Parkside Audiology Questions & Answers

Ear Cleaning / Earwax Removal

You can get professional ear cleaning at Parkside Audiology, located at 3825 Henderson Blvd, Suite 600, Tampa, FL 33629. Our audiologists use safe, clinical techniques — including microsuction, irrigation, and manual removal with specialized instruments — to gently clear earwax blockages. Unlike walk-in urgent care clinics, our ear cleaning is performed by licensed Doctors of Audiology with specialized training in ear anatomy and health.

Professional ear cleaning (also called cerumen removal or ear lavage) is the safe removal of excess earwax by a trained audiologist. At Parkside Audiology, the process begins with a visual exam using an otoscope to assess your ear canal. Depending on the type and location of the blockage, we use microsuction (a gentle vacuum device), warm water irrigation, or manual curette removal. Most appointments take 15–30 minutes and patients typically leave with noticeably clearer hearing.

No audiologists universally advise against using cotton swabs inside the ear canal. Swabs tend to push wax deeper rather than remove it, which can worsen blockages and even cause eardrum damage. Over-the-counter softening drops (containing carbamide peroxide or glycerin) can help with minor buildup, but for persistent blockages, professional removal is the safest option. If you have a perforated eardrum, recent ear surgery, or active ear infection, always see an audiologist before attempting any at-home treatment.

Traditional Chinese or Asian ear cleaning (also called "ear picking") involves using slender tools to manually remove earwax, often with a gentle scraping motion. While widely practiced in many cultures, it carries risks if not performed by a trained professional. At Parkside Audiology, our audiologists perform professional manual earwax removal using sterile clinical instruments under direct visualization achieving similar results safely and effectively.

For most people, the ears are self-cleaning and professional removal isn't needed regularly. However, if you're prone to excessive wax production which is more common in hearing aid users, earbud wearers, and people with narrow ear canals we typically recommend a professional cleaning every 6–12 months. Our audiologists will assess your ears and recommend a schedule tailored to your individual wax production and ear health.

Hearing Aids

Battery life depends on the size of the battery, how many hours per day the hearing aid is worn, and the features being used (streaming, Bluetooth, etc.). As a general guide: Size 10 (yellow) batteries last 3–7 days, Size 312 (brown) last 7–10 days, Size 13 (orange) last 10–14 days, and Size 675 (blue) last 14–20 days. Standard hearing aid batteries operate at 1.4 volts. Many modern hearing aids now use rechargeable batteries, which eliminate the need for replacements altogether. The team at Parkside Audiology can walk you through battery options when fitting your hearing aids.
Parkside Audiology fits hearing aids from the leading manufacturers in the industry, offering devices across a range of styles, technologies, and price points. Our audiologists focus on matching you to the right brand and model based on your hearing loss profile, lifestyle, and budget not brand preference. Visit our Hearing Aid Brands page or call us to learn which brands we currently carry and what's available in your price range.
There are several common reasons: earwax blockage in the ear canal (a very frequent culprit), a dead or low battery, a clogged wax filter in the device, moisture damage, or a programming issue. If you've replaced the battery and the problem persists, bring your device into Parkside Audiology. Our team provides hearing aid repair and cleaning services and can diagnose the issue quickly often resolving it the same day.

Tinnitus

Research suggests there may be a genetic component to tinnitus — certain gene variants appear to increase susceptibility, particularly to noise-induced tinnitus. However, tinnitus is most commonly triggered by noise exposure, earwax buildup, aging-related hearing loss, certain medications, or underlying health conditions like high blood pressure or TMJ disorders. If you have a family history of tinnitus or hearing loss, scheduling a tinnitus evaluation with an audiologist like those at Parkside Audiology can help identify your risk factors and explore management options.
Several dietary and lifestyle factors are associated with worsening tinnitus symptoms. Common triggers include high sodium intake (which can affect blood pressure and fluid in the inner ear), caffeine, alcohol, and foods high in saturated fat. Stress and anxiety can also make tinnitus feel louder, as the brain becomes more attuned to internal sounds under pressure. Maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, and protecting your ears from loud noise are practical steps that can help. Our audiologists at Parkside Audiology offer personalized tinnitus management strategies.
A crackling or popping sound in the ear is often related to Eustachian tube dysfunction — the tube that connects your middle ear to the back of your throat isn't opening and closing properly, which can happen due to congestion, allergies, altitude changes, or pressure imbalance. In some cases, it can also be caused by earwax against the eardrum or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. If the sensation is persistent, uncomfortable, or accompanied by hearing changes, our audiologists can assess your ear health and determine whether a referral to an ENT specialist is appropriate.

General Audiology / About the Practice

In most cases, no you can self-refer and schedule directly with Parkside Audiology without needing a physician's referral. However, some insurance plans and Medicare may require a referral for diagnostic hearing tests to qualify for coverage reimbursement. We recommend calling your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm your benefits. Our front desk team is happy to assist you in understanding your coverage.
An audiologist (Au.D.) specializes in the diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation of hearing loss, tinnitus, balance disorders, and earwax-related issues. An ENT (ear, nose, and throat physician) is a medical doctor who can perform surgery and treat structural or medical conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. For most hearing tests, hearing aids, tinnitus management, and earwax removal, an audiologist is your most direct and cost-effective first step. Parkside Audiology's team of Doctors of Audiology are Board Certified by the American Board of Audiology and can refer you to an ENT when medically necessary.
A comprehensive hearing evaluation at Parkside Audiology typically takes 45–60 minutes. During your appointment, our audiologist will review your hearing history, examine your ears using an otoscope, and perform a series of tests including pure-tone audiometry (detecting which pitches and volumes you can hear), speech audiometry (how well you understand spoken words), and tympanometry (assessing middle ear function). You'll receive a clear explanation of your results and a personalized plan for next steps — whether that's monitoring, hearing aids, or tinnitus management.

We provide hearing evaluations and audiological services for patients of various ages in the Tampa Bay area. If you're looking for pediatric audiology care for a child, we encourage you to call us directly at 813-686-6858 to discuss your child's needs and confirm the appropriate services and age range we can accommodate. Early identification of hearing issues in children is critical for speech and language development, so we encourage prompt evaluation if you have any concerns.