Audiology

SEARHC’s audiology services help patients across Southeast Alaska address hearing and balance issues through screenings, evaluations and hearing aid support. We are actively building consistent access to care while continuing to offer compassionate, collaborative service alongside Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) providers.

Expert Ear & Hearing Care, Closer to Home

We provide hearing screenings and evaluations, hearing aid fittings and repairs as well as support for managing chronic conditions that impact the ears. Services currently available include:

Hearing Screenings

Quick, non-invasive tests that check for signs of hearing loss. These are often the first step in identifying hearing concerns and are available in Sitka—and coming in 2025 to Juneau.

Hearing Evaluations & Treatment

Comprehensive assessments performed by audiologists to measure hearing ability, identify the type and degree of hearing loss and recommend personalized treatment options.

Hearing Aid Fittings & Support

We help patients select, fit and adjust hearing aids for optimal comfort and performance. Ongoing support is available for maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs.

ENT Collaboration for Conditions of the Ear

Our audiologists work closely with SEARHC’s ENT providers to evaluate and manage ear-related conditions—ensuring coordinated, in-house care without the need for additional referrals or travel.

Join Our Team! SEARHC is actively recruiting a full-time audiology provider. Services are currently supported by itinerant providers to maintain continuity of care.

Conditions We Help Address

Our audiologists work closely with ENT specialists to diagnose and manage a wide range of hearing and balance conditions. Below are some of the most common issues we support:

  • Tinnitus: Often described as a persistent ringing, buzzing or hissing sound in one or both ears, tinnitus can interfere with sleep, concentration and emotional well-being. While it’s not a disease itself, it is often a symptom of underlying issues such as hearing loss or ear injury. Our team can help identify the cause and offer strategies to reduce its impact.
  • Vertigo: Vertigo is a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning, even when you’re standing still. It’s often linked to inner ear disorders, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and can lead to nausea, imbalance and difficulty performing daily activities. Audiologists help evaluate vertigo and work with ENT providers to guide treatment.
  • Chronic Hearing Loss: Gradual hearing loss can develop over time due to age, noise exposure or other health conditions. It often affects a person’s ability to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments. SEARHC offers hearing evaluations, assistive device fittings and counseling to improve communication and quality of life.
  • Sudden Hearing Loss: This is a rapid, unexplained loss of hearing—usually in one ear—that occurs over hours or days. It can be a medical emergency and may require prompt treatment to restore hearing. If caught early, recovery is sometimes possible through medication or other medical interventions.
  • Tympanic Membrane Perforations: A hole or tear in the eardrum can be caused by trauma, infection or sudden pressure changes. Symptoms may include pain, drainage, hearing loss or a feeling of fullness in the ear. Audiologists can assist with diagnosis, and ENT specialists provide treatment or surgical repair when needed.
  • Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: The Eustachian tubes help equalize pressure between the middle ear and the environment. When they don’t function properly, you may experience muffled hearing, ear pain or a “popping” sensation. Evaluation and management help restore comfort and prevent complications like infections or hearing changes.

Why Choose SEARHC Audiology

Our audiology care is integrated with our Ear Nose & Throat (ENT) specialists—providing seamless referrals, in-house support and shared care plans. Patients benefit from coordinated, localized services that helping minimize travel to multiple facilities.

Financial Support

Patients who qualify can receive financial assistance for hearing aids through the Healing Hand Foundation, a valued community resource.

Next Steps: How to Schedule an Appointment

If you need hearing care or have questions about audiology services:

  • Call Your Primary Care Provider (PCP) to ask about referrals
  • Contact SEARHC Audiology at 907.966.8921 to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Many audiology services at SEARHC can be scheduled directly. However, some procedures or insurance plans may require a referral. We recommend checking with your PCP or SEARHC Audiology to confirm.

During your visit, an audiologist will assess your hearing with painless sound tests, ask about your medical history and recommend next steps. This may include hearing aids, referrals or further testing.

Our audiologists work closely with SEARHC’s ENT providers to evaluate and treat ear-related concerns. This collaborative care model improves outcomes and helps streamline your care.

SEARHC does not perform cochlear implant surgeries, but our audiologists can provide evaluations and refer patients to trusted partners for specialized procedures.

Hearing aids are considered durable medical equipment (DME) and may not be covered by insurance. SEARHC patients may be eligible for assistance through the Healing Hand Foundation funding application.

Service Locations

Locations by Community