Falls Hearing Center

Falls Hearing Center Voted Bristol region's #1 hearing center! Give us a call and our staff will be happy to answer your questions about hearing loss and hearing aids!

Set up an appointment to get your hearing tested today! We provide our patients with the best hearing healthcare through our expertise and dedication to each individual's needs. We provide hearing evaluations, hearing aid evaluations, hearing aid adjustments, hearing aid reprogramming, hearing aid cleanings, custom hearing protection, musician's earplugs, and much more!

Anyone else remember falling asleep to the hum of one of these fans?Turns out, that soothing sound may have been doing m...
02/03/2026

Anyone else remember falling asleep to the hum of one of these fans?

Turns out, that soothing sound may have been doing more than keeping you cool. It can also be a helpful tool for managing tinnitus! Sound masking uses background noise, such as a fan, sound machine, or app, to give the brain something else to focus on besides the ringing or buzzing.
It’s especially helpful at bedtime or in quiet environments if you have trouble falling asleep.
Which one are you? Old-school or high-tech?

Hearing ringing, buzzing, humming, or rushing sounds in your ears? 👂 You’re not imagining it, and you’re definitely not ...
02/02/2026

Hearing ringing, buzzing, humming, or rushing sounds in your ears? 👂 You’re not imagining it, and you’re definitely not alone. About 10% of U.S. adults (over 25 million people) experience tinnitus, and millions find it disruptive to daily life.

Tinnitus is commonly linked to hearing loss, but stress, anxiety, noise exposure, and head injuries can also play a role.

If the sounds in your ears are bothering you, we’re here to help you understand what’s going on. 💙

One of the most common questions we get is: "Should I go with rechargeable hearing aids or traditional batteries?"Here’s...
01/29/2026

One of the most common questions we get is: "Should I go with rechargeable hearing aids or traditional batteries?"
Here’s a quick breakdown:
✅ Rechargeable hearing aids
• Just place them in a charger overnight, no more fumbling with tiny batteries
• Great for people with arthritis or dexterity concerns
• Environmentally friendly and convenient
• Most models hold a full day’s charge

🔁 Battery-powered hearing aids
• Still a solid option, especially for those who travel often or don’t want to rely on charging
• Batteries typically last 3–10 days, depending on use and size

Which one is more popular? Well, rechargeable hearing aids now make up over half of all hearing aids sold in the U.S. So they are definitely becoming more popular! (Source: Hearing Industries Association, 2022).

Not sure what’s best for your lifestyle? We’ll walk you through your options during your visit.

Over time, untreated hearing loss can cause the brain to “reassign” the parts responsible for processing sound. Those ar...
01/26/2026

Over time, untreated hearing loss can cause the brain to “reassign” the parts responsible for processing sound. Those areas may start handling other senses instead, like vision.
This shift is what researchers call the Sensory Deprivation Theory.
Basically, if the brain isn’t getting sound input, it finds other things to focus on, and that may impact overall brain function.

Studies using brain imaging show decreased activity in the auditory cortex in people with untreated hearing loss. (Source: Glick & Sharma, 2020)

Keeping those sound pathways active is just one more reason to treat hearing loss early.

Here are a few hearing-healthy goals you ✨might✨ consider for 2026:🔊Get a baseline or updated hearing test (if it’s been...
01/23/2026

Here are a few hearing-healthy goals you ✨might✨ consider for 2026:
🔊Get a baseline or updated hearing test (if it’s been a while)
🦻 Clean & refresh your current hearing aids for the best performance
📱 Explore new tech if your needs or lifestyle have changed

Not sure where to start? Message us, we would LOVE to help!

According to new research from the American Academy of Otolaryngology, 1 in 8 adolescents shows signs of hearing damage ...
01/20/2026

According to new research from the American Academy of Otolaryngology, 1 in 8 adolescents shows signs of hearing damage by age 18.
As an audiologist, this statistic is alarming but unfortunately not surprising…
Noise exposure from earbuds, concerts, and even everyday environments is taking a toll on young ears. Early education and hearing protection are more important than ever.

Let’s protect your kids! When was the last time the kids in your family had a full hearing exam?

Here’s something many people don’t realize: hearing loss and cognitive decline may actually share a common cause. Things...
01/17/2026

Here’s something many people don’t realize: hearing loss and cognitive decline may actually share a common cause.

Things like aging, oxidative stress, or changes in brain structure can affect both hearing and brain function at the same time.
This is known as the Co-Morbidity Theory, and it’s one of the reasons we look at the whole picture when we assess your hearing.
Brain scans show that adults with hearing loss experience faster rates of brain shrinkage, especially in areas tied to memory and speech processing. (Source: Peelle et al., 2011)

Say what? Yes, you heard that right…caring for your hearing is one step toward protecting your brain health, too.

“Do I need a doctor’s referral to see you?”Great question, and the answer is: NO!  Though we do have a lot of patients c...
01/15/2026

“Do I need a doctor’s referral to see you?”

Great question, and the answer is: NO! Though we do have a lot of patients come to us from referrals from their Primary Care Doctor, you do not HAVE to have a referral

Ever feel totally wiped out after a long conversation, especially in a noisy place? You’re not imagining it. When your b...
01/12/2026

Ever feel totally wiped out after a long conversation, especially in a noisy place?
You’re not imagining it.

When your brain works harder to make up for hearing loss, it can use up energy meant for other tasks, like memory or focus.
This idea is called Cognitive Load Theory, and it helps explain why untreated hearing loss can affect more than just your ears.

Research from Johns Hopkins found that people with hearing loss are up to 5 times more likely to develop dementia if they don’t treat it. (Source: Lin et al., 2011)

Does listening feel exhausting? It might be time for a hearing check.

👉 “I feel like I’m missing the little things.”Just last week, a patient shared a story that stuck with me. During a holi...
01/08/2026

👉 “I feel like I’m missing the little things.”
Just last week, a patient shared a story that stuck with me. During a holiday family gathering, his one-year-old grandchild said “Papa!” for the VERY FIRST TIME.
Everyone heard it… except Papa. 💔
These aren’t loud moments.
But they’re big ones. This is the reason most of our patients schedule their first hearing test.
If something feels “off,” or you’ve noticed those little misses starting to add up, we’re here, always ready to listen. 👂

As 2025 comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on what a wonderful year we’ve had. I think of the laughter of family...
12/31/2025

As 2025 comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on what a wonderful year we’ve had. I think of the laughter of family and friends, the music that got stuck in my head, the little moments that made life feel alive. 👂
So here’s my question for you: How’d you hear this holiday season? Did you catch every conversation, every giggle, every “Merry Christmas” clearly? Or were there some not-so-clear moments?
Whether it’s checking your hearing, adjusting your devices, or finally addressing that nagging “huh?”... We're here to help you make 2026 the year of clear sound. 🎶
From our team to you: Happy New Year! 🎉
📌 Friendly reminder: Our office will be closed for the holiday, but we’ll be back on Monday January 5th to help you hear every moment clearly very soon.

💬 What patients often tell me …“I thought I was too young for hearing aids.”“I didn’t want to feel old.”“I was nervous i...
12/29/2025

💬 What patients often tell me …
“I thought I was too young for hearing aids.”
“I didn’t want to feel old.”
“I was nervous it would be a sales pitch.”

These are real words I hear often… and I get it. Trusting someone with your hearing can feel vulnerable. There’s fear, hesitation, and sometimes even a little denial mixed in.

👂But here’s the thing…every single time someone takes that first brave step and sits down in my chair, they’re not just addressing hearing loss, they’re reclaiming connection.

So to everyone who trusted us this year, THANK YOU. Thank you for letting us walk alongside you, answer your questions, and help you hear the world more clearly again.

Address

319 Falls Drive
Abingdon, VA
24210

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12766761111

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We provide our patients with the best hearing healthcare through our expertise and dedication to each individual's needs. We provide hearing evaluations, hearing aid evaluations, hearing aid adjustments, hearing aid reprogramming, hearing aid cleanings, custom hearing protection, musician's earplugs, and much more!