Rivanna Hearing Center

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Rivanna Hearing Center

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

02/26/2026

Earwax actually comes in different types and textures, ranging from dry and flaky to wet and sticky, and this is largely determined by genetics. Some people naturally produce more wax than others, which can increase the likelihood of buildup over time.

Certain factors like hearing aid use, earbuds, narrow ear canals, or frequent headphone wear can also prevent wax from moving out of the ear naturally, leading to blockage and reduced sound quality.

If you wear hearing aids or notice sudden changes in hearing, earwax buildup could be the culprit, and the fix is often simple with professional care.

👉 We’re here to safely check and remove earwax when needed so you can hear your best.

02/25/2026

When someone asks me, “Which hearing aid should I get?” my answer is always: It depends on your lifestyle and your hearing test.

Before I recommend a technology tier, I’ll ask things like:

👉 Are you in meetings or an office?
👉 How often are you in restaurants?
👉 Do you go to church/theater/large events?
👉 Any noisy hobbies (hunting, motorcycles, woodworking)?

Because one “noisy place” can change everything. I had a patient who loved games at John Paul Jones Arena. Mid-range was fine at home, but in that crowd noise, she needed premium features to be comfortable.

Here’s the key: Your diagnostic test results guide the power and processing you need, and your lifestyle helps us choose the extras!

02/24/2026

As an audiologist, I see this story all the time:

A patient comes in because their spouse gently nudged them to schedule (or scheduled the appointment for them 😉). They usually start with, “I hear fine, everyone mumbles,” and I can tell they feel skeptical.

We slow it down, discuss real-life moments such as TV volume and group conversation, and then review their hearing test results.

The best part? The “wins” are often small but powerful: TV is lower, and couples always report that there is less repeating needed, and they can tell their spouse is more confident in different listening environments.

If you’ve been on the fence, you’re not alone. When you’re ready, we’re here to help, without pressure!

02/23/2026

Looking at hearing aids and thinking, “Why are these prices all over the place?” 🤔

The entry-level technology that we prescribe at Rivanna Hearing Center is made for quiet, simple listening needs: home, TV, reading, and easy one-on-one conversations.

And here’s my honest take 👉 if your lifestyle is mostly quiet, paying for higher-tier features usually won’t add much benefit.

I recently fit a retired patient who mostly spends time at home with his wife. Basic technology was the perfect match! 🦻

Not sure what tier fits your life? Message us, and we’ll help you choose based on your lifestyle!

02/21/2026

One of my favorite things to see at appointments? A “second set of ears.”

A patient once asked, “Do I really need to bring someone? I don’t want to bother them.” And look, I get that. But I also know that I’ve gone to appointments alone and forgotten half of what I was told. 🫣

Here’s why we encourage it: a spouse, adult child, or friend can help you remember instructions, ask questions, and support you as you adjust.

When that patient brought their spouse next time, everything felt easier: less stress and more confidence when they got back home. So if you have an upcoming visit, consider bringing someone with you! 😉

02/20/2026

“Does ear candling work?” 🕯️

We get this question all the time!

Despite popular claims, ear candling is both ineffective and unsafe. The waxy residue left behind comes from the candle, not your ear, and the hollow candle means hot wax can drip into the ear canal.

Ouch! 😬

For safe and effective ear wax removal, it’s always best to leave it to a trained professional. Your ears are too important to risk!! 👂

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! 🦻

Address

182 Spotnap Road
Charlottesville, VA
22911

Telephone

(434) 244-3277

Website

https://www.rivannahearingcenter.com/

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