Better hearing. Better living.
Welcome to Hearing Associates of Dothan!
What have you been missing?
We have your solution to better hearing.
Affordable State-of-the-Art Hearing Technology
Hearing Aids and Assisted Listening Devices
Professional Hearing Care
Jamie B. Shumaker, Au.D. & Robyn H. Wilkes. Au.D.
Doctors of Audiology

WELCOME TO A WORLD OF BETTER HEARING

Hearing Associates of Dothan has been serving the Dothan area and surrounding communities for many years. Our entire staff is assembled for one purpose: to serve our patients. We provide a comprehensive array of services related to evaluation, rehabilitation, and prevention of hearing impairment.

We are pleased to be in the Cochlear Provider Network (CPN) to provide services to assess candidacy for implantable hearing solutions, as well as programming services and ongoing care, to help address the needs of patients for whom hearing aids have stopped providing meaningful benefit.

We are excited to work with Dr. William Blythe with East Alabama Ear, Nose, and Throat, PC, and also with Dr. Benjamin McGrew, Dr. Dennis Pappas, and Dr. Grayson Rodgers at Alabama Ear Specialists with the CPN because it allows us to continue to be a part of our patient’s hearing journey throughout the entire implant process, which reinforces our commitment to our patients and the community.

As Cochlear Provider Network audiologists, we not only have the opportunity to connect our medically qualified patients with an existing, established implant center, we also have the ability to assess the patient for implant candidacy before surgery, while also providing activation and programming services after surgery here in Dothan.  Want to know more?  Give us a call at 334-702-4327.

We are a very social group. Give us 5 minutes of free time and we can often be found clustered around the front desk talking to each other or to anyone who will listen to us. And that is precisely why we are doing what we do today. Nothing would create a greater void in our lives than the inability or diminished ability to join in a conversation. And we are passionate about making sure that we fix that problem for everyone who comes our way.Please meet Our Family….we hope you become the newest member very soon.

State of the Art Technology

Professional Care

Affordable Prices

Our Mission Statement

Dedicated to promote hearing health and provide high quality, personalized care for our patients and the community.

About Us

Our entire staff is assembled for one purpose: to serve our patients. Our goal is to provide you with the best hearing solution that we can based on your individual needs. We provide a comprehensive array of services related to evaluation, rehabilitation, and prevention of hearing impairment.

We pledge to provide comprehensive hearing healthcare to individuals of all ages and are committed to assisting each patient towards the goal of improved quality of life through better hearing.

Attuned to the latest advances and products, the staff of Hearing Associates of Dothan ensures we provide our patients with state of the art technology. Additionally, every product we sell includes the highest level of customer service from our experienced, trusted team.

Our Care

Our Comprehensive audiologist Services

Our Doctors of Audiology perform comprehensive evaluations, not just your typical hearing test. Specific tests are sometimes needed to appropriately diagnose, and recommend the best treatment option for your hearing healthcare needs.
At Hearing Associates of Dothan, we truly listen to your concerns! Because we are passionate about helping others, we also perform a communication needs assessment so that the appropriate treatment option can be recommended for you. This may or may not include hearing aid technology and/or assistive listening devices. Below is a list of our services:

  • Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Hearing Disorders for Adults and Children
  • Communication Needs Assessment for Hearing Aid Recommendations
  • Advanced Digital Hearing Technology Prescribed for All Ranges of Hearing Loss
  • Speech In Noise Testing to help in the hearing aid selection process
  • Real Ear Measures to verify your hearing aids are fitted appropriately
  • Ototoxicity Monitoring for Patients who are undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation
  • Tinnitus Evaluations and Treatment
  • Aural Rehabilitation Counseling and Classes
  • Auditory Processing Disorder Evaluations and Treatment
  • Hearing Aid Repairs and Service for all major manufacturers
  • Assisted Listening Devices and FM Systems
  • Custom Made Ear Plugs for Musicians, Sports Enthusiasts, Swimmers, and Industrial Workers
  • Industrial Hearing Conservation Programs
Hearing Associates of Dothan
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Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is the third most common health concern behind diabetes and heart disease. Approximately 36 million Americans suffer from a either conductive, nerve, or mixed hearing loss, more than half of whom are younger than the age of 65.

Hearing Technology

Imagine for a moment we're building a home: we wouldn't purchase the materials and defer the craftsman. So when considering hearing technologies, why would you not want a board-certified otologist, neurotologist, and audiologist guiding you every step of the way, building the perfect solution to your needs? We don't sell hearing aids, we treat your hearing loss. Period.

Patient Resources

Have a question? We have an answer. Have a question that was not previously answered? Submit your inquiry via our FAQ's page and we'll provide a personalized response. We recognize that you have a choice when it comes to your hearing healthcare provider. We want you to be as relaxed and informed as possible about our practice.

Doctors

Jamie B. Shumaker, Au.D.

Jamie B. Shumaker, Au.D. earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from Auburn University and her master’s degree in Audiology from the University of South Alabama. She completed her externship at the VA Medical Center in Birmingham with the completion of her doctoral degree from Salus University.

Dr. Shumaker has experience working with patients with hearing loss in both ENT and family practice settings. While she can see patients of any age, she specializes in adult and geriatric hearing loss, hearing aid fittings, and aural rehabilitation.

She is married to Casey Shumaker and they reside in Wicksburg. They have two sons, Luke and Colin.

Dr. Shumaker is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology, a member of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology and holds an Alabama state license from the Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.  Dr. Shumaker also is a member of the Tinnitus Practitioners Association.

Robyn H. Wilkes, Au.D.

Robyn H. Wilkes, Au.D. earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Alabama. She completed her externship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center with completion of her doctoral degree in Audiology from Salus University.

Having worked in an ENT setting for many years, Dr. Wilkes has a lot of experience with hearing disorders in adults and geriatrics. She also specializes in pediatric hearing loss, hearing aid fittings, newborn hearing screenings, and auditory processing disorders.

She is married to Chuck Wilkes and they have two daughters, Sadie and Mary Charles. They are active members of Covenant UMC and currently reside in Dothan.

Dr. Wilkes is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology, a member of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology and is licensed by the State of Alabama from the Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Dr. Wilkes is also a member of the Tinnitus Practitioners Association.

HEARING AIDS

Hearing Associates of Dothan is your source for the most advanced hearing technology from professional, trusted hearing experts. Whether you are active and on-the-go, or living life at a more leisurely pace, there is a solution to fit the needs of your hearing loss and your lifestyle. There are many factors you need to consider when choosing a hearing aid. Understanding your hearing needs and the various hearing aid devices available is essential to choosing the right solution for your specific needs. Our hearing doctors will help you find the most appealing and comfortable device. The first step in finding the right solution for your hearing loss is to call our office to schedule a hearing evaluation.

Hearing Associates of Dothan offers hearing aids from all major manufacturers that provide state of the art sound processing and can be virtually invisible on your ear. Current hearing aid technology is capable of helping you hear better in even the most challenging and noisy listening environments. Many of today’s hearing aids are also capable of communicating wirelessly with your phone, computer, television, MP3 player and many other devices!

Two styles (receiver-in-canal and the completely-in-canal) are the industry leaders and represent the majority of our modern day fittings.

Lyric is the first and only 100% invisible extended wear hearing device. It is placed by an audiologist and worn for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for months at a time. It can be worn during daily activities like showering and sleeping. Lyric is positioned completely inside the ear canal so that it provides natural sound quality while staying out of sight. We are the only certified Lyric providers in the Wiregrass area.


  • Widex
  • Signia
  • Lyric
  • Oticon
  • Starkey
  • ReSound
  • Phonak
  • Westone

TAKE YOUR LIFE BACK.

Contact us to schedule an evaluation, or for more information on how we can help you can gain your hearing back.

Patient Resources

Hearing Loss Facts:

  • Approximately 30 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss.
  • Prevention and early identification of and intervention for hearing loss are crucial for developing, maintaining or improving communication and quality of life.
  • An estimated four out of five adults over 55 years of age have hearing conditions that can be helped by a clinical audiologist.
  • Hearing loss can affect communication, emotional and physical health, education, work and personal relationships.
  • Hearing loss can happen to anyone at any age.

Signs of Hearing Loss

  • Frequently asking people to repeat themselves,
  • Often turning an ear toward a sound to hear it better,
  • Understanding conversation better when looking directly at faces,
  • Losing the conversation in groups,
  • Keeping the volume of radio or TV at a level others say is too loud,
  • Having pain or ringing in the ears,
  • Having difficulty hearing on the telephone,
  • Hearing people “mumble” or not speaking “clearly,”
  • Sometimes “hearing” but not “understanding” what others say.

The Impact Of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss restricts one or more dimensions in the quality of life including communication ability, mental status, emotional and social function. Hearing impairment has been shown to:

  • Negatively impact communicative behavior,
  • Alter psychosocial behavior,
  • Increase physical and mental tension,
  • Strain family relations,
  • Limit the enjoyment of daily activities,
  • Reduce sense of well-being,
  • Jeopardize safety and security,
  • Affect efficiency at work and interactions with co-workers/clients,
  • Interfere with the ability to live independently,
  • Interfere with:

medical diagnosis, treatment, and management;
pharmacologic regimens;
therapeutic interventions across all disciplines.

COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES

For Individuals With Hearing Loss

  • Tell others how best to talk with you.
  • Face your audience directly.
  • Position with back-lighting.
  • Anticipate and make a plan for difficult situations.
  • Pay attention.
  • Concentrate on the speaker.
  • Integrate visual and written cues.
  • Ask for clarification.
  • Acknowledge when communication is not understood.
  • Defer conversation when fatigued.
  • Show appreciation for efforts made when others assist you.

For Individuals Conversing With Those Who Have Hearing Loss

  • Get attention first.
  • Face and speak directly.
  • Position for face-lighting.
  • Avoid noisy environments.
  • Ask how to facilitate communication.
  • Refrain from shouting.
  • Speak clearly at a moderate pace.
  • Keep mouth cues clear.
  • Use facial expressions and gestures.
  • Rephrase if communication is not understood.
  • Give cues when changing subjects in conversation.
  • Be patient if response is slow.
  • Stay positive and relaxed.
  • Be respectful.

Doctor holding hearing aid

Testimonials

  • “The care and interest shown to me by the staff was, and continues to be more than I had hoped for.”

    Walter Hughes
  • “A fine service, prompt, pleasant, and on time.”

    Paul Woodall
  • “I have been a patient for over ten years.  From the first visit they have shown concern from my personal hearing problems and exhibited a very knowledgeable professional attitude.”

    Larry Collins
  • “I had forgotten how it was to hear what was going on around you.  I can take part in conversations again now.  I wish I had gotten my hearing aids a long time ago.”-

    Larry Martin
  • “I am so happy to say “what a big difference” my hearing aids have meant to me.  My hearing aids are so easy to wear.  It’s pretty easy to forget you have them because they are so comfortable to wear.”

    Jo Hasty
  • “I have worn hearing aids for almost 5 years.  Don’t know what I would do without them and encourage anyone with a hearing loss to not put off getting them for any reason.  Your quality of life suffers when you can’t hear well.”

    Bobby Elliott

FAQ

What is a Hearing Aid?

A hearing aid is a small electronic device that you wear in or behind your ear. It makes some sounds louder so that a person with hearing loss can listen, communicate, and participate more fully in daily activities. A hearing aid can help people hear more in both quiet and noisy situations.

How can hearing aids help?

Hearing aids are primarily useful in improving the hearing and speech comprehension of people who have hearing loss that results from damage to the small sensory cells in the inner ear, called hair cells. This type of hearing loss is called sensorineural hearing loss. The damage can occur as a result of disease, aging, or injury from noise or certain medicines.

A hearing aid magnifies sound vibrations entering the ear. Surviving hair cells detect the larger vibrations and convert them into neural signals that are passed along to the brain. The greater the damage to a person’s hair cells, the more severe the hearing loss, and the greater the hearing aid amplification needed to make up the difference. However, there are practical limits to the amount of amplification a hearing aid can provide. In addition, if the inner ear is too damaged, even large vibrations will not be converted into neural signals. In this situation, a hearing aid would be ineffective.

How can I find out if I need a hearing aid?

An audiologist is a hearing health professional with a Masters degree or clinical Doctorate degree who identifies, measures, and treats hearing loss. If you think you could benefit from a hearing aid, please contact our office at 334-702-4327. Both of our doctors of Audiology are trained in the assessment and treatment of hearing loss and tinnitus. They will be happy to discuss your concerns and treatment options with you.

Are there different styles of hearing aids?

There are three basic styles of hearing aids. The styles differ by size, their placement on or inside the ear, and the degree to which they amplify sound.

  • Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids consist of a hard plastic case worn behind the ear and connected to a plastic earmold that fits inside the outer ear. The electronic parts are held in the case behind the ear. Sound travels from the hearing aid through the earmold and into the ear. BTE aids are used by people of all ages for mild to profound hearing loss.A new kind of BTE aid is an open-fit hearing aid. Small, open-fit aids fit behind the ear completely, with only a narrow tube inserted into the ear canal, enabling the canal to remain open. For this reason, open-fit hearing aids may be a good choice for people who experience a buildup of earwax, since this type of aid is less likely to be damaged by such substances. In addition, some people may prefer the open-fit hearing aid because their perception of their voice does not sound “plugged up.”
  • In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids fit completely inside the outer ear and are used for mild to severe hearing loss. The case holding the electronic components is made of hard plastic. Some ITE aids may have certain added features installed, such as a telecoil. A telecoil is a small magnetic coil that allows users to receive sound through the circuitry of the hearing aid, rather than through its microphone. This makes it easier to hear conversations over the telephone. A telecoil also helps people hear in public facilities that have installed special sound systems, called induction loop systems. Induction loop systems can be found in many churches, schools, airports, and auditoriums. ITE aids usually are not worn by young children because the casings need to be replaced often as the ear grows.
  • Canal aids fit into the ear canal and are available in two styles. The in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid is made to fit the size and shape of a person’s ear canal. A completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid is nearly hidden in the ear canal. Both types are used for mild to moderately severe hearing loss.Because they are small, canal aids may be difficult for a person to adjust and remove. In addition, canal aids have less space available for batteries and additional devices, such as a telecoil. They usually are not recommended for young children or for people with severe to profound hearing loss because their reduced size limits their power and volume.

Do all hearing aids work the same way?

Hearing aid technology can range from very basic to complex. It is what’s inside the hearing aid, which influences the price. The more advanced we expect the hearing aid to perform, the more complex the technology needs to be. Often people compare the purchase of the hearing aids to cars. All of the cars driven should get you from point A to point B; however, it is along your trip that you may like to have some of the extra luxuries (leather, sunroof, etc…). All hearing aids are able to amplify sound, but more advanced hearing aids are able to make that listening experience more comfortable with clearer sound quality, multiple programs, greater noise reduction, and Bluetooth connectivity. Some hearing aids cost more than others, but just because something costs more does not mean it is best for the patient’s individual needs. Our audiologists will discuss your needs and listen to your concerns. They will then recommend the best level of technology to meet those needs. If their recommendation does not fit within your price range or budget, then they will find the best next option that will meet as many of your needs as possible.

Which hearing aid will work best for me?

The hearing aid that will work best for you depends on the kind and severity of your hearing loss. If you have a hearing loss in both of your ears, two hearing aids are generally recommended because two aids provide a more natural signal to the brain. Hearing in both ears also will help you understand speech and locate where the sound is coming from.

You and your Audiologist should select a hearing aid that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Price is also a key consideration because hearing aids range from hundreds to several thousand dollars. Similar to other equipment purchases, style and features affect cost. However, don’t use price alone to determine the best hearing aid for you. Just because one hearing aid is more expensive than another does not necessarily mean that it will better suit your needs.

A hearing aid will not restore your normal hearing. With practice, however, a hearing aid will increase your awareness of sounds and their sources. You will want to wear your hearing aid regularly, so select one that is convenient and easy for you to use. Other features to consider include parts or services covered by the warranty, estimated schedule and costs for maintenance and repair, options and upgrade opportunities, and the hearing aid company’s reputation for quality and customer service.

What questions should I ask before buying a hearing aid?

Before you buy a hearing aid, ask your Audiologist these important questions:

  • What features would be most useful to me?
  • What is the total cost of the hearing aid?
  • Do the benefits of newer technologies outweigh the higher costs?
  • Is there an adaptation period?
  • What fees are nonrefundable if the aids are returned?
  • How long is the warranty?
  • Can it be extended?
  • Does the warranty cover future maintenance and repairs?
  • Can the audiologist make adjustments and provide servicing and minor repairs?
  • Will loaner aids be provided when repairs are needed?
  • What instruction does the audiologist provide?

How can I obtain financial assistance for a hearing aid?

Some insurance plans cover the purchase of hearing aids; however, every plan is different.  We recommend contacting your insurance company to see if you have coverage, or, we will be happy to check your benefits for you.  For those who do not have coverage for amplification or hearing devices, we offer financing through Care Credit.

We accept most major insurances: BCBS, BCBS Federal, Tricare, Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, and Medicaid. We also offer financing through Care Credit

How can I adjust to my hearing aid?

Hearing aids take time and patience to use successfully. Wearing your aids regularly will help you adjust to them.

Become familiar with your hearing aid’s features. With your Audiologist present, practice putting in and taking out the aid, cleaning it, identifying right and left aids, and replacing the batteries. Ask how to test it in listening environments where you have problems with hearing. Learn to adjust the aid’s volume and to program it for sounds that are too loud or too soft. Work with your Audiologist until you are comfortable and satisfied.

You may experience some of the following problems as you adjust to wearing your new aid.

  • My hearing aid feels uncomfortable. Some individuals may find a hearing aid to be slightly uncomfortable at first. Ask your Audiologist how long you should wear your hearing aid while you are adjusting to it.
  • My voice sounds too loud. The “plugged-up” sensation that causes a hearing aid user’s voice to sound louder inside the head is called the occlusion effect, and it is very common for new hearing aid users. Check with your Audiologist to see if a correction is possible. Most individuals get used to this effect over time.
  • I get feedback from my hearing aid. A whistling sound can be caused by a hearing aid that does not fit or work well or is clogged by earwax or fluid. See your Audiologist for adjustments.
  • I hear background noise. A hearing aid does not completely separate the sounds you want to hear from the ones you do not want to hear. Sometimes, however, the hearing aid may need to be adjusted. Talk with your Audiologist.
  • I hear a buzzing sound when I use my cell phone. Some people who wear hearing aids or have implanted hearing devices experience problems with the radio frequency interference caused by digital cell phones. Both hearing aids and cell phones are improving, however, so these problems are occurring less often. When you are being fitted for a new hearing aid, take your cell phone with you to see if it will work well with the aid.

How can I care for my hearing aid?

Proper maintenance and care will extend the life of your hearing aid. Make it a habit to:

  • Keep hearing aids away from heat and moisture.
  • Clean hearing aids as instructed. Earwax and ear drainage can damage a hearing aid.
  • Avoid using hairspray or other hair care products while wearing hearing aids.
  • Turn off hearing aids when they are not in use.
  • Replace dead batteries immediately.
  • Keep replacement batteries and small aids away from children and pets.

What research is being done on hearing aids?

Researchers are looking at ways to apply new signal processing strategies to the design of hearing aids. Signal processing is the method used to modify normal sound waves into amplified sound that is the best possible match to the remaining hearing for a hearing aid user. NIDCD-funded researchers also are studying how hearing aids can enhance speech signals to improve understanding.

In addition, researchers are investigating the use of computer-aided technology to design and manufacture better hearing aids. Researchers also are seeking ways to improve sound transmission and to reduce noise interference, feedback, and the occlusion effect. Additional studies focus on the best ways to select and fit hearing aids in children and other groups whose hearing ability is hard to test.

Another promising research focus is to use lessons learned from animal models to design better microphones for hearing aids. NIDCD-supported scientists are studying the tiny fly Ormia ochracea because its ear structure allows the fly to determine the source of a sound easily. Scientists are using the fly’s ear structure as a model for designing miniature directional microphones for hearing aids. These microphones amplify the sound coming from a particular direction (usually the direction a person is facing), but not the sounds that arrive from other directions. Directional microphones hold great promise for making it easier for people to hear a single conversation, even when surrounded by other noises and voices.

We’d love to hear from you!

Office Locations

Office Locations:
Hearing Associates of Dothan
200 Grove Park Lane, Ste 800
Dothan, AL 36305

Mailing Address:
200 Grove Park Lane, Ste 800
Dothan, AL 36305

Enterprise Location:
101 East Brunson Street, Suite 102
Enterprise, AL 36330

Phone: 334-702-4327
Fax: 334-702-4328

We accept most major insurances: BCBS, BCBS Federal, Tricare, Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, and Medicaid. We also offer financing through Care Credit.