Rivanna Hearing Center

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Rivanna Hearing Center

Rivanna Hearing Center: Your best choice for hearing aids in Charlottesville VA!

02/19/2026

If you changed Medicare plans and wondering, “What does this mean for my hearing care?” you’re not alone. A patient said to me recently, “I don’t even know what to ask. I’m worried I’ll mess this up.”

I get it… insurance changes can feel so overwhelming!

We’ll help you sort out next steps, like what may be covered, what might require authorization, and what your options are so you’re not guessing.

If you’re confused about your new Medicare plan, call us! We’ll help you get clarity before you schedule!

02/17/2026

“Does more expensive automatically mean better?” 🤔

At Rivanna Hearing Center, we always say a premium device isn’t always the best choice. It depends on you!

Premium technology can be amazing (especially for people who spend a lot of time in noise, meetings, restaurants, or large family gatherings). But if your biggest goal is hearing your spouse at home and TV more clearly, a top-tier model may be more than you need.

Our philosophy is simple 👇

We want you to go with the minimum technology you need to get your maximum communication success. We consider factors such as your hearing test, your lifestyle, and your listening goals, then make our recommendation.

If you’re hearing aid shopping and want a no-pressure conversation, send us a message or call our office. We’ll walk you through the options so you feel confident about what you’re choosing.

02/15/2026

New hearing aid research reinforces something we see in the clinic every day: there’s no one perfect hearing aid setting. Some people want a fast reaction to changes in sound. Others want a smoother, slower response. Interestingly, preference often depends on the type and degree of hearing loss!

Translation: if your hearing aids ever sound “too sharp,” “too loud suddenly,” or like speech is “clear but not comfortable,” that’s not you being picky, that’s a setting we can fine-tune!

If you’re not loving how things sound lately, schedule a quick check!!

Based on findings published in Ear & Hearing (Windle, Dillon, Heinrich).

02/14/2026

This Valentine’s Day, show your heart AND your hearing some love.

Your heart and ears are more connected than you think. The tiny sensory cells in your inner ear depend on strong blood flow to function properly, so when heart health declines, hearing can suffer too.

Studies show that cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure may increase the risk of hearing loss. (Source: American Journal of Audiology)

Taking care of your heart isn't just about longevity; it’s also about staying connected to the world around you through better hearing. 👂 So, if you've noticed changes in your hearing or want to make sure everything's in working order, we're here to help! ❤️

02/13/2026

Your heart health and hearing health are more connected than you might think!

Good blood flow is essential for the tiny sensory cells in your inner ear to work properly. 🩸 When your heart and blood vessels aren’t pumping well, these cells can get damaged, leading to hearing loss. That’s why conditions like high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease can increase your risk of hearing problems. Taking care of your heart means taking care of your ears too! 👂

If you’ve noticed any changes in your hearing or want to make sure your ears are in tip-top shape, send me a message or call to schedule a hearing exam.

02/12/2026

Did you know your ears are self-cleaning? 😮

Tiny hairs inside the ear canal naturally move earwax outward over time. When you use Q-tips or other objects, the wax often just gets pushed deeper instead of removed, leading to blockages, muffled hearing, or discomfort. ❌

If your ears feel full, itchy, or clogged, it’s best to have them checked by a professional rather than trying to fix it yourself. We’re here to help keep your ears safe and clear! 🦻

02/10/2026

I recently saw a large European study, the Gutenberg Health Study, that has been exploring the link between hearing loss and cardiovascular health. It caught my attention because, as an audiologist, I see firsthand how hearing changes can reflect broader health shifts.

Here’s the short version: the study found that people with hearing loss often had more cardiovascular risk factors, but when researchers accounted for age and other variables, most of those links faded.

Except one.

Hearing loss still showed a significant connection with diabetes, even after full adjustment. To me, that’s an important clue.

Sometimes, hearing changes show up as one of the early signs that something in the vascular or metabolic system needs a second look. Especially if you’re managing (or at risk for) diabetes.

If it’s been a while since you’ve had your hearing checked or your diabetes care plan updated, consider this your gentle reminder.

Not because anything is “wrong,” but because paying attention early can help us stay connected to the world, and to ourselves.

02/09/2026

Earwax gets a bad wrap, but it actually plays an important role in keeping your ears healthy.

Earwax is produced by glands in the outer portion of the ear canal and works alongside tiny hairs (called cilia) to trap dust, dirt, and other debris before it can reach the eardrum. This helps protect the sensitive structures deeper in the ear.

The goal isn’t to remove earwax completely, it’s to keep it from building up and causing problems. Healthy ears need a little wax!

As we age, earwax doesn’t move out of the ears as efficiently, which can lead to buildup and hearing issues. But don’t worry… we're here to help with safe, professional ear wax removal if you need it!

02/07/2026

Hearing aid repairs might seem quick, but they work best when we plan for them.

A patient walked in and said, “It’ll only take a second, can you fix this right now?” 🕑

I totally understand. When something stops working, you want it fixed today! But to respect everyone’s time, we ask that you either schedule a quick repair slot or drop it off at the front desk rather than walking in. That way, we can serve you well without bumping other patients.

You get a fast fix with less frustration. Win-win!

Need a repair? Call us and we’ll tell you the quickest option today.

02/06/2026

Can I use my FSA or HSA card here?”

I get asked this all the time.

A patient came in recently and said, “I’m guessing this won’t work for hearing stuff… right?”

I totally get it. Benefits can be SO confusing.

Here’s the simple answer: YES. Many patients can use FSA/HSA funds for things like hearing aids and copays and sometimes hearing protection too (always check your plan to confirm.)

Want help figuring out what applies to you? Send us a message or call the office! 🙌

02/05/2026

Many people describe tinnitus as a high-pitched ringing, but it can also sound like buzzing, humming, rushing, or even thumping. 🔔

Some people experience pulsatile tinnitus, where the sound matches their heartbeat. ❤️‍🔥 While this can happen occasionally, persistent pulsatile tinnitus may signal an underlying health concern and shouldn’t be ignored.

A hearing test is often the first step in finding answers. If you’ve noticed rhythmic sounds in your ears, send me a message or call to schedule a hearing exam.

02/04/2026

💊 Did you know that over 200 medications list hearing loss or tinnitus as a possible side effect? This includes some prescriptions and even common over-the-counter meds like aspirin or acetaminophen.

But don’t panic, taking them doesn’t mean you will develop hearing issues. If you do notice ringing or changes in hearing after starting a new medication, don’t stop taking it; talk to your prescribing doctor first. 👂🩺

We’re here to help you monitor your hearing health and work with your care team if anything changes.

Address

182 Spotnap Road
Charlottesville, VA
22911

Telephone

(434) 244-3277

Website

https://www.rivannahearingcenter.com/

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