Hearing Care / Audiology

TeamstersCare provides eligible members and their families with diagnostic hearing evaluations and middle ear analysis once a year at our Charlestown Audiology Office. These evaluations – and any required follow-up visits – are provided at no cost to you.

Important Note: Whether or not you are eligible for all of the following benefits depends on your member status. If you have questions about your benefits, go to the Benefits Overview section of our website or refer to your Summary Plan Description.

Service Provided

The Charlestown Audiology Office provides the following service:

Diagnostic Hearing Evaluation:

Otoscopic ear examination: Examines the ear canal
Middle ear analysis: Determines if problems in the middle ear are contributing to hearing loss
Pure tone hearing test: Tests in a sound booth to measure hearing ability
Speech discrimination testing: Determines how you process speech sounds

Amplification:

Hearing aid fitting, analysis, and follow-up, as appropriate (depending on eligibility)
Real Ear Verification of hearing aid fitting

Make an Appointment

To make an appointment or learn more about your hearing benefit, contact the Charlestown Appointment Desk. The office is open for appointments on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Evening appointments are also available.

Hearing/Audiology FAQs

What is my hearing care benefit?

Each year, you, your spouse, and your eligible children (ages 3 years and up) may have comprehensive hearing testing done at the Charlestown Audiology Office. More frequent visits are available if needed. All services are provided by our licensed and certified audiologist.

What’s an audiologist?

An audiologist is a licensed professional who specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of people with hearing loss.

If I need a hearing aid, how much will it cost?

If our audiologist determines that hearing aids are needed, we may provide them at no cost to you or your eligible dependents. Please note that members of the Retiree Prescription Drug Program (age 65 and over) are referred to a local hearing aid dispenser to purchase hearing aids at a discounted price. Our audiologist will guide you through this process.

How long does it take to get a hearing aid?

The evaluation and hearing aid fitting are usually accomplished over several weeks, with approximately four visits scheduled three weeks apart.

What can I expect from hearing aids?

Hearing aids will not restore “normal” hearing, but they will help you hear better in quiet and in mild to moderate background noise. It takes time to “re-train your brain” to listen with hearing aids. Patience, practice and honest dialogue with the audiologist will ensure your success.