William and Leni Carls Hearing Clinic 

The William and Leni Carls Hearing Clinic based in Traverse City, Mich., serves all of northern Michigan. Our expert audiologists specialize in hearing loss, balance disorders, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). They use the latest sophisticated technology to diagnose and treat hearing conditions, including finding the perfect fit with the best hearing aids.

In addition to the main clinic located at Foster Family Community Health Center in Traverse City, clinics are held in Grayling. 

Northern Michigan's Leading Experts in Hearing Loss

When it comes to hearing services, it matters where you go and who you see. Our clinical audiology team focuses on improving your hearing health, not on selling you a product. However, if you do need a hearing-related product, we have a great selection at competitive prices. 

It is important to see a Munson Healthcare audiologist who is specialty-trained and skilled in providing services related to hearing and balance. All Munson Healthcare audiologists hold either a master's degree or doctorate degree in audiology from accredited universities and are certified by the American Speech Language and Hearing Association. Each audiologist has completed extensive training in hearing and balance assessment and hearing aid fittings.

Services are available for all ages, from newborns to elders, with convenient locations in northern Michigan.

We can help you hear better.

Hearing Loss is Common and Treatable 

If you have hearing loss, you are not alone. About 36 million Americans have difficulty hearing. In fact, it is the third most common health problem in the United States. Left untreated, hearing loss can harm your social and emotional well-being. 

Say What? Signs of Hearing Loss

• You frequently complain that people mumble, speech is not clear, or you hear only parts of conversations when people are talking.
• You often ask people to repeat what they said.
• Your friends or relatives tell you that you don't seem to hear very well.
• You do not laugh at jokes because you miss too much of the story.
• Others say you play the television or radio too loud.
• You cannot hear the doorbell or the telephone.
• Family, friends, or colleagues often have to repeat themselves.
• You have trouble hearing people when they are not facing you or are in another room.
• You have ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in your ears.
• Looking at people when they talk to you makes it somewhat easier to understand, especially when you're in a noisy place or where there are competing conversations.

If you suspect you are experiencing hearing difficulty, talk to your doctor. He or she may refer you to an audiologist for a complete hearing evaluation.

Causes of Hearing Loss

• Exposure to excessive loud noise
• Ear infections
• Trauma
• Ear disease
• Normal aging
• Damage also can be caused by putting things in your ears, such as cotton swabs or bobby pins

Ways to Protect Your Hearing 

• Wear hearing protection when around loud sounds for a long period of time, such as foam earplugs, earmuffs, and custom hearing protection devices.
• Turn down the volume when listening to the radio, TV, MP3 player, or anything through ear buds and headphones. Visit TurnItToTheLeft.org to learn more.
• Walk away from loud noise.
• Other than hearing protection, do not put anything in your ear.

We can help you protect your hearing with custom ear protection and custom musician products. To schedule an appointment, call 231-935-6455.

Let Us Help You Hear

Hearing three little words such as "I love you!" has the power to change your world. If you are missing out on tender moments because of gradual hearing loss or ringing in your ears, schedule an appointment for a hearing evaluation by calling 231-935-6455 or email hearing@mhc.net.

Our audiologists will address all of your hearing needs.

• Custom hearing protection 
• Hearing aid selection and fitting 
• Hearing evaluations for children and adults
• Newborn hearing screening
• Vestibular evaluations