{

 

Interested in trying Lyric’s invisible hearing aids – 
Schedule your free trial appointment here

 A andoneone theEmpty headingInterested in trying Lyric’s invisible hearing aids – Schedule your free trial appointment eCall Our Hearing Helplines:

(512) 704-7447 RK South Austin

(512) 327-3004 RK Westlake

M-TH 9am to 5pm

Contact us to learn more about comprehensive hearing healthcare services including hearing evaluations, tinnitus assessments and treatment plans, ear cleanings, custom-fit products, and the latest in hearing aid technology.

Our audiologists offer both in-person and telehealth appointments to provide you with the best hearing healthcare in Central Texas.

Hearing Services

Read more…

Hearing Aids

Read more…

Hearing Protection

Read more…

Are You Experiencing Hearing Loss?


Schedule 
a hearing evaluation with one of our Audiologists to find out more and discuss solutions.

RK Audiology has a high-frequency clinical audiometer, allowing for hearing measurement out to 20,000Hz.

If you have hearing loss, we can help answer questions and discuss options.

» Learn more about hearing loss… 

From the RK Blog

What are the types of hearing tests?

What are the types of hearing tests?

After hearing your family members or friends bug you about the television volume for the nth time, you're now considering seeking professional help. An audiologist will provide hearing tests to diagnose and validate the nature and severity of your hearing loss....

read more
What are the first signs of tinnitus?

What are the first signs of tinnitus?

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) estimates that approximately 10 percent of the U.S. adult population — over 25 million Americans — experience some form of tinnitus. Tinnitus manifests as buzzing, whirring, hissing,...

read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you take insurance?
A: We are out-of-network providers, however we are happy to assist in checking the details of your coverage. We have a verification team that provides quick information to help you in making decisions on the best next steps.
Q: Cost of hearing aids?
A: Hearing aids range from a few hundred dollars to few thousand dollars a set, depending on your needs, the technology level, features and benefits needed. There is hearing help for everyone.
Q: Is financing available?
A: Yes there are a number of financing choices, including CareCredit and lease programs. Contact our office for more details.
Q: Are there any programs available to help pay for hearing aids?
A: CareCredit is one of several options. Click here to find out more. Note that you can get pre-approval in minutes prior to seeing your hearing healthcare provider.
Q: Can you self refer to an audiologist?

A: Yes, audiology offices do not require a referral from a physician to schedule an appointment.
Anyone can schedule an appointment with an audiologist to get a hearing test or ear cleaning. Contact RK Audiology to be in touch with the best audiologists and hearing aids in Austin, TX.

Q: Do you need a physician referral for a hearing test?
A: No, anyone can schedule an appointment to have their hearing tested, even without a referral from a physician. Some, but not all, insurance plans may require a physician referral to cover the cost of a hearing test at an audiologist’s office.
Q: Is a hearing aid specialist (dispenser) the same as an audiologist?
A: A hearing aid specialist is not the same as an audiologist. The biggest difference between the two is the amount of education required. A hearing aid specialist is required to have a high school diploma (or GED equivalent), and a license to dispense hearing aids. To be an audiologist, a masters or doctoral degree is required. Hearing aid specialists have a more limited scope of practice compared to audiologists. Audiologists are experts in hearing and balance disorders.

Tinnitus Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the most effective treatment for tinnitus?

A: There is no cure for tinnitus but there are many things to investigate and potentially treat to reduce the effects of tinnitus.

The first step is to check that your ears are clean and healthy. If your ear canals are clogged with wax or if you have fluid trapped behind your eardrums, that can increase your perception of tinnitus. If there is earwax, it should be removed. If you have fluid trapped behind your eardrums, you should see an otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) to treat the fluid.

Additionally, certain medications and supplements can cause or exacerbate tinnitus so you should speak to your prescribing doctor or pharmacist about whether potential side effects could include tinnitus.

Q: What is the fastest way to cure tinnitus?

A: Assuming all the aforementioned factors are taken care of, many people find relief by using masking noise. For someone who is only bothered by the tinnitus when trying to fall asleep, this can be as simple as running a fan or white noise machine at bedtime. For someone who would like more consistent masking noise, many hearing aids can generate a masking noise which can either play all the time or be switched on and off as needed. Many hearing aids can also connect to smartphones and play music or whatever sound you prefer from apps on your phone.

Some people find relief for their tinnitus by pursuing counseling in the form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Q: How can I get rid of tinnitus naturally?

A: If tinnitus is caused by an underlying issue, like medication or untreated hearing loss, often treating the cause of tinnitus is a way to find relief. Many people also find a reduction in the impact of their tinnitus by implementing sound therapy and meditation into their lifestyle.

Q: Does anything help tinnitus?

A: Often times treating the underlying cause of tinnitus can greatly reduce tinnitus. Tinnitus can be caused by various things like stress, medication, untreated hearing loss, and many more. If treating the underlying causes of tinnitus is not enough to provide relief, there are strategies that can be implemented to help reduce the impact of tinnitus on your life. As technology improves, more and more solutions will become available with emerging technology.

CUSTOMER

TESTIMONIALS

I don’t write many reviews, but the outstanding service from Paula at RK Audiology shouldn’t be kept to myself! I just used an ambient IEM system for the first time last night and it was so amazing not having to fight to hear myself. And no ringing ears after the gig! At one point my band mate turned to me and asked if everything was OK because he couldn’t hear any keys. And I said talk to the sound guy, I hear me just fine! Ha! Thanks to Paula, I can leave my amp at home. 

TAYLOR A.

I waited too long to get tested again until friends were constantly telling me how loud I was talking and being. I finally got the process started then, yesterday I went for my fitting of my new hearing instruments! Paula got me activated and I could hear the rain hitting the building! My smile grew and tears of joy streamed down my face! Paula was so helpful in educating me in all the features of my Resounds, which are very user friendly and adaptable! I feel so blessed!

OLIVIA R.

One of my long-time massage clients recently went thru the process of getting hearing aids from RK Audiology and they were very, very pleased both with the level of service and final customized product.

TOM D.

Thank you, Paula, at RK Audiology! After having some pressure in my ears for a couple of weeks I decided to make an appointment with RK. Turns out I needed a professional ear cleaning from long term inner ear wax buildup that had been caused by using q-tips over the years. I feel so relieved it wasn’t anything more serious like hearing loss. Such a relaxing and informative appointment. They allow you to watch the entire process (if you want to!) through their high tech camera that peeks down your ear canal. Everything was explained thoroughly and I was also given tips to use moving forward. Highly recommend!

CHARLOTTE F.

Dr. Victoria Villarreal, who has her doctorate in Audiology, is patient and thorough. She understands elderly’s hesitancy on cost and technology but has, through patience and instruction, made my mother the happiest she has been with hearing aids in her 30 years of use. Since returning to Texas, my mother has had their help with everything from testing to repairs to muddling through the insurance to recently fitting Mom with her favorite hearing aids yet, Sonic Captivate (no batteries!). My husband referred us to Dr. Villarreal after she assisted with his getting Lyric in-the-canal hearing aids by Phonak. We are thankful for such a caring conscientious office. We’ve been using the office on Bee Caves Rd in The Schoolyard but the staff goes between locations.
MAG DB

Dr. V, Ok, let me give you my first impressions of the OTICON MORE. Spoiler alert… they’re amazing! After I left your clinic I went to grab a burger and beer. While in the restaurant I popped open the app on the phone and it appeared to have switched to program 2 (complex) and the button for that program was “glowing” from dim to lit. The results were indescribable, but I’ll try. I could hear EVERYTHING but nothing was annoying. Only the sounds I needed were there. I could hear the 2 girls on the other side of the room talking, the natural ambient sounds of the restaurant and not only that, I streamed some music at the same time and could still hear all the other sounds including the dude that called my name when my order was ready, all while hearing the room and the music at the same time at a seemingly low volume. No discomfort. It gets better… so I’m sitting there with this big smile on my face about what I’m experiencing and my phone rings. It’s my wife wanting to know how things went and the devices picked up the call flawlessly yet I continued to be able to hear what was going on around me very clearly. It gets even better… I’m listening to music in my vehicle and because of the technology and the open dome I’m able to hear all the usual low/mids and now the highs as well. I can’t remember when music sounded this way but it’s truly a miracle. Of course when I got home I immediately plugged my electric guitar into my pedal board and amp and I’m still grinning ear to ear. To hear sounds that I haven’t heard in decades is a blessing and a privilege and I’m certain it is not just the technology (which may be the best there is right now), but also your care and the detailed attention you paid to my REM during my treatment today. p.s. The care and attention of the audiologist is the KEY to making any of the available devices work properly. If you’re going to be investing in hearing aids it’s worth the drive to Austin to see D. Villarreal and RK Audiology. Trust me. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

~JENNIFER N.

I decided to visit RK Audiology to address my hearing loss after they were recommendation by Dr. Cliff Olson from Applied Hearing Solutions in Phoenix Arizona. Doctor Victoria Villarreal was very helpful professional and most of all patient in answering the abundance of questions I had regarding my hearing loss and products to address it. In the end I was fitted with devices that are effective and also encompass convenient features that integrate well with my IPhone. Best of all, RK audiology follows best practices which means they use Real-Ear Measurements (REMs) testing to program your hearing aides when they are fitted for the first time. This assures that the devices are optimally programmed for you particular hearing loss prescription. I highly recommend RK audiology and Doctor Villarreal.

JON J.

I have used RK Audiology for many years, including technology upgrades every four years or so. Their staff are extremely competent and technologically savvy. I have high confidence in their testing and periodic equipment adjustments. In terms of style, they are respectfully professional, friendly, helpful, and kind. They do not push sales and are sensitive to needs of fixed income clients such as myself. I give them the highest possible rating and recommendation for anyone needing hearing services in Austin.

Richard Spence

What an amazing team! They were on time expeditious and very detailed. I had a hearing test done as well as went in for a ear cleaning. After looking at my ears, they informed me that I didn’t need the procedure which goes to show how honest they are. Classy all-around! Highly recommend!

Sean A