https://www.soothersmayhear.com/our-audiologists daily 0.75 2025-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1589819593996-IU8VVLHXPOCHQWSS3J9M/IMG_1732+3.JPG Our Audiologists - Jeremiah Smith, Au.D. Practice Owner Tobias Keene, D.D.S. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Tobias Keene brings a bit of unabashed Southern hospitality to all his patients. He moved to Washington, D.C. over thirty years ago as a freshman at Ivy College. Right after graduation, he attended World University’s School of Dentistry. Before opening Keene Dental in 1994, he worked for free clinics and some of the finest practices in the District. He is part of the 123 Dental Association and stays up-to-date on the latest dental discoveries. When not striving to keep his patients happy and healthy, he’s enjoys hiking with his family in Rock Creek Park. https://www.soothersmayhear.com/our-clinic daily 0.75 2020-06-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1592941004479-XK9KYMTAURN3CM2GVUX3/IMG_0913.jpg Our Clinic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1589316289772-WKNFDLZJXDHX2MUDJY7V/IMG_0917.JPG Our Clinic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1589316495750-HPNSXR6G0HS8YLXAU43E/IMG_0914.JPG Our Clinic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1589316511512-ND683L5CVH8Y1RSVZBAV/IMG_0915.JPG Our Clinic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1589316532423-68S36CMGEO5XMXZUWIXN/IMG_0916.JPG Our Clinic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1589316562741-9K9ZRV4UUOHE1Y1H1FGA/IMG_0918.JPG Our Clinic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1589316944754-N68CM6LIBLLDHK5NIOIN/IMG_0920.JPG Our Clinic https://www.soothersmayhear.com/comprehensive-hearing-evaluation daily 0.75 2020-05-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1590621455492-VN94SPFVFV0FR9C1NI5P/thumbnail_SOMH+Page+5.jpg Comprehensive Hearing Evaluation A comprehensive hearing evaluation is used to determine if a hearing loss is present, and if so, the type, degree and severity of the loss. Your hearing evaluation will include a range of diagnostic tools to evaluate the outer, middle and inner ear: In depth clinical case history to further understand your specific hearing healthcare needs Otoscopy Tympanometry Acoustic Reflexes Otoacoustic Emissions Pure-Tone Audiometry Discrimination Tests Speech-In-Noise testing Additional tests may be warranted depending on your audiologic results, in which case a referral to other medical professionals may be needed. https://www.soothersmayhear.com/tinnitus-evaluation daily 0.75 2020-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588960210834-9IG3YIKP0959RC1I01ZI/image-asset.jpeg Tinnitus Evaluation Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is the perception of sound in the ears when no external source is present. Tinnitus can be perceived in one or both ears, and is usually described as a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound. The exact causes of tinnitus are unknown, but many factors can exacerbate or worsen the perception of tinnitus: Hearing Loss Noise exposure Head/neck injuries Certain medications Wax build-up in the ear Stress Benign tumor of the cranial nerve https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588799030186-S41912XTMXXQ8KZ5Y2UV/pure_chargeandgo_x_lifestyle_headshot.jpg Tinnitus Evaluation https://www.soothersmayhear.com/hearing-protection daily 0.75 2020-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588692634715-J491RIT8U3JQ31R090LO/image-asset.jpeg Hearing Protection Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is irreversible hearing loss due to excessive levels of noise. 30 million Americans are exposed to hazardous levels of noise in the workplace. 26 million Americans between the ages of 20-69 have noise-induced hearing loss. 5.2 million American children and adolescents ages 6-19 have noise-induced hearing loss. Hearing Protection Devices should be worn at all times when around excessive levels of noise (>85 dB). These environments include: Mowing the lawn and using power tools Wood working Shooting firearms/hunting Vacuuming Concerts Loud music/playing in a band Signs of NIHL include: Decreased hearing sensitivity Decreased clarity of speech Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) Fullness in the ears https://www.soothersmayhear.com/hearing-aid-repairs daily 0.75 2020-05-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588957418517-GLUTCYK10B31EEGFHTA5/pic_beautyshot_audeo_b.jpg Hearing Aid Repairs - Hearing Aid Repairs It is common for hearing aids to need to be repaired over the lifetime of the device. If you think about how many hours per day hearing aids are worn, it is logical to assume they are going to need adjustments and repairs at least once in their lifetime. Accidents happen, and when they do, we will be there to help. Many repairs can be completed in the office, but larger repairs (moisture damage, cracked hearing aid) may need to be sent in to the manufacturer for repair. If you are currently wearing hearing aids that were fit at a different hearing professional’s office, we are happy to try and help repair the devices. We are able to service most major manufacturers of hearing aids, and can tell you in office if yours is a brand we service. Some hearing aid brands “lock” their devices, in which case we would not be able to access the settings to make adjustments or have supplies to complete the repair. If this is the case, please talk to your current hearing care provider for solutions. https://www.soothersmayhear.com/hearing-aid-fitting daily 0.75 2020-05-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588875331100-YI9AYRU4D316WOV0XVDF/Packshot_Audeo_M-R_P5_pair.jpg Hearing Aid Fitting - Hearing Aid Fitting Once you have selected devices that will work best for your lifestyle and specific hearing needs, the hearing aids will be programmed to specific speech targets based on your hearing loss. Hearing aids are not one size fits all, therefor all devices should be carefully programmed based on prescriptive algorithms chosen by your audiologist. All fittings include Real-Ear Speech Mapping, which is a verification measure to ensure the hearing aids are meeting a certain standard and are fit specifically to your hearing loss. Unfortunately, many hearing care providers do not perform these verification measures on hearing aids. Research has shown that completing these additional tests improves patient satisfaction and is the only way to ensure proper sound from the devices. Please plan for 1-1.5 hours for this appointment. We highly recommend bringing a family member along to this appointment so you can both learn about your new devices and specific communication strategies! If you are currently wearing hearing aids fit by a different hearing care provider and are unsatisfied with you devices, please give us a call and we can discuss what solutions may be available to you. A new patient comprehensive hearing evaluation will need to be completed before adjusting your current hearing aids. Hearing aids ONLY work when they are properly selected and fit specifically for each patient! https://www.soothersmayhear.com/hearing-aids daily 0.75 2020-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588779323089-C0PUZF72V3HXNVDNJWA2/Fingers_Holding_Virto_B_HiRes.jpg Hearing Aids - CIC (Completely-in-the-canal) CIC style hearing aids are custom molded to fit deep in the ear canal for a sleek and invisible hearing device. Improves wind noise reduction Only appropriate for mild-moderate hearing losses Not rechargeable https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588779369211-5Y8F67SKRLQGTR1PSOOL/Packshot_Virto_M_ITC_312_DIR_pair_F06_S06_PB.png Hearing Aids - ITC (In-the-canal) ITC hearing aids are custom molded to fit deep in the ear canal, and are a little bigger than the CIC style. This size difference allows for increased power from the devices. Improved wind noise reduction Direct connectivity to smartphones for hands-free calls and audio streaming Appropriate for mild-severe hearing losses Not rechargeable https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588800192577-PRD50VD1LFKA9CTZKRZD/insio_ite_binax_beige-600px_100122_1.jpg Hearing Aids - ITE (In-the-ear) ITE hearing aids are custom molded to fit deep in the ear canal and fill up the “bowl” of the outer ear. Improved wind noise reduction Direct connectivity to smartphones for hands-free calls and audio streaming Appropriate for mild-severe hearing losses Ability to be rechargeable (Starkey) Increased retention for more secure fit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588779745395-KT9GS1WPTB9DIUX65HA7/Packshot_Audeo_M-R_P5_pair.png Hearing Aids - RIC (Receiver-in-the-ear) RIC hearing aids sit discretely behind the ear with a thin wire coming down around the front of the ear and into the ear canal. Direct connectivity to smartphones for hands-free calls and audio streaming Ability to be rechargeable Appropriate for mild to profound hearing losses Most popular style of hearing aid Ear canal remains open for more natural sound quality* *Depending on type and degree of hearing loss https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588780131146-1O0D2HMZGR765M037VGW/Packshot_Charger_Case_open_with_Audeo_B-R.jpg Hearing Aids - Rechargeable Select styles and brands of hearing aids have to ability to be rechargeable, which lessens the stress of changing batteries in your hearing aids weekly. Great option for individuals with limited dexterity One charge typically lasts 18-20 hours https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588779856502-XUJEGJVHYBUMOZGVRTA4/Packshot_Bolero_M-M_Hook_050-0535-P5.png Hearing Aids - BTE (Behind-the-ear) BTE style hearing aids sit behind the ear with a tube coming down around the front of the ear and attaches to an earmold that sits in the ear canal. Direct connectivity to smartphones for hands-free calls and audio streaming Ability to be rechargeable Appropriate for moderate to profound hearing losses Tubing needs to be changed regularly Most durable hearing aid available https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588880444030-5NVVRMRIE0VA5PTYVLW6/Phonak_Completely_In_Canal_Female_Side_Crop.jpg Hearing Aids https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588880531258-R0SMKQMGB8ESHJXPXLJ8/Phonak_Full_Shell_Female_Side_Crop.jpg Hearing Aids https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588880569923-S6E6R1010RROQPBVP09U/Phonak_Receiver_In_Canal_Female_Side_Crop.jpg Hearing Aids https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588955402823-2GLPFJQDHQ1TZ03G68XA/Phonak_Behind_The_Ear_Female_Side_Crop.jpg Hearing Aids https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588880481988-LJBT2GMIFOPZJLCC2QRG/Phonak_Mini_Canal_Female_Side_Crop.jpg Hearing Aids https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588952691293-JQYRERSF6ZSK8FPCS1KT/miniPocket_key_1248x600px.jpg Hearing Aids https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588881401626-32NALB4HYN9MUIVK130N/Packshot_Roger_Select_lying_052-3471-000P5.png Hearing Aids https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588780374217-X4EWY9L8YEIQTW1FUJBM/Packshot_TV_Connector_perspective1_076-3002.jpg Hearing Aids https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588952251283-35VHM3KNZ88AYLXZB6PP/NEW_Oticon_Logo_cmyk_pos.jpg Hearing Aids https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588954264026-CA767RAX0918QR1CI3UB/ReSound-Logo.jpg Hearing Aids https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588779098654-Y1V3QJ4QVD7PP3STHUIJ/Logo_Phonak_life_is_on_pos_RGB_300dpi.jpg Hearing Aids https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588954958579-ZOUB2XUGU9M8HUM8Z9BY/starkey.jpg Hearing Aids https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588953440745-8J5OB96XSJ84SS40L5J4/Signia_Logo_928x528px.jpg Hearing Aids https://www.soothersmayhear.com/home-1 daily 1.0 2020-08-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1590619994526-KHB6UF16XI9R9J94DGVS/thumbnail_SOMH+Page+2.jpg Home - Local, independent, community focused practice to exceed your hearing healthcare needs State of the art, premium technology available with individualized treatment plans because not all hearing loss is the same. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ce845d89c04c80001f662e8/1571160975990-AGD3A213KCSK07XMUOYO/image-asset.jpeg Home - We are passionate about providing the best care possible to ensure our patients are living life to the fullest. We believe in spending the time to get to know our patients and their specific hearing healthcare needs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1590175772313-OWSNGAS6TR7WG364OICY/Packshot_Audeo_M-R_P5_pair.png Home - Signs of hearing loss: Speech sounding mumbled Speech is not as clear as it used to be You find yourself avoiding conversations You are asking others to repeat themselves more frequently https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1590178962193-HCQID9I784PW6KU25MTH/fullsizeoutput_4e16.jpg Home - Negative consequences of untreated hearing loss: Social isolation Depression Anxiety Frustration Fatigue Cognitive decline Decreased quality of life https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588952535456-EALB6SFI4ULGBJ00A8VP/Styletto_dark-granite_charger-open_910x700.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1589316511512-ND683L5CVH8Y1RSVZBAV/IMG_0915.JPG Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588956302224-362VG1HAF08B0CTTVFID/Packshot_Virto_B-Titanium_pair.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1589316562741-9K9ZRV4UUOHE1Y1H1FGA/IMG_0918.JPG Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588956187984-WFDTQMFH6A2KI5WLYA0R/Oticon_Opn_S_Product_Line-up_with_Charger_group-1200x664.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1589316944754-N68CM6LIBLLDHK5NIOIN/IMG_0920.JPG Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588956222720-J5HWKWHTQL0FD4JXJ8FD/unnamed.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588956247896-XN459P2WM6CY002GANYB/Packshot_Virto_M_ITC_312_DIR_pair_F06_S06_PB.png Home https://www.soothersmayhear.com/cerumen-management daily 0.75 2020-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1590678970213-MXI048HG26GCK4CG1FLU/image-asset.jpeg Cerumen Management https://www.soothersmayhear.com/hearing-loss daily 0.75 2020-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1590622191325-B2B2N6QPWCAL71GVK7QQ/thumbnail_SOMH%252BPage%252B1.jpg Untreated Hearing Loss https://www.soothersmayhear.com/communication-tips daily 0.75 2020-05-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588802604866-PPU8QF3T1QI0P9VEFL3Q/image-asset.jpeg Communication Tips https://www.soothersmayhear.com/testimonials daily 0.75 2020-07-21 https://www.soothersmayhear.com/contact-1 daily 0.75 2020-05-27 https://www.soothersmayhear.com/dizziness daily 0.75 2020-05-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8499db372f71617495dbec/1588800096087-TJ7KVPKXC2BFB2W2MF2E/image-asset.jpeg Dizziness - Dizziness While we do not treat and diagnose all types of dizziness, we are able to treat the most common type of dizziness. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo. BPPV causes sudden, brief episodes of vertigo that are usually triggered by specific changes in head position. Symptoms of BPPV: Vertigo (sensation of spinning) lasting seconds to minutes. Vertigo worsens when turning the head in a certain direction, or lying down. Most people notice this spinning sensation when rolling over in bed. If BPPV is ruled out, you may be referred to a vestibular audiologist for a full vestibular evaluation.