Frequently Asked Questions

If you experience difficulty hearing conversations, frequently ask people to repeat themselves, notice ringing in your ears (tinnitus), or struggle to hear in noisy environments, you should schedule a hearing test.

If you have a chronic disease that increases your risk for hearing loss, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, schedule a hearing evaluation with Shoreline Hearing in Muskegon to establish a baseline and monitor changes over time.

A hearing test typically involves a series of evaluations, including listening to tones at different pitches and volumes through headphones, speech recognition tests, and assessments of ear health. The process is non-invasive and usually takes 30-60 minutes.

A hearing evaluation is often the first step in lifelong hearing care, which we talk about more in The Vital Role of Audiologists in Lifelong Hearing Health.

Adults should have their hearing tested every 3-5 years after age 50, or sooner if you notice changes in your hearing.

If you have a chronic disease such as diabetes or kidney disease, you should have your hearing checked at initial diagnosis every 1-2 years after that.

Hearing loss can be caused by aging, prolonged exposure to loud noise, ear infections, genetics, head injuries, certain medications, or medical conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

An audiologist can help you identify the likely cause and create a plan to manage it. Learn more about how audiologists support hearing health.

While some causes of hearing loss (like aging or genetics) cannot be prevented, you can protect your hearing by using ear protection in loud environments, keeping earbud volume low, and maintaining good general health.

Hearing aids come in various styles, including behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), and completely-in-canal (CIC). Your audiologist will recommend the best option based on your hearing loss and lifestyle.

Your audiologist will assess your hearing loss type and severity to determine if hearing aids are suitable. Most patients with sensorineural or conductive hearing loss benefit from hearing aids.

For more on choosing the right device, see our blog Is There a ‘Best’ Hearing Aid? Finding the Right Fit for You.

Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the ears without an external source. Treatment options include hearing aids, sound therapy, counseling, or addressing underlying health issues.

To keep hearing aids in good condition, clean them daily with a dry cloth, store them in a dry case, avoid exposure to water or heat, and schedule regular check-ups with your audiologist.

An audiologist is an expert in hearing and tinnitus care.  They have a doctorate in audiology and are licensed by the state.

With proper care, hearing aids last 3-5 years. Regular maintenance extends their lifespan.

Yes.  Most modern hearing aids connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to smartphones, TVs, and other devices.

No. OTC hearing aids are not professionally fitted and can result in a less-than-optimal result. A professionally fitted hearing aid has a higher satisfaction rate and lasts longer.

Not necessarily.  A well-fitted set of hearing aids can last many years and include cleanings, service, and adjustments saving money and hassle.

REM uses a tiny microphone in your ear canal to measure exactly how much sound your hearing aid delivers while you wear it. It is the gold-standard proof that your hearing aid matches your prescription.

REM is a core part of best-practice hearing aid fitting at Shoreline Hearing Center.

REM ensures better speech clarity, better comfort, and assurance that hearing aids are not over-amplifying and potentially damaging your hearing.

Learn more about how REM supports accurate, personalized fitting.

Aural rehab is a personalized approach to hearing care that combines hearing aids, auditory training, communication strategies, and counseling to help you hear, understand, and connect again—not just amplify sound.

Everyone with hearing loss–new or long-term. OTC users often skip it and struggle, while patients who work with an audiologist receive individualized training that leads to better results and stronger communication.