Hearing & Hearing Aid FAQs in Freehold, NJ

An audiologist is a licensed healthcare provider who specializes in hearing and balance. Audiologists identify, diagnose, and treat conditions like hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears), and dizziness or balance disorders — and just as importantly, they help you protect the hearing you have, from fitting custom earplugs to guiding you on safe noise exposure. Care spans every stage of life, from newborn hearing screenings to the age-related changes many adults notice over time.In New Jersey, practicing audiology requires a doctoral degree and a state license issued through the Division of Consumer Affairs, so every audiologist you work with has completed years of graduate-level clinical training. Many hold additional national credentials as well, such as the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or Fellow status with the American Academy of Audiology. At Haynie Audiology in Freehold, you're seen directly by Dr. Alexandra Haynie, a doctoral-level audiologist, for personalized, one-on-one care.

Both can fit and program hearing aids, but their training and scope of care are quite different. A hearing instrument specialist — sometimes called a hearing aid dispenser — is licensed to test hearing specifically for the purpose of selecting, fitting, and selling hearing aids. It's a legitimate and valuable role, but the training is centered on the devices themselves, typically earned through an apprenticeship and a state licensing exam rather than a graduate degree.An audiologist holds a doctoral degree and is trained to do considerably more than fit hearing aids. Audiologists perform comprehensive diagnostic testing, evaluate and treat conditions like tinnitus and balance disorders, care for patients of every age including children, and can recognize when a change in hearing signals an underlying medical issue that needs referral to a physician. Put simply: a hearing instrument specialist focuses on the hearing aid, while an audiologist looks at your overall hearing health first and then recommends the right path forward — which may or may not turn out to be a hearing aid at all.

No referral is needed. You can schedule directly with us at any time.

Yes. Haynie Audiology serves patients throughout Monmouth County, including Manalapan, Marlboro, Howell, Colts Neck, Englishtown, Jackson, Old Bridge, Aberdeen, and surrounding communities.

We participate with most major insurance plans and third-party hearing benefit programs, including Medicare, Aetna, AmeriHealth New Jersey, Anthem, Cigna, Clover Health, GEHA, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Wellcare, and WellPoint.Don't see your plan listed? Reach out anyway — we may still be able to help or point you in the right direction.

Hearing loss usually develops so gradually that the people around you often notice it before you do. Instead of a sudden change, it tends to show up as everyday frustrations. A few common signs:You often ask people to repeat themselves, or feel like everyone is mumbling.Conversations in restaurants or groups have become tiring to follow.Others say your TV or phone is too loud.Higher-pitched voices, like women's and children's, are harder to catch.You notice ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus). One sign on its own may be nothing, but if several sound familiar, it's worth getting checked. The only way to know for sure is a hearing test with an audiologist, which measures exactly what you can and can't hear and rules out simpler causes like earwax. At Haynie Audiology in Freehold, Dr. Alexandra Haynie will explain your results in plain language and, if needed, walk you through your options. Call 732-810-2104 to schedule your evaluation.

Hearing loss has many causes, but most fall into a few common categories:Aging — the most common cause; the inner ear naturally changes over time.Noise exposure — loud workplaces, music, or equipment can damage hearing over the years, or all at once.Genetics — hearing loss often runs in families.Earwax or blockage — a buildup can muffle hearing and is easily treated.Infections or fluid — especially common in children, and often temporary.Certain medications and health conditions — some drugs, as well as issues like diabetes or heart disease, can affect hearing. One important point: some causes, like age and noise, are permanent, while others, like earwax or an infection, are temporary and treatable. That's exactly why it's worth getting checked rather than guessing — a hearing test with an audiologist pinpoints the cause and whether it can be reversed. At Haynie Audiology in Freehold, Dr. Alexandra Haynie will identify what's behind your hearing changes and explain your options clearly. Call 732-810-2104 to schedule your evaluation.

Yes, we see children ages 5 and up. Our approach is patient, flexible, and adapted to each child's comfort level.

Yes. If hearing aids are appropriate, we guide you through the process—from selection to fitting and follow-up care—so you feel confident and supported.