We are committed to improving our patients’ quality of life through exceptional hearing and balance care.
We strive to be leaders in our field through:
◾Evidence-based testing, diagnosis, and treatments
◾Physician collaboration
◾Advanced hearing aid technology dispensing
◾Patient education & counseling
The Truth About Testing for Hearing Loss
Not all hearing testing is the same. Hearing aid retailers most often are staffed by dispensers that legally are prohibited from billing commercial and governm
ent insurance providers for comprehensive hearing evaluations. As such, many retailers provide a simple yet limited hearing screening – free of charge. At Fairbanks Hearing & Balance Center we only conduct a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of your hearing system to ensure accurate diagnosis. You can be rest assured, you get the test results and treatment you deserve, based on a complete hearing evaluation in collaboration with your Doctor of Audiology and your attending physician. Why choose a Doctor of Audiology vs. a Hearing Aid Dispenser? A Doctor of Audiology and a Hearing Aid Dispenser both are licensed to test for hearing loss and to select and fit hearing aids. Doctors of Audiology, however, are schooled and earn doctoral degrees in the sciences of understanding the human ear intimately. In general, your Audiologist will perform more thorough testing to accurately identify other associative pathologies to hearing loss. Physicians collaborate primarily with Doctors of Audiology for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders. What is an Audiologist? au-di-ol-o-gist (noun): The health-care professional who specializes in evaluating, diagnosing, treating, and managing hearing loss and balance disorders in adults and children. Today audiologists are required to complete a 4-year doctoral program, including various clinical placements and research involvement.
08/07/2025
Untreated hearing loss can make socializing harder, but staying connected supports your mood and overall well-being.
People who treat hearing loss with hearing aids or cochlear implants regain rich conversations, escape isolation, and may even protect their brains and lifespans—proof that better hearing translates into fuller living.
08/05/2025
Whether you’re on a construction site, at a concert, or mowing the lawn—prolonged noise exposure can cause permanent hearing loss. And once it’s gone, it doesn’t come back.
That’s why we offer custom-fit earplugs designed for your ears, your environment, and your comfort.
✅ Superior protection vs. foam plugs
✅ Comfortable, secure fit
✅ Great for construction, concerts, shooting, swimming & more
✅ Available with cords or handles
August is National Wellness Month. Taking care of your hearing supports your focus, energy and brain health.
This study explored older adults' attitudes about hearing health and hearing loss and it's connection to brain health, dementia, and depression.
08/04/2025
Not sure where to start with your hearing health? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
Whether it’s your first hearing test or time to upgrade your hearing aids, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Schedule your appointment with Fairbanks Hearing and Balance Center today!
🔊 Why You Should Get a Baseline Hearing Test
A baseline hearing test is the first step in maintaining your auditory health. It provides a snapshot of your hearing at the time of the test, which is crucial for monitoring any changes over time. Regular testing can help identify early signs of hearing loss, even if you're not yet noticing any symptoms.
Why is this important?
Early Detection: Catch hearing issues before they affect your daily life.
Better Planning: Helps track changes and determine the best course of action if hearing loss progresses.
Custom Solutions: If needed, hearing aids or other solutions can be tailored to your unique needs.
Start with a baseline hearing test today—it’s a simple way to ensure your hearing health is on track for the future. Book your appointment today!
Clear skies. Clear hearing.
At Fairbanks Hearing & Balance Center, we’re proud to serve our community with compassionate, expert care—so you never miss the sounds that matter most!
Tinnitus affects millions and can stem from hearing loss, loud noise, stress, medications, and more. But the good news? Relief is possible. 🎧💙
At Fairbanks Hearing & Balance, we offer personalized care including:
• Hearing aids with masking features
• Sound therapy to retrain the brain
• Behavioral support and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
Swipe through to learn more ➡️
Then reach out to take the first step toward silence and peace.
Flying soon? A little prep can make air travel smoother and more comfortable if you have hearing loss. These five tips can help you feel more confident from takeoff to landing.
Special assistance, whether digital or in-person, can contribute to a smooth travel experience.
07/22/2025
MYTH: Hearing loss only affects older adults.
FACT: Half of those with hearing loss are under 65.
Hearing loss can affect anyone—any age, any stage.
🧠 Stay informed. Get checked. Take action early.
hearing loss, how to help a loved one with hearing loss, hearing tests, hearing aid services, Fairbanks, Fairbanks Alaska
07/21/2025
Birds chirping. Laughter of friends and family. The riverboat sailing by.
Fairbanks summers sound better when you can hear it all!
Don’t let hearing loss keep you from soaking up the best moments of the season.
Get your hearing checked today—and make the most of every summer moment.
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Contact The Practice
Send a message to Fairbanks Hearing & Balance Center:
Fairbanks Hearing & Balance Center
We are committed to improving our patients’ quality of life through exceptional hearing and balance care. We strive to be leaders in our field through:
◾Evidence-based testing, diagnosis, and treatments for all ages
◾Physician collaboration
◾Advanced hearing aid technology
◾Patient education & counseling
Do I have hearing loss, and does it matter?
Many people live with hearing loss for years before seeing an audiologist. Hearing loss is usually a gradual process, but you may have other symptoms to include persistent ear fullness or ringing (tinnitus). The gradual process is why most patients do not realize how this disease negatively affects their quality of life. Hearing loss affects people of all ages, and with numerous causes other than a history of loud noise exposure or advanced age. People with hearing loss often have trouble understanding conversations in noisy environments (such as restaurants, bars, music venues), and subconsciously rely on lip reading to understand personal conversations. Many people also become frustrated and avoid noisy environments all together because they cannot participate in conversations. At Fairbanks Hearing & Balance, we can help you determine the type and severity of hearing loss you have, and develop a personalized treatment plan to improve your quality of life.
Are all hearing tests the same?
There are various hearing “screening” tests that are offered by entities other than Doctors of Audiology. Audiologists provide a comprehensive hearing evaluation via a thorough evaluation of your outer, middle, and inner ear structures to achieve an accurate diagnosis. It focuses on not only the ability to hear certain frequencies at certain intensities, but our testing focuses on the ability to understand language in various situations (in quiet, in noise, etc).
At Fairbanks Hearing & Balance Center, we are not hearing aid retailers/dispensers. Hearing aid retailers/dispensers are usually legally prohibited from billing commercial and government insurance providers for comprehensive hearing evaluations that audiologists provide. As such, many retailers provide a simple limited hearing screening, free of charge, to meet the requirements to sell hearing aids. At Fairbanks Hearing & Balance Center, we conduct a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of your hearing system to ensure accurate diagnosis, personalize your treatment plan and recommendations, and collaborate with your referring physicians. We are part of Fairbanks ENT, and work closely with Drs. Hammond and Kim to provide services to patients of all ages.
Are all hearing aids the same?
Hearing aid technology has advanced significantly over the past decade. Although a hearing aid is an excellent piece of technology, a Doctor of Audiology is able to use their clinical expertise to fine tune the technology to meet your specific needs and reduce your listening effort. However, it is a team effort, and the best hearing aid is the hearing aid you are willing to wear. Our hearing aids come with a 3-year warranty and care plan for which our team will work with you to adjust your hearing aids to meet your lifestyle needs.
Why choose a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D) vs. a Hearing Aid Dispenser?
A Doctor of Audiology is the healthcare professional who specializes in evaluating, diagnosing, treating, and managing hearing loss and balance disorders in adults and children. Today, audiologists are required to complete a 4-year doctoral program that focuses in the sciences of understanding the human ear intimately.
A Hearing Aid Dispenser is licensed to test for hearing loss and to select and fit hearing aids. In general, your audiologist will perform more thorough testing to accurately identify other associative pathologies to hearing loss. Physicians collaborate primarily with audiologists for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders.