Hear More.
Engage More.

Excel Audiology provides modern, individualized hearing care to keep you connected and active in Wilmington & Southport, NC.

Wilmington and Southport’s Trusted Audiologists

A Modern Approach To Hearing Healthcare

Jason Rickman, Au.D. and Carol Anne Ford, Au.D. are experts in hearing care and have been providing comprehensive hearing services to southeast North Carolina for many years. At Excel Audiology we aim to provide modern hearing solutions that keep you engaged and active — through individualized care that prioritizes your specific needs and a truly customized hearing experience.

Jason Rickman, Au.D.
Jason Rickman, Au.D.Doctor of Audiology
Carol Anne Ford, Au.D.
Carol Anne Ford, Au.D..Doctor of Audiology

Hearing Evaluations

Hearing Evaluations

Comprehensive diagnostic testing — including audiometric, tympanometry, and speech testing — to accurately identify the type and degree of your hearing loss.
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Hearing Aid Services

Hearing Aid Services

We offer the latest hearing technology fit and programmed to your preferences, with real ear measurement for a truly customized experience.
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Tinnitus Management

Tinnitus Management

Dr. Rickman provides informed care for tinnitus — diagnosing the underlying hearing loss and offering effective strategies to reduce the impact on daily life.
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Hearing Protection

Hearing Protection

Custom-molded ear protection for occupational noise, shooting sports, musicians, and everyday loud environments.
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Prioritize Your Hearing Health

Treating hearing loss can change your life. Better hearing strengthens communication, enriches relationships, boosts confidence, and supports you in navigating daily life independently — improving overall health and quality of life. The first step is simple: schedule a consultation with our team. We’ll assess your hearing and guide you through every step of the process.

Excel Audiology front desk

What Our Patients Are Saying

Average Star Rating:
Rated 5 out of 5
A doctor in a white coat shows a female patient an anatomical model of the ear while explaining hearing-related information in a medical office. A computer screen with medical icons is visible in the background.

Personalized Hearing Care, Every Step of the Way

Why Treating Hearing Loss Matters

Hearing health is about more than just hearing — it’s about protecting your overall well-being.

Linked to
Cognitive Decline

Untreated hearing loss has been linked to a faster rate of cognitive decline and memory loss.

May Reduce
Dementia Risk

Studies show that addressing hearing loss may help reduce the risk of dementia.

Better Communication, Better Quality of Life

Improved hearing helps you stay connected to the people and moments that matter most.

The Latest from Excel Audiology

An older woman with gray hair and glasses smiles while holding a hearing aid to her ear. She wears a black top and sits indoors near a window with natural light coming in.

Does Medicare Pay for Hearing Aids? Coverage, Costs & Options

One of the most common questions we hear is: Does Medicare cover hearing aids? The short answer is no, Original Medicare generally does not cover hearing aids or hearing aid fittings. This often comes as a surprise to many people who are beginning to explore treatment options for hearing loss. However, that’s not the end

A younger woman is talking emotionally to an older woman who looks away with a serious expression. They are sitting together on a couch in a bright living room.

Cognitive Hearing Loss: What Happens Beyond the Ears

Most people think of hearing as something that happens only in the ears. While the ears are essential, hearing is actually a complex process that also depends heavily on the brain. Cognitive hearing refers to the brain’s ability to interpret and make sense of the sounds it receives. In some cases, a person may have

A close-up of a person inserting a white wireless earbud into their ear, with their hand holding the earbud and part of their face and hair visible.

Can Headphones and Earbuds Cause Hearing Loss?

Whether it’s earbuds during a workout, headphones on a commute, or music playing while studying, personal audio devices have become part of everyday life. While people of all ages enjoy listening to music, podcasts, and other audio content, younger generations often spend several hours a day using these devices. This raises an important question: Can