Hearing Aids in Wilmington & Southport, NC
If you’ve been told you have hearing loss — or you’ve started noticing that conversations are harder to follow, the TV is louder than it used to be, or you’re asking people to repeat themselves more than you’d like — hearing aids may be the solution that changes your life.
At Excel Audiology, Dr. Jason Rickman, Au.D. takes a thorough, patient-centered approach to hearing aid care. That means we don’t just hand you a device — we evaluate your hearing, your lifestyle, and your listening goals to match you with the technology that’s right for you. Every fitting includes real ear measurement verification to ensure your devices are precisely programmed for your individual hearing prescription.
How Modern Hearing Aids Work
Today’s hearing aids are sophisticated digital devices, not the bulky amplifiers of years past. A modern hearing aid contains multiple components working together:
- A microphone captures sounds from your environment
- A digital signal processor analyzes those sounds and separates speech from noise
- An amplifier boosts sounds based on your specific hearing prescription
- A receiver (speaker) delivers amplified sound directly into your ear canal
Advanced hearing aids use AI and machine learning to automatically detect your environment — whether you’re in a quiet room, a noisy restaurant, or watching TV — and adjust their settings in real time.
Hearing Aid Styles
Hearing aids come in several styles, each offering different levels of discretion, power, and features. During your fitting, Dr. Rickman will recommend the style best suited to your hearing loss, ear anatomy, and lifestyle.
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) / Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE)
The most popular style today. The main body sits behind the ear, and a thin wire connects to a small receiver placed in the ear canal. Lightweight, discreet, and available in rechargeable options.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
A slightly larger device that sits fully behind the ear and connects to a custom earmold via a tube. Ideal for more severe hearing losses or patients with dexterity challenges.
In-the-Ear (ITE)
A custom shell fills the outer ear bowl. Available in full-shell and half-shell options. Good for moderate to severe hearing loss.
In-the-Canal (ITC)
A smaller, partially in-ear device. More discreet than ITE models, with fewer manual features.
Completely-in-Canal (CIC)
Sits almost entirely inside the ear canal, making it nearly invisible. Best for mild to moderate hearing loss.
Invisible-in-Canal (IIC)
The smallest and most discreet option available. Sits deep in the ear canal, hidden from view. Examples include the Lyric — the world’s only 100% invisible, extended-wear hearing aid.
Key Hearing Aid Features
Rechargeable battery
No more tiny batteries to replace. Simply place hearing aids in the charging case overnight and they’re ready to go.
Directional microphones
Focus on the sounds in front of you while reducing noise coming from the sides and behind — essential for following conversations in noisy environments.
Tinnitus masking
Built-in sound generators that can reduce the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears.
Fall detection & health tracking
Select premium models include sensors that detect falls, track steps, and monitor heart rate, making them valuable wellness devices as well.
Bluetooth streaming
Stream phone calls, music, podcasts, and TV audio directly to your hearing aids from smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
AI-powered noise reduction
Advanced algorithms distinguish speech from background noise and amplify speech while suppressing unwanted sounds.
Remote programming
Some manufacturers allow audiologists to remotely adjust hearing aid settings without an in-office visit — extremely convenient for fine-tuning.
Hearing Aid Technology Levels
Hearing aids are available in basic, mid-range, and premium technology tiers. The right level for you depends on how active you are, the types of listening environments you frequent, and your budget.
Basic/ENtry
Best for quieter, controlled listening environments (home, small gatherings)
Mid-level
Good for a mix of quiet and moderately noisy environments
Premium
Designed for highly variable and challenging environments — restaurants, social events, meetings, travel. Includes the most sophisticated noise reduction and speech clarity features.
At Excel Audiology, we carry hearing aids from the world’s leading manufacturers and can help you find the best technology at a price point that works for your situation.
The Hearing Aid Fitting Process at Excel Audiology
Getting hearing aids is a process, not a one-time transaction. Here’s what to expect:
1. Comprehensive Hearing Evaluation
We begin with a full audiological evaluation, including pure-tone audiometry, speech testing, and tympanometry. This establishes your hearing profile and confirms whether hearing aids are appropriate for your type of hearing loss.
2. Hearing Aid Selection
Based on your audiogram, lifestyle, preferences, and budget, Dr. Rickman will recommend and discuss specific hearing aid options. In many cases, you’ll be able to try devices during your consultation.
3. Custom Fitting & Real Ear Measurement
Hearing aids are programmed based on your audiogram, but no two ears are the same. Real ear measurement (REM) uses a small probe microphone placed in the ear canal to verify that the hearing aid is delivering exactly the right amount of amplification at each frequency for your specific ear. This is the gold standard in hearing aid fitting and significantly improves outcomes.
4. Orientation & Education
We’ll walk you through how to wear, clean, and care for your hearing aids, change or charge batteries, use Bluetooth features, and adjust the volume or settings.
5. Follow-Up Care
The first few weeks with hearing aids involve an adjustment period. We schedule follow-up visits to fine-tune your programming, address any comfort issues, and ensure you’re getting the maximum benefit from your devices.
Why Choose Excel Audiology for Your Hearing Aids?
Audiologist-led care
Dr. Jason Rickman is a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.), trained to diagnose and treat hearing loss — not just sell devices. You can trust that every recommendation is made with your health in mind.
Real ear measurement
We verify every fitting with objective measurement, not guesswork.
Full-service care
From evaluation to fitting to repair to follow-up, everything is under one roof.
Independent practice
We are not owned by a manufacturer or a corporate retail chain. That means we can offer a wide selection of brands and technology levels, with no sales pressure.
Local, community-focused
We serve Wilmington, Southport, and the surrounding coastal communities of North Carolina with personalized care.
Hearing Aid Brands We Offer
Excel Audiology carries hearing aids from the world’s top manufacturers.
Schedule a Hearing Aid Consultation
- Wilmington: (910) 399-3075
- Southport: (910) 387-9015
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need hearing aids?
If you struggle to follow conversations, especially in noise — or people in your life have mentioned that you seem to be missing things — you likely have some degree of hearing loss. A hearing test will confirm this and tell us exactly what type and degree of loss you have.
How long do hearing aids last?
Most hearing aids last 5–7 years with proper care. We offer ongoing maintenance, cleaning, and repair services to maximize the lifespan of your devices.
Are hearing aids covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. We will help you navigate your insurance benefits and also offer flexible payment options. Many patients are also eligible for hearing aid benefits through Veterans Affairs (VA) programs.
Will hearing aids restore my hearing to normal?
Hearing aids significantly improve hearing and communication, but they don’t restore hearing to the way it was before any damage occurred. The goal is to make hearing effortless and natural in as many situations as possible — and most patients experience a dramatic improvement in quality of life.
How long does it take to adjust to hearing aids?
Most people adapt to their new hearing aids within a few weeks. The brain needs time to relearn how to process the sounds it has been missing. Our follow-up care program supports you through this adjustment period.