Drs. Gehris & Jordan & Associates in Baltimore: Hearing Tests and Custom Hearing Aids in Canton
Drs. Gehris & Jordan & Associates is an independently operated audiology practice in Baltimore's Canton neighborhood that fits patients for hearing aids and conducts diagnostic hearing evaluations without a hospital or large medical system affiliation. The practice operates from a single office and works with adult patients across all degrees of hearing loss, from mild to profound.
What the practice does
The practice offers comprehensive audiological services centered on hearing evaluation and fitting. An audiometric test measures your hearing threshold across frequencies and typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. Results appear on an audiogram, which the audiologist uses to determine whether hearing aids are warranted and what type fits your loss. Tinnitus assessment and balance testing (videonystagmography) are available for patients with dizziness or ringing in the ears. The practice does not perform cerumen removal or treat conductive hearing loss requiring medical or surgical intervention; patients with ear infections, eustachian tube dysfunction, or fluid in the middle ear are referred to an ENT.
Hearing aid options and pricing
The practice fits hearing aids from multiple manufacturers, including Starkey, GN ReSound, Phonak, Widex, and Oticon. Prices for new hearing aids typically range from $1,500 to $4,500 per pair, depending on the style and technology level (basic, mid-range, or premium). Behind-the-ear (BTE) models cost less than invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) aids because they contain fewer components. Battery-powered aids run $200 to $300 annually for supplies; rechargeable models eliminate battery costs but cost an average of $600 more upfront. Most commercial insurance plans cover hearing aids with copays or coinsurance between $500 and $2,000 per aid; confirm your specific plan's hearing benefit before your appointment. Medicare does not cover hearing aids, though some Medicare Advantage supplemental plans do. The practice accepts major insurance carriers but recommends calling ahead to verify your coverage.
How it compares to other Baltimore audiologists
Baltimore has a mix of hospital-affiliated audiology practices (Johns Hopkins, MedStar, University of Maryland), independent audiology practices, and audiology services embedded in retail hearing aid chains (Costco, Sam's Club, Miracle-Ear). Hospital clinics often have longer scheduling lead times (2 to 4 weeks) and higher out-of-pocket costs if you lack comprehensive coverage, but they integrate with ENT specialists on-site. Retail chains charge significantly less upfront (often $800 to $2,000 per pair) but offer fewer hearing aid brands and may push their proprietary products. Independent practices like Drs. Gehris & Jordan & Associates sit between these: they offer brand choice and direct relationships with the audiologist fitting you, without the institutional overhead of a hospital clinic. Choose a hospital-affiliated clinic if you have complex ear pathology or need ENT coordination; choose Drs. Gehris & Jordan & Associates if you want personalized service and flexibility in manufacturer selection; choose a retail chain if out-of-pocket cost is the primary driver and you are comfortable with limited brand options.
Who this practice suits and who it does not
The practice is best for adults with sensorineural hearing loss (noise-induced, age-related, or unexplained) who want a direct relationship with a single audiologist and access to multiple hearing aid brands. It suits patients with commercial insurance or those paying out-of-pocket who can navigate the financial side without a counselor. It does not serve pediatric patients. It is not the right choice if your hearing loss is conductive (caused by ear wax, infection, or middle ear fluid) or if you require immediate same-day testing; plan ahead.
What a first visit involves
Call to schedule. Bring your insurance card and a list of medications. The audiologist will review your hearing history, asking when the loss started, whether it affects one or both ears, and how it impacts work and daily life. Otoscopy (looking inside your ear with a light) rules out cerumen or earwax blockage. The audiogram test is painless and done in a soundproof booth; you signal when you hear tones at different pitches and volumes. If hearing aids are recommended, the audiologist will discuss styles, features, and pricing, then fit you with trial aids. Most patients spend 60 to 90 minutes on a first visit. A follow-up appointment in one to two weeks allows you to report on how the aids perform in real-world settings before finalizing the fit.
Hours, parking, and location
The practice is located in Canton and is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited Saturday availability on request. Street parking is available in the Canton area; the office does not operate a dedicated lot. Verify current hours by phone before visiting, as audiology practices sometimes adjust schedules seasonally.
Drs. Gehris & Jordan & Associates fills a niche in Baltimore's hearing care landscape for patients who value choice and direct audiologist relationships over the speed of retail chains or the institutional resources of hospital systems.
