Our Services
Our expert staff of AudigyCertified™ professionals provide services to patients of all ages. Our services range from basic hearing evaluations to more complex evaluations of the auditory brainstem and vestibular (balance) system. When appropriate, the latest digital hearing instruments may be utilized to help compensate for a hearing impairment. For individuals who work in high noise areas, we administer Hearing Conservation Programs in accordance with OSHA guidelines.
Diagnostic Testing
If you suspect that you or a loved one might have a hearing loss, you should make an appointment with one of our audiologists for a comprehensive hearing
evaluation.
Testing is painless, comfortable and safe. You will be asked to answer some questions about your hearing health and the areas in which you are having the
most difficulty. The evaluation will consist of assessments of your eardrum movement, your ability to hear tones at different frequencies, and your ability
to understand words at different volume levels.
The evaluation is completed in a sound booth using earphones and a bone conduction oscillator. One of our audiologists will use the test results to determine
the type and severity of hearing loss. These tests will also help determine whether a hearing loss is best treated medically or with hearing aids.
VNG Test - Videonystagmogram
The VNG test is a useful evaluation for assessing people who feel "dizzy" or off-balance. The VNG is a series of tests designed to evaluate the inner
ear's vestibular system. Goggles equipped with small video cameras are used to record eye movements in a variety of different situations (e.g., following a
light across a screen, lying with the head in different positions).
There are special instructions that need to be followed the day before and the morning of the evaluation, please call us for additional information.
Tinnitus Evaluation and Treatment
For patients suffering with tinnitus ("ringing in the ears") we offer several diagnostic tests and self-assessment surveys to determine the cause of the tinnitus and its psychological impact. Tests are performed to determine if the cause of the tinnitus is related to middle ear or inner ear problems as well as possible auditory nerve abnormalities. The tone or pitch of the tinnitus as well as its volume may also be determined to help assess the best management option. These options may include dietary changes, medication review, masking devices, hearing aids, or Tinnitus Retraining therapy (TRT).
Dispensing of Digital Hearing Aids
All patients undergo a comprehensive hearing evaluation in order to determine the possible cause and extent of their hearing loss prior to receiving hearing
aids. If you are a candidate for hearing aids based upon your hearing test results and your perceived hearing handicap, a hearing aid evaluation is completed.
During the hearing aid evaluation, one of our audiologists will spend time discussing the different options available to you, including style of the hearing
instrument and technology level required to meet your communication goals.
When you receive your new hearing aids, they will be programmed to match your unique hearing loss. You will also receive comprehensive instruction on how to
adjust to your new hearing aids. Emphasis is placed on how the brain must relearn to "hear" both speech and environmental noises. You will also be
instructed on the use and care of the hearing instruments. Verification measures will be performed to assure optimal programming of your hearing aids.
Hearing Aid Checks and Servicing
The cornerstone of our customer service is the follow-up our patients receive once fit with hearing aids. Most patients initially return for three to four office
visits after their initial hearing aid fitting. During these follow-up appointments, fitting adjustments may be made to improve sound quality, hearing aid care
and use can be reviewed, and the process of adjusting to hearing aids can be further discussed.
All patients are regularly scheduled for a comprehensive hearing aid check and cleaning every six months. Additional hearing aid adjustments or "trouble–shooting"
is always available at no charge while an aid is under warranty, and most patients can be seen for hearing aid related problems the day they call. In addition,
all patients receive our quarterly newsletter to keep them informed of the latest research on hearing disorders and technological improvements.
Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)
For people with hearing loss, sometimes an assistive listening device (ALD) is required in addition to, or instead of, hearing aids. ALDs include amplified
telephones, personal TV listening devices, visual or vibrating alarms, and a variety of other items designed to keep the person with hearing loss in touch with
his or her environment. We have a number of these items in our office for demonstration and can special order any ALD.
Pediatric Hearing Evaluations
We provide hearing evaluations for children of all ages, ranging from infants to high school students. Using a combination of objective testing, which does not
require any active response, and behavioral evaluation (either playing "listening games" or looking in the direction of sounds presented in the testing
booth), we can provide parents and referring physicians with important information about their child's hearing.