Physician Resources
Pinnacle Audiology partners with physicians across New York City and Long Island to provide comprehensive audiologic evaluations, hearing aid fittings, tinnitus management, and custom hearing protection. We welcome referrals and are committed to keeping you informed with timely, detailed reports for every patient we see.
Our practice is led by Dr. Eric Nelson, Au.D., a clinical audiologist formerly of Weill Cornell Medicine. We operate a concierge audiology model with extended appointment times, same-week availability, and direct communication with referring providers.
When to Refer to Audiology
Audiologic evaluation is appropriate for patients presenting with any of the following:
- Reported hearing difficulty — especially in background noise, on the telephone, or when following group conversations
- Tinnitus — persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing in one or both ears, with or without associated hearing loss
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) — urgent audiometric evaluation recommended within 72 hours of symptom onset
- Asymmetric hearing loss — unilateral or significantly asymmetric presentation warranting further workup
- Ototoxic medication monitoring — baseline and serial audiometry for patients on aminoglycosides, platinum-based chemotherapeutics, or high-dose loop diuretics
- Aural fullness or pressure — after otologic causes have been ruled out
- Balance or dizziness concerns — when a peripheral vestibular component is suspected
- Cognitive screening consideration — untreated hearing loss is an independent modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline (Lancet Commission, 2020)
- Occupational or recreational noise exposure — patients with significant noise history who have not had a recent audiogram
- Failed hearing screening — in primary care or hospital settings
If you are unsure whether a referral is appropriate, we are happy to discuss the case with you directly. Call us at (646) 436-7590.
Hearing Loss: An Evidence-Based Overview for Physicians
Hearing loss affects approximately 15% of American adults and is the third most common chronic physical condition in the United States. Despite its prevalence, it remains significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated in primary care settings.
Prevalence and Impact
Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is the most common etiology, affecting roughly one-third of adults between ages 65 and 74, and nearly half of those over 75. However, noise-induced hearing loss and other causes affect younger populations as well. The consequences of untreated hearing loss extend well beyond communication difficulty and include social isolation, depression, reduced quality of life, decreased workplace productivity, and increased fall risk.
Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline
The 2020 Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention identified hearing loss as the single largest modifiable risk factor for dementia, accounting for approximately 8% of attributable risk. The ACHIEVE randomized controlled trial (Lin et al., 2023) demonstrated that hearing intervention in at-risk older adults reduced cognitive decline by 48% over three years in the subgroup with elevated baseline risk. These findings support proactive hearing assessment and intervention, particularly in patients with cardiovascular risk factors or early cognitive concerns.
Screening in Primary Care
While the USPSTF has not yet issued a definitive recommendation for universal hearing screening in older adults, multiple professional organizations including the American Academy of Audiology and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommend routine screening beginning at age 50. A single screening question — “Do you have difficulty hearing?” — has demonstrated reasonable sensitivity for identifying patients who would benefit from formal evaluation.
What to Expect from an Audiologic Evaluation
When your patient is seen at Pinnacle Audiology, a comprehensive evaluation typically includes:
- Otoscopy — visual inspection of the ear canal and tympanic membrane
- Tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing — assessment of middle ear function
- Pure-tone audiometry — air and bone conduction thresholds from 250 Hz through 8000 Hz (extended high-frequency testing available)
- Speech audiometry — speech recognition thresholds (SRT) and word recognition scores (WRS)
- Speech-in-noise testing — QuickSIN or similar measures to assess functional hearing ability in realistic listening conditions
Results are reviewed with the patient in detail. If hearing amplification is recommended, we discuss appropriate technology options based on the audiometric configuration, the patient’s lifestyle, dexterity, and communication goals. We fit all major hearing aid manufacturers and use real-ear measurement verification on every fitting to ensure evidence-based outcomes.
A complete audiologic report, including the audiogram and clinical recommendations, is sent to the referring physician following each evaluation. Reports are typically available within 48 hours.
About Dr. Eric Nelson, Au.D.
Dr. Eric Nelson is the founder and lead audiologist at Pinnacle Audiology. He holds a Doctor of Audiology degree and completed his clinical training at Weill Cornell Medicine. Prior to establishing Pinnacle Audiology, Dr. Nelson practiced in both hospital-based and private practice settings in the New York City area.
Dr. Nelson’s clinical interests include evidence-based hearing aid fitting, tinnitus management, and improving access to hearing healthcare through in-home audiology services. He is committed to a patient-centered, transparent approach to care and maintains direct availability for physician consultations.
Pinnacle Audiology serves patients at two locations: Midtown Manhattan (421 7th Avenue, Suite 707, near Penn Station) and Garden City, Long Island (300 Garden City Plaza, Suite 248). In-home hearing care is available throughout the five boroughs and surrounding areas for patients who are homebound or prefer the convenience of a house call.
Referring a Patient
We make the referral process as straightforward as possible. No special forms are required. Patients can schedule directly by calling our office or booking online. If you would like to send clinical notes or imaging reports ahead of the visit, we welcome that information via fax or secure email.
Phone: (646) 436-7590
Email: info@pinnacleaudiology.com
Online Scheduling: pinnacleaudiology.com
Manhattan Office: 421 7th Avenue, Suite 707, New York, NY 10001 (near Penn Station)
Garden City Office: 300 Garden City Plaza, Suite 248, Garden City, NY 11530
For urgent cases, including suspected sudden sensorineural hearing loss, please call our office directly. We prioritize same-day or next-day appointments for SSNHL evaluations.
Insurance and Coverage
Pinnacle Audiology accepts most major insurance plans for diagnostic audiologic evaluations. Hearing aid coverage varies by plan and benefit. Our team verifies each patient’s insurance benefits prior to their appointment and provides a clear breakdown of expected costs, so there are no surprises for your patients. For a current list of accepted plans, visit our insurance page.