Important information for Physicians

Dear Provider,

Clear ear canals help ensure the most accurate audiologic test results. Excessive or impacted cerumen may obstruct the ear canal, affect test reliability, and can sometimes be associated with symptoms such as tinnitus, vertigo, ear pain, itching, external otitis, or chronic cough.

While over-the-counter cerumenolytic agents may be helpful in mild cases, persistent or significant impaction may require removal by a medical provider. If cerumen occlusion is present prior to audiologic evaluation, referral to an ENT or other qualified medical professional for cerumen management is appreciated. Please note that audiologists are unable to bill for cerumen removal services.

Importance of Comprehensive Hearing Evaluations

A comprehensive audiologic evaluation assesses hearing sensitivity and the function of the outer, middle, and inner ear. It provides important diagnostic information and establishes a baseline for monitoring future changes. Baseline testing can be particularly helpful prior to chemotherapy, initiation of potentially ototoxic medications, or after trauma or significant noise exposure, allowing clinicians to identify treatment- or injury-related changes over time.

Many individuals may not perceive a decline in hearing but report difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments or group conversations. A comprehensive audiologic evaluation can help identify these concerns early and guide appropriate management..

Common Reasons for Audiology Referral

Patients are commonly referred for audiologic evaluation due to:

-Hearing loss or communication difficulties

-Tinnitus (e.g., ringing, humming, hissing, roaring, clicking, pulsatile, or musical sounds)

-Dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, or other vestibular symptoms

-Chronic or recurrent ear infections

-Ear fullness or pressure

-Sound sensitivity

-Baseline hearing assessment as part of a routine exam or prior to certain medications or treatments.

-Sudden hearing loss

-Pre-operative or post-operative hearing assessment

Pediatric referrals are often prompted by:

-Speech or language delay

-Articulation difficulties

-Recurrent otitis media

-Learning or behavioral concerns

Medical Conditions Associated with Hearing Loss

Audiologic evaluation may be beneficial for patients with certain medical conditions or risk factors, including:

-Cognitive decline, dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease

-Cardiovascular disease

-Diabetes

-Chronic kidney disease

-Hyperlipidemia, hypertension, or obesity

-Cancer patients, particularly those receiving ototoxic chemotherapy.

Additional indications may include sudden hearing changes, persistent ear pressure, difficulty hearing in noise, telephone communication difficulties, academic concerns, dizziness or imbalance, tinnitus, hyperacusis, misophonia, recurrent ear infections, or tympanic membrane pathology.

Mild Hearing Loss Should Not Be Overlooked

Even mild hearing loss can significantly affect speech understanding, particularly in background noise or when listening at a distance. High-frequency hearing loss often affects speech clarity rather than volume, leading patients to report that they can “hear but not understand.” Communication difficulties are often first noticed by family members due to frequent repetition or misunderstandings.

Early identification and management can help support communication, reduce listening effort, and maintain auditory stimulation. Delayed treatment may contribute to auditory deprivation, in which reduced auditory input over time affects the brain’s ability to process sound. As with mild vision changes that benefit from corrective lenses, addressing mild hearing loss can help preserve communication, cognitive engagement, and overall quality of life.

It is also worth noting that hearing difficulties may not be readily apparent during face-to-face conversations, as visual cues and quiet environments can make communication easier than in everyday listening situations.

Urgent Hearing Testing for Sudden Hearing Loss

Referral Information for Physicians, Hospitals, and Urgent Care Providers

Sudden hearing loss requires prompt diagnostic evaluation. Early hearing assessment plays an important role in identifying patients who may require immediate medical treatment or ENT referral.

Doctors of Hearing, Inc provides rapid-access diagnostic hearing testing for patients experiencing sudden hearing changes. We work collaboratively with physicians, hospitals, and urgent care clinics to help ensure patients receive timely hearing evaluation and appropriate follow-up care.

Why Rapid Hearing Evaluation Matters

Sudden hearing loss may occur within hours or over a period of up to three days and can sometimes be mistaken for earwax, congestion, or middle ear pressure.

However, in some cases it may represent sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), which often requires urgent medical evaluation and treatment.

Prompt audiologic testing can help determine:

• Presence and severity of hearing loss
• Whether the hearing loss is conductive or sensorineural
• Need for urgent medical management
• Appropriate referral to otolaryngology (ENT)

Early diagnostic information supports timely clinical decision-making and improved patient outcomes.

Rapid-Access Appointments

When possible, Doctors of Hearing, Inc prioritizes urgent hearing evaluations for patients with suspected sudden hearing loss.

Our clinic may provide:

• Same-day appointments when available
• Next-day evaluations
• Testing within 72 hours whenever possible

We understand that timely audiologic assessment is often critical when sudden hearing changes occur.

Diagnostic Services Provided

Urgent evaluations may include:

• Comprehensive audiometric testing
• Speech audiometry
• Tympanometry and middle ear assessment
• Comparison of asymmetrical hearing findings
• Clinical documentation for medical providers

Results can assist physicians in determining the need for medical treatment or specialist referral.

Communication with Referring Providers

When requested, we can provide test results and documentation to assist referring providers in coordinating care.

Our goal is to support physicians by helping identify hearing changes quickly so that patients can receive appropriate medical follow-up when necessary.

Referral Process

Providers may refer patients for urgent hearing testing by having the patient contact our office directly to schedule an evaluation.

Patients experiencing sudden hearing loss, unilateral hearing changes, or sudden tinnitus with hearing concerns may benefit from prompt audiologic assessment.

Our Purpose

Doctors of Hearing, Inc. is dedicated to improving the quality life of the hearing impaired community. Doctors of Hearing, Inc. is your trusted source for the information needed to make informed decisions on hearing aid purchases. Doctors of Hearing, Inc provides expert testing and proper fitting of hearing aids at a reasonable price.

Company Details

Dr. Norma Camacho Au.D CCC/A; ABA Licensed dispensing Doctor of Audiology American Boatd of Audiology Certified and ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (National recognition) Member of Academy Doctors of Audiology.

Phone numbers: 

626 639-3182 Pasadena Office
909 481-2834 Rancho Cucamonga Office
626 250-6642 San Dimas

About Us