Welcome to Listening Ears Audiology, LLC, where we specialize in auditory processing evaluations for children and adults. We are committed to providing personalized care tailored to each patient's unique needs. We recognize that effective communication is vital for personal and academic success, and we are here to identify potential auditory processing issues that may impact speech perception, language development, and overall auditory comprehension. Utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and evidence-based practices, we strive to empower our clients by offering precise assessments and practical solutions to enhance their auditory processing abilities. We also offer private-pay comprehensive hearing testing as part of our diagnostic services. Our practice focuses on diagnostic evaluation and does not include hearing aid fittings at this time. Whether you are seeking support for yourself or a loved one, you can trust Listening Ears Audiology, LLC to provide a compassionate and professional environment for your auditory health journey.  

Auditory Processing Disorder, or APD, occurs when individuals have little to no hearing loss but still struggle to understand or process auditory information. People with APD may report " hearing but not understanding." They may have trouble hearing in background noise, difficulty following verbal instructions, reading and writing problems, and frequently ask others to repeat themselves. When this type of disorder affects school-aged children, it can negatively impact their performance and cause them to fall behind their classmates. Individuals with other neurological conditions, such as ADHD and autism, are at an increased risk for auditory processing disorder. APD often mimics attentional issues, making it seem as though the affected person is not listening. Even after successfully managing attention deficits, individuals with APD may still struggle to comprehend auditory information. Things like concussions, exposure to industrial solvents, premature birth or complications during pregnancy/ delivery, multiple ear infections in children, and degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis also increase the risk of APD.

The most common method for diagnosing APD is to administer a specific set of listening tests. Audiologists often look for these main problem areas in individuals with APD: 

Auditory figure-ground: This occurs when a person has trouble understanding speech in the presence of speech babble or ambient noise in the background. Noisy, loosely structured, or open-air classrooms can be very frustrating for a child with APD.

Auditory closure: This occurs when a person is unable to "fill in the gaps" of speech when it becomes more challenging. This can happen in quieter situations, but is more common when the speaker's voice is too fast or muffled, making it difficult for the person to make sense of the sounds and words.

Dichotic listening: This occurs when a person has difficulty understanding competing, meaningful speech that happens simultaneously. For example, if a teacher is talking to one side of the child and another student is talking to the other side, the child with APD may struggle to understand the speech of one or both speakers.

Temporal processing: This refers to the timing of a person's processing system, which enables them to recognize differences in speech sounds, such as "mat" versus "pat." It also helps them understand pitch and intonation (for example, asking a question instead of giving a command), understand riddles and humor, and make inferences.

Binaural interaction: This is the ability to discern which side speech or sounds are coming from and to localize sounds in a room. 

Although there is no known cure for APD, the auditory system isn't fully developed until children are about 14 years of age. Many children diagnosed with APD can develop better listening skills as their auditory system matures. Various strategies may also help with listening and improve the development of the auditory pathway over time, especially when initiated at a younger age. These include: physical accommodations to enhance the listening environment, individual therapies, and help from other professionals to manage non-listening symptoms. For example, a child may benefit from speech-language therapy to address language deficits, counseling to help manage depression or anxiety, art therapy or music therapy to build self-esteem, and/or occupational therapy to address sensory issues or auditory timing concerns.

Medicare Policy

Listening Ears Audiology, LLC is not enrolled as a Medicare provider and does not provide services to patients enrolled in Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans.

Patients are asked to disclose their Medicare enrollment status before scheduling an appointment. Medicare beneficiaries seeking audiological or auditory processing evaluations should contact a Medicare-enrolled provider.

Private-Pay Services

Listening Ears Audiology operates as a private-pay practice and does not submit claims to commercial health insurance plans. Payment is due at the time of service.

For eligible patients with commercial insurance, an itemized superbill can be provided upon request for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Reimbursement is determined by the patient's insurance plan and is not guaranteed.

The following CPT codes are commonly used for our evaluations. Actual codes depend on the services performed, and coverage varies by insurance plan. The following information is provided to contact your insurance company:

"How much do you reimburse for the following codes if I see a non-contracted provider? My provider is a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.), and the services were provided in the 22306 zip code."

92620 – Evaluation of central auditory function, with report; initial 60 minutes

92621 – Evaluation of central auditory function, with report; each additional 15 minutes

92557 – Comprehensive Audiometry Evaluation

92550 – Tympanometry and Acoustic Reflex Testing

92588 – Comprehensive Diagnostic Otoacoustic Emission Testing

A comprehensive auditory processing evaluation is designed to assess how the brain processes and interprets auditory information. Testing is individualized based on the patient's age, reported difficulties, case history, and clinical findings.

The evaluation includes:

• Review of case history, prior evaluations, and relevant medical or educational information

• Hearing and middle ear testing, as needed, and comprehensive diagnostic otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs)

• A comprehensive auditory processing test battery assessing multiple listening abilities

• Approximately 2–3 hours of in-person testing, depending on individual needs

• Detailed written report explaining the results and clinical findings

• Review of results, counseling, and individualized recommendations, including appropriate accommodations and referrals

Scheduling an Evaluation

Please contact Listening Ears Audiology to arrange an initial telephone consultation. During this conversation, we will discuss your concerns, relevant history, and previous evaluations to determine whether an APD evaluation is appropriate.

Before your appointment, you will receive intake forms and information about evaluation procedures, fees, and practice policies.

Recent audiological test results may be accepted when clinically appropriate, potentially reducing the testing required and the overall evaluation fee. See the Fee Schedule for additional information.

Comprehensive Auditory Processing Evaluation — Up to $1,450

The comprehensive evaluation includes pure-tone and speech audiometry, middle ear testing, comprehensive diagnostic otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), a comprehensive auditory processing test battery, interpretation of results, a detailed written report, and individualized recommendations.

The fee may be reduced when recent, clinically acceptable audiological test results are provided. Testing that does not need to be repeated will be deducted from the total evaluation fee.

Outside test results must be reviewed and accepted by the audiologist to determine which portions of the evaluation can be omitted. The final fee will be provided before the appointment.

APD Follow-Up Services

Follow-up consultations are available for patients and families who would like to discuss evaluation findings, review new information, or obtain additional clinical recommendations.

Service Fee

Follow-Up Consultation (up to 30 minutes) $100

Records Review (up to 60 minutes) and Follow-Up Consultation (up to 30 minutes) $250

Additional Consultation or Records Review (30 minutes) $75

Supplemental Clinical Reports or Written Clarification Fee quoted in advance

Brief clarification of an existing report may be provided at no charge. Additional services requiring substantial records review, clinical consultation, or written documentation are billed separately.

All applicable fees will be discussed and approved before services are provided.

Under the federal No Surprises Act, patients who do not have health insurance or who choose not to use their health insurance have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining the expected cost of their health care services.

You have the right to receive a written Good Faith Estimate when you schedule services at least three business days in advance or upon request, as required by federal law.

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you may have the right to dispute the bill.

Please retain a copy of your Good Faith Estimate for your records.

For additional information about your rights under the No Surprises Act, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

To request a Good Faith Estimate from Listening Ears Audiology, please contact appointments@leaudiology.com or call (703) 373-0117.