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

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.

Plan for about 45 to 60 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.

Most patients are seen within the week. If getting to an office is difficult, we also offer concierge at-home visits and remote care.

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.

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.

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.

02

Hearing Aids

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

03

Insurance & Cost

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.

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.

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.

04

Visits, Home & Remote

We have two locations: Midtown Manhattan (421 7th Ave, Ste 707, entrance on W 33rd St) and Garden City, Long Island (300 Garden City Plaza, Ste 248). Hours and directions are on our contact page.

Yes. Our concierge service brings full diagnostic testing, fittings, and follow-up to your home across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and throughout Long Island, with the same equipment and standard of care as our offices.

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.

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.

05

Tinnitus & Protection

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.

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.

We do, made from precise ear impressions for a perfect seal. We craft custom protection for musicians, swimmers, shooters, sleepers, and high-noise professionals, partnering with Sensaphonics and Westone.

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.

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.