Everything You Need to Get Started
Whether you’re coming to Ohio Ear for hearing loss, dizziness, a complex ear condition, or a second opinion, we want your experience to be as straightforward as possible. You don’t need to know exactly what’s wrong before making an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Referral?
No. You do not need a physician referral to schedule an appointment with Ohio Ear. Patients can contact our office directly to schedule an evaluation. Your individual insurance plan may have its own requirements, so we recommend checking your coverage if you have questions about referrals or benefits.
Do you accept walk-ins?
No. Ohio Ear operates primarily through scheduled appointments.
Scheduling Your Appointment
Ohio Ear operates on an appointment-based schedule rather than accepting walk-in patients. Patients will be able to schedule and complete onboarding through our patient portal, with options to complete the process online or in person. When scheduling, let us know the primary reason you’d like to be seen so we can help make sure you’re scheduled for the appropriate type of appointment.
What Should I Bring to My Appointment?
The more information we have, the better we can understand what’s already been done and determine what should happen next. Depending on the reason for your visit, it may be helpful to bring:
- Your photo ID
- Current insurance information
- A list of medications
- Relevant medical records
- Previous hearing test results
- Balance or vestibular testing
- Relevant imaging or reports
- Records from previous ear procedures or surgeries
- Your current hearing aids, if applicable
- A list of questions you’d like to discuss
If you’ve already spent months or years trying to find an answer, we don’t want to unnecessarily repeat what has already been done.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your appointment will depend on why you’re coming to Ohio Ear. But every visit starts with the same thing: understanding your problem.
We’ll discuss your symptoms, medical history, previous evaluations, and any testing you’ve already completed. From there, we’ll determine what additional evaluation may be appropriate.
That could mean a hearing evaluation, focused examination, additional testing, referral to another specialist, physical therapy, hearing aids, observation, or discussion of a surgical option. The goal is to leave you with a clearer understanding of what’s happening and what comes next.
Preparing for Ear Surgery
Specific instructions will depend on your procedure and individual medical needs. Before surgery, Ohio Ear will provide instructions about how to prepare and what you should expect. We believe patients should have access to information before and after their procedure rather than trying to remember everything discussed during a single office visit. As Ohio Ear continues developing its patient education library, patients will have access to additional resources and videos explaining procedures, recovery, and postoperative care.
Patient Education Doesn’t End in the Exam Room
Medical information can be difficult to absorb, especially when you’re discussing surgery or a new diagnosis. You may understand everything while sitting in the office and realize later that you don’t remember half of what was discussed. That’s normal.
Ohio Ear is being built with patient education as a central part of the experience. Our goal is to provide clear educational resources that allow you and your family to revisit important information on your own time. That includes education about procedures, hearing care, recovery, and what to expect throughout treatment.
Parents & Pediatric Patients
Ohio Ear also cares for children with appropriate ear and hearing conditions. When we’re working with younger patients, communication matters just as much as medical care. We work to explain what’s happening in language children can understand while making sure parents and caregivers have the information they need to make informed decisions. Kids deserve to understand what’s happening too.
Can I complete my new patient paperwork online?
Yes. Patients will have the ability to complete onboarding through the patient portal, with online and in-person options available.
Should I bring my previous medical records?
Yes, when possible. Previous hearing tests, imaging, balance testing, surgical records, and other relevant information can help us understand what has already been evaluated.
Can I come to Ohio Ear for a second opinion?
Absolutely. Patients with previous ear surgeries, complex diagnoses, or questions about a recommended treatment can schedule an evaluation.
Do you see children?
Yes. Ohio Ear can care for pediatric patients with appropriate ear and hearing conditions.
Do you accept insurance?
Ohio Ear is working with major insurance carriers for medical services. Because participation may change as the practice continues onboarding insurance plans, contact our office for the current list.
Does insurance cover hearing aids?
Hearing aid benefits vary significantly between insurance plans. Ohio Ear does not currently plan to process hearing aid purchases through third-party insurance.
Specialized Care for Your Needs
Hearing & Audiology Appointments
If you’re experiencing hearing loss, the first step may be a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Our audiology team can evaluate how well you hear and understand speech and help determine whether hearing aids may be appropriate. Because Ohio Ear brings audiology and specialized medical ear care together, patients can receive a more connected approach when their hearing loss requires additional evaluation.
Dizziness & Balance Appointments
If you’re coming to Ohio Ear because of dizziness or balance problems, expect us to ask questions. A lot of them. How you describe your dizziness, when it occurs, how long it lasts, what triggers it, and whether other symptoms occur at the same time can all provide important information. Dr. Jimmy’s approach begins with understanding your symptoms and determining what type of dizziness you may be experiencing.
Surgical Consultations & Second Opinions
If you’ve been told you may need ear surgery, have undergone previous ear procedures, or simply want another opinion, you’re welcome to schedule a consultation. Dr. Jimmy will review your available testing and medical history, discuss your condition, and explain your options. Having a surgical consultation does not mean you’re committing to surgery. The first step is understanding your options.
Insurance & Payment Information
Insurance Information
Ohio Ear is working to participate with major insurance carriers for medical services. At the time of the initial practice planning, Medicare participation was established while additional major insurance carrier applications were still being processed. Because participation can change, please contact Ohio Ear before your appointment for the most current information regarding accepted insurance plans.
Hearing Aids & Insurance
Hearing aid purchases are handled differently from other medical services. Ohio Ear does not currently plan to process hearing aid purchases through third-party insurance. Hearing aid pricing includes more than the physical device. Professional hearing care can include fitting, programming, adjustments, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continued service.
Financing & Payment Options
Ohio Ear plans to offer financing options for appropriate services and hearing aid purchases. Specific financing programs and terms will be provided as they become available. Please contact our office for the most current payment and financing information.
Have Questions Before Your Appointment?
We’re here to make getting specialized ear care easier. If you’re unsure which appointment you need, have questions about your records, want to confirm insurance participation, or need help getting started, contact Ohio Ear.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact our team and we’ll help point you in the right direction.