If a hearing loss is suspected, an appointment should be made with one of our Doctors of Audiology. After the age of 50, a regular hearing test is recommended and considered as important as one’s yearly physical checkup. Dr. Shannon is well experienced in providing comprehensive hearing evaluations for patients of all ages, hearing aid consultations, and hearing rehabilitation (see list of services below). All of our patient’s have the convenience of making an appointment for hearing aid cleanings, minor repairs and adjustments, and earwax removal.
Diagnostic Services
Hearing Evaluations and Consultations
A diagnostic hearing evaluation is the first step in determining the type, degree, configuration and symmetry of a hearing loss. The evaluation includes a variety of measurements to rule out any medically treatable causes of hearing loss. Speech testing will also be completed to determine your ability to process speech sounds. We have appropriate equipment to test young toddlers and children as well. The audiologist will then explain your test results and discuss the best treatment or management solution for you, with the ultimate goal of enhancing hearing and communication.
Tinnitus Evaluations and Consultations
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 is also determined to help assess the best management option. It is essential that all tinnitus patients receive a thorough medical evaluation by a qualified otolaryngologist prior to tinnitus-management intervention.
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Middle Ear Testing and Acoustic Reflex Testing
Tympanometry testing is completed to determine if a middle ear problem (e.g. ear infection, etc) may be contributing to or causing your hearing loss. Acoustic reflex testing measures the stapedius and tensor tympani reflex in response to intense sounds. These results help to rule out and diagnose various ear and nerve abnormalities.
Ear Wax (Cerumen) Removal
Wax can cause such problems as interfering with your hearing or making a hearing aid whistle. When removing ear wax and cleaning the ear canal, a microscope is used which provides a three-dimensional magnified view of the eardrum and ear canal. The cerumen is then removed by either using a variety of tools and/or by using a suction device.
Speech in Noise Testing
The primary complaint of people with hearing-impairment is difficulty hearing in background noise. By using standardized speech in noise tests in our sound booth, we’re able to better quantify and understand this difficulty. In addition, it allows us to objectively measure various technological features in relation to speech in noise.
Treatment and Management Services
Dispensing Hearing Technology
The type, degree, configuration and symmetry of a hearing loss along with the lifestyle and communication needs of the patient are all critical factors in deciding on the appropriate style and technology level for each patient. After choosing from our wide selection of hearing aids and hearing solutions, the hearing aids are then programmed with our computers to match each patient’s unique hearing loss. After comprehensively counseling the patient on hearing, listening, and communicating, patients are instructed on use and care of the hearing instruments and follow-up tests are performed to assure optimal programming of the hearing aids.
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Hearing Aid Checks, Cleanings, Repairs and Services
We are always available for to visually inspect, listen, and clean hearing aids. In addition, we provide basic repairs your hearing aid in-house while you wait. If your hearing aids require more extensive repair we will send them to the appropriate manufacturer for you. In addition, all patients are scheduled for an annual hearing exam along with a check and cleaning of the hearing devices.
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Real Ear Measures
Real ear measurements are used as a way to measure the response of the hearing in your ear. The testing can be completed using a variety of sounds and more importantly speech signals to ensure the most appropriate fitting and programming settings for each patient’s individual ear.
LACE
LACE is an acronym for Listening And Communication Enhancement. LACE is an interactive computerized aural rehabilitation program that helps improve listening skills for people who live with some degree of hearing loss. Just as physical therapy can help rebuild muscles and adjust movements to compensate for physical weakness or injury, LACE can develop skills and strategies that can help compensate for those situations when hearing is inadequate. We don’t really hear in our ears; we hear in our brain. Hearing aids can help a person detect softer sounds, but they don’t necessarily provide good listening. Even people with normal hearing can be poor listeners. Good listening skills are one of the essential components in effective communication. LACE is designed to enhance the ability to communicate by training the brain to best utilize these skills.
Bluetooth and Wireless Technology
Feel free to stop by and experience high quality audio streaming binaurally though hearing instruments while watching TV or talking on the telephone or your cell phone. Using wireless technology you can listen at your own preferred volume with a push of the button.