearing.
Schedule Earwax Removal
Your Journey
From your first visit to years of follow-up care, we guide you every step of the way.
Schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation with our caring team today.
Hinderliter Hearing Services in Birmingham, Michigan provides diagnostic hearing evaluations, hearing aid fittings, hearing aid repair, tinnitus evaluation and treatment, custom hearing protection, cochlear implant services, and cerumen (ear wax) removal. All services are delivered by licensed audiologists, including Dr. Kristin Hinderliter, Au.D., FAAA.
A complete diagnostic hearing evaluation at Hinderliter Hearing Services takes about 60 to 90 minutes. The evaluation includes case history, otoscopy, pure-tone air and bone conduction testing, speech testing, tympanometry, and a personalized review of results with the audiologist.
Yes. Hinderliter Hearing Services uses real-ear measurement on every hearing aid fitting. Real-ear measurement is the gold-standard verification method recommended by the American Academy of Audiology because it confirms the hearing aid is delivering the right amount of sound at the eardrum based on the patient's actual ear canal.
Hinderliter Hearing Services is an independent audiology practice and fits hearing aids from every major manufacturer, including Phonak, Oticon, Widex, Starkey, ReSound, and Signia. The recommendation is based on the patient's hearing test results, lifestyle, and budget rather than on a manufacturer agreement.
Hearing aids at Hinderliter Hearing Services in Birmingham, Michigan range from entry-level to premium technology levels. Pricing is bundled with the full fitting protocol, including real-ear measurement, follow-up visits, and ongoing care. Call (248) 430-4416 for a quote based on hearing test results.
Yes. Hinderliter Hearing Services performs cerumen (ear wax) removal using safe, clinical methods including curettes, irrigation, and microsuction. Ear wax removal is a covered service that takes about 15 to 20 minutes for most patients.
Insurance coverage for hearing tests and hearing aids varies by plan. If you are not sure what your plan covers, call our office before your visit and we can help you confirm the next step.
No. Medicare states that it does not cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids (Medicare.gov).
Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may include hearing benefits, so it is important to check your specific plan (Medicare.gov).
Medicare may cover certain diagnostic hearing and balance exams when your doctor or other health provider orders the tests to see if you need medical treatment (Medicare.gov).
If you are unsure whether a referral is needed for your specific situation, contact our office and we can help you confirm what is required before your visit.
A Michigan Legislature bill analysis (House Bill 4944) describes a requirement (beginning January 1, 2026) for many state-regulated health insurance policies to include up to $3,000 per hearing aid every 36 months for qualified enrollees under age 19, if enacted with its tie-bar bill (Michigan Legislature bill analysis).
Coverage rules can differ by plan type (for example, self-funded employer plans). If you are trying to understand a specific benefit, call us and we will help you figure out the right next step.
Ask our team about current payment options when you schedule. We will walk you through what is available and what to expect for your care plan.
Note: Insurance information can change. This section is for general guidance only and is not a guarantee of coverage.
If you have sudden hearing loss (especially in one ear), new hearing loss with severe dizziness, or tinnitus that starts with a noticeable drop in hearing, do not wait. Seek urgent medical evaluation the same day when possible.
Educational guidance only; call 911 for emergencies.
Yes. Many reputable medical sources advise urgent evaluation for sudden hearing loss. (NHS: sudden hearing loss needs urgent help.)
Tinnitus plus a sudden change in hearing should be evaluated urgently, particularly if it is one-sided.
Seek urgent care for sudden hearing loss, hearing loss with severe dizziness/neurologic symptoms, or any rapid worsening of hearing.
Sources: NHS Hearing loss guidance; AAO-HNSF sudden hearing loss fact sheet.
If you are not sure which hearing aids are right for you, a hearing aid evaluation is the step that turns test results into a clear plan. Here is what most patients can expect at Hinderliter Hearing Services in Birmingham.
Most evaluation visits take about 30 to 60 minutes. If you also need a full hearing test the same day, plan for a longer visit.
Usually, yes. If you already have recent results, bring them. If not, we can help you start with a hearing test and then move into device options.
Bring a list of medications, any prior hearing test results, and a short list of your top 3 listening problems. If you wear hearing aids now, bring them too.
Next steps: hearing aids or schedule an appointment.
If you are looking for more detail, these pages answer the most common questions we hear in clinic.