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More than 24 million Americans of all ages suffer
some type of hearing problem. Hearing loss is a medical problem,
requiring proper diagnosis. When looking for help with your hearing
problem, either identification, assessment, prevention of further
loss, or treatment, our Audiology staff is here to help your and
your family.
Pure tone air and bone conduction audiometry.
This tests basic tones presented at different frequencies and loudness levels.
Speech recognition thresholds and speech understanding.
This tests the ability of the ear to hear and understand words under different loudness conditions.
Tympanometry and various tests for middle ear function.
This tests the ability of the eardrum and middle ear structures to move.
Special diagnostic hearing tests.
Otoacoustic
emissions testing. This is a relatively new test
that measures the sounds made by hair cells of the inner ear,
called otoacoustic emissions. It is the most accurate, noninvasive
way to evaluate newborn and infant hearing. It adds significant
information to the evaluation of sudden hearing loss and Menière's
disease. It improves monitoring of the inner ear to prevent damage
from the use of ototoxic drugs.
Tinnitus is the general term describing the
ear/head noises people periodically hear. Almost everyone experiences
a ringing or buzzing sound at some time in their life and it is
usually not a cause for concern. Persistent tinnitus, however, should
be of concern, and if tinnitus persists, you should consult with
your primary healthcare provider. Tinnitus may take the form of
a pure-tone signal with a definite pitch. It may sound like steam
escaping, a buzzing sound, or even a small orchestra. Tinnitus can
have many different causes.Most causes are not especially dangerous
to your health, but there are a few that can be life threatening.
The first step to managing tinnitus is to obtain a careful health
history. This includes a history of any health problems you have
or have had. It also includes information about medications you
are taking, allergies you have, your occupation, and your current
physical condition. A careful history, combined with laboratory
studies and other tests your primary care physician may wish to
order, is critical. The majority of tinnitus sufferers also have
hearing loss. The Clinical Audiologist is the ideal person to evaluate
your hearing.The audiologist will may also do several noninvasive
tests to check for brain tumors or early evidence of multiple sclerosis.
Because there are serious diseases that can present only with a
hearing loss and tinnitus, it is important that an otolaryngologist,
a specialist in ear disease, evaluate you and interpret the tests
performed. MRI or CT scans are sometimes performed,. as well. After
bad diseases have been eliminated as causes of the tinnitus, then
symptomatic management of the tinnitus is indicated.Avoidance of
aspirin is a cornerstone of tinnitus management. Playing soft background
music during the time it takes to fall asleep is useful. Antihistamines
or antidepressants are sometimes used. A tinnitus masker, often
a part of a hearing aid, may be used in severe cases of tinnitus.
Hearing aid counseling regarding the benefits and limitations of amplification.
Explanation of the variety, styles and models available today.
Discussion of various circuits available in amplification technology.
30 day trial of hearing aids.
Selection and fitting of over 10 major brands.
Batteries.
Hearing aid adjustment and repair.
Handout information regarding better communication strategies for hearing impaired listeners and their families.
Care and handling of hearing aids.
Hearing aid testing to determine that your aid
is functioning optimally for your daily hearing needs.
Amplification other than hearing aids for use in special circumstances
TV amplifiers
Amplified telephones and ringers
Pocket talkers
Earplugs. Protect the ear some when exposed to loud noise by limiting the amount of sound that gets to the ears.
Earmuffs. Protects the ear more when exposed to loud noise by limiting the amount of sound that gets to the ears.
Electronic ear muffs. Protects the ear more when exposed to loud noise but allows the ears to hear soft sounds in the environment by amplifying them when loud noise is not present.
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