Audiology and Hearing Aid Services
Audiology is a branch of health care devoted to the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of hearing disorders. An Audiologist is credentialed in the practice of Audiology to provide a comprehensive array of services related to the prevention, evaluation, and rehabilitation of hearing impairment and its associated communication disorder.
How We Hear
Sound is collected by the outer ear through the ear canal to the eardrum. Sound waves then cause the eardrum to vibrate. The vibrating eardrum then causes the three bones of the middle ear(hammer, anvil, and stirrup) to vibrate and conduct the sound through the middle ear to the inner ear. Sound is now changed to an electrical impulse to stimulate nerve endings in the inner ear. The electrical impulse will then travel along the auditory nerve to the brain.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss
- Turning up the television
- Asking others to repeat themselves
- Difficulty hearing on the telephone
- Hard time understanding in background noiseHear conversation, but not able to understand
- Saying “HUH” frequentlyAvoid social gatherings
- Ringing (tinnitus) in your ear
We keep a supply of batteries for you to purchase in our office. Stop in routinely for fresh batteries. Make sure to check the batteries in your hearing devices often and make sure there is no dirt, wax or debris interfering with the batteries performance. Batteries that are properly charged will make a noise (a squeal) when cupped in your hand or after it has been inserted in your ear, when you cup your hand over the hearing aid it will also make a noise.
- Size 10 (yellow)
- Size 312 (brown)
- Size 13 (orange)
- Size 675 (blue)
Diagnostic Audiologic Evaluations
Scheduled and performed by our licensed and nationally certified Hearing Healthcare Professional are subject to professional fees. Insurance often covers these services. Learn More
Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations
During your examination you will be tested using a series of low & high frequency words to determine your ability to understand verbiage within a conversation. We will also give you several words to repeat. The results will help us determine your percentage of hearing loss, your ability to understand speech and how hearing aids will improve your ability to hear. Learn More
Since the various systems produce different hearing impressions, it is important for you to make a comparison yourself. For this purpose we will produce custom-made earmolds based on the exact contours of your ears. We can then ensure that your hearing aid fits perfectly.
Evaluation and Fitting for Musician's Ear Plugs
Musicians practice and perform in a variety of different settings. They are exposed to high levels of sound, sometimes for long periods, which may put them at risk for permanent hearing damage. Musician’s ear plugs are custom-made devices that help to limit the sound exposure from instruments, while still providing a rich musical experience for the performer or audience. Learn More
Hearing Aid Evaluation and Selection
During a hearing aid evaluation, you will meet with a licensed professional who will discuss with you the different styles, colors, technologies, and benefits to wearing hearing aids. You may be shown different styles or have the opportunity to try different hearing aids in the office. Custom impressions may be taken of your ears, depending on the style of hearing aid chosen. Learn More
Hearing Aid Dispensing & Fitting
At the hearing aid fitting, you will receive the hearing aids you selected. They are programmed based on a prescription that is specific to each person’s hearing loss. The hearing professional may make adjustments after you try the hearing aids to make sure the settings and fit are ideal for you. Learn More
Hearing Aid Repairs
Some minor hearing aid repairs can be done in the office setting in a short period of time; others will need to be sent to the manufacturer for repair. Your hearing professional can help determine what kind of a repair is necessary if you feel your hearing aid is not working properly. Learn More
Industrial hearing screenings
Workers in certain occupations are required to receive regular hearing tests due to the risk of hearing loss that can be caused by excessive noise in their workplace. These hearing screenings can be completed in less than 30 minutes, and comply with the standards set by OSHA. Learn More
VNG - Balance Evaluations
Videonystagmography evaluates the function of the vestibular portion of the inner ear for patients who are experiencing symptoms of vertigo, unsteadiness, dizziness, and other balance disorders. Hearing evaluation tests are frequently combined with vestibular studies for the identification of inner ear disorders. Learn More
Tympanometry is an examination used to test the condition of the middle ear and mobility of the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and the conduction bones, by creating variations of air pressure in the ear canal.