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646-436-7590 · Midtown Manhattan
Frequently Asked

Questions,
answered.

Straight answers to what patients ask us most, about evaluations, hearing aids, cost and coverage, and the ways we bring care to you. Don't see yours? Call us at 646-436-7590.

01

Getting Started

Do I need a referral to book an appointment?

No. Anyone can book a comprehensive hearing evaluation with us directly, no physician referral required. If your insurance or physician would like documentation, we're happy to coordinate and share results with your care team.

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What happens at my first appointment?

Plan for 60โ€“90 unhurried minutes. We start with your history and an otoscopic exam, then perform complete diagnostic testing (pure-tone, speech-in-noise, and middle-ear analysis). You'll review every result with your audiologist the same visit and leave with a clear, personalized plan.

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How soon can I be seen?

Appointment availability changes. Call or book online to see current openings for office visits, concierge at-home visits, and remote care.

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How do I know if I actually have hearing loss?

Common early signs include turning the TV up louder than others prefer, struggling to follow conversation in restaurants, frequently asking people to repeat themselves, or feeling drained after social events. A single evaluation gives you a clear, objective answer, and peace of mind either way.

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What makes Pinnacle different from a retail hearing center?

At Pinnacle, appointments are one-on-one with a doctor of audiology. We are brand-neutral and work with every major manufacturer, so recommendations are based on your hearing test, lifestyle, and goals, not a single product line. Hearing aid fittings are verified with real-ear measurement, which helps confirm that the devices are programmed appropriately for your ears.

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Who is Dr. Eric Nelson and what is his background?

Dr. Eric Nelson, Au.D., CCC-A, is the founder and clinical director of Pinnacle Audiology. He holds a Doctor of Audiology degree and ASHA certification, and previously served as an Audiology Supervisor at Weill Cornell Medicine. He sees patients at both the Midtown Manhattan and Garden City offices.

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02

Hearing Aids

Which brands do you carry?

Every major manufacturer, including Oticon, Phonak, Widex, Signia, Starkey, ReSound, Rexton, and Unitron. Because we're brand-neutral, we recommend what genuinely fits you, not whatever one company wants us to sell. See them all on our hearing aids page.

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How do you choose the right device for me?

We match the technology to your hearing test, your lifestyle, and your budget, then verify the fitting with real-ear measurement so the prescription is tuned to your actual ears. No guesswork, and no upsells.

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How much do hearing aids cost?

Cost depends on the level of technology you need, and we're transparent about it before you commit. We'll check your insurance benefits, explain your options at every price point, and never pressure you toward the most expensive choice. Financing is available.

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Can I try hearing aids before fully committing?

Yes. We offer trial periods so you can experience the devices in your real life, and several manufacturers offer at-home trial programs. Adjustments and fine-tuning during this period are part of the process.

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How long do hearing aids last?

Most last about five to seven years with good care. We handle cleanings, maintenance, and repairs to keep yours performing, and we'll guide you on when an upgrade is genuinely worth it.

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03

Insurance & Cost

Do you accept insurance?

We work with most major insurance plans and will verify your specific benefits for you before your visit, so you know what to expect. Learn more on our insurance & benefits page.

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Is the hearing evaluation covered?

Diagnostic hearing evaluations are often covered, fully or in part, depending on your plan. We check this in advance and explain any out-of-pocket cost clearly, with no surprises.

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What if I don't have hearing aid benefits?

Many plans cover diagnostics but not devices. If that's your situation, we offer transparent pricing and financing options so you can move forward comfortably. We'll always find the right solution for your budget.

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04

Visits, Home & Remote

Where are your offices?

We have two locations: Midtown Manhattan (421 7th Ave, Ste 310, patient entrance at 159 W 33rd St) and Garden City, Long Island (300 Garden City Plaza, Ste 248). Hours and directions are on our contact page.

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Do you offer at-home visits?

Yes. Our concierge service brings full diagnostic testing, fittings, and follow-up to homes in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Nassau County, with the same equipment and standard of care as our offices. A concierge visit fee applies to every appointment.

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Can you adjust my hearing aids remotely?

Yes. Once you're set up, we can program and fine-tune many hearing aids remotely. We're currently licensed for remote care in New York, New Jersey, and Vermont, with more states on the way.

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I bought my hearing aids elsewhere. Can you help?

Absolutely. Through our transfer of care program we welcome patients fitted by any other provider, and pick up your care seamlessly, including programming, repairs, and ongoing support.

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05

Tinnitus & Protection

Can you help with ringing in my ears?

Yes. We provide comprehensive tinnitus consultations, evaluating the underlying causes and building an evidence-based plan that may combine sound therapy, device-based relief, and coping strategies to reduce its daily impact.

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Can tinnitus go away on its own?

Some cases of tinnitus, especially those tied to a specific cause like noise exposure, earwax, illness, or medication, may improve once the underlying issue is addressed. Chronic tinnitus may not disappear completely, but it can often become much less intrusive with the right evaluation, sound strategies, hearing care, and counseling. The first step is understanding what may be contributing to it.

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Do you make custom hearing protection?

We do, made from precise ear impressions for a secure, comfortable seal. We fit custom earplugs in NYC for musicians, swimmers, shooters, sleepers, and high-noise professionals, with options from Sensaphonics and Westone.

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Do you see children, or only adults?

Our focus is adolescent and adult hearing care. If we aren't the right fit for a specific need, we'll gladly point you toward a trusted colleague who is.

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Still Wondering?

Let's talk it
through.

The fastest way to get a clear answer is a quick conversation. Call us, or book an evaluation, and we'll walk you through it.