What We Do

If any part of the outer, middle or inner ear isn’t working correctly, some type of hearing loss may be present. The type and degree of hearing loss is determined though a hearing test conducted by a Hearing Implant Specialist. Only then is it possible to discuss treatment options.

Below are some important work that we do as follows

• Hearing Aid Evaluations :
  Hearing Aid Evaluation is the discussion of specific hearing aid options, following your hearing screening and/or diagnostic hearing test. Your unique results help us to diagnose your degree of hearing loss, establish your ability to understand speech and determine how hearing aids will improve your ability to hear.
  
  If you are not a candidate for hearing aids, as Audiologists, we provide you honest information. If you show borderline normal hearing or early signs of hearing loss we may suggest monitoring your hearing at a later date. In the rare case that you have poor word understanding and we honestly feel a hearing aid would not provide the necessary benefit, we may recommend you for cochlear implantation evaluation.
  
  If you are a good candidate for hearing aids, and if you are truly ready to commit and move forward to improve your life with hearing aids, we will discuss the hearing aid options available to meet your needs.
  
  The case history you provide helps us determine how much your hearing loss impacts your day-to-day life, as well as the lives of your family. This is why we highly encourage bringing your spouse, adult child(ren), and/or friend to your appointments.


• Hearing Aid Fitting :
  Once you have selected your hearing aids after an evaluation, your hearing professional will program them, based on a prescription, to meet your hearing needs. The hearing professional will explain how to use the devices, how to put them in the ear and how to remove them, how to change batteries and how to care for and clean the devices. It is also a good idea to bring family members or close friends to the hearing aid fitting so they can help remember all the information that is given and be a support to you.
  
  When you put the hearing aids in for the first time, you may have different emotions about the sounds you hear. This is normal and to be expected. The goal of the hearing aid is to make everyday sounds audible and comfortable, but the sound you hear should be clear and pleasant. Small changes can be made to the hearing aids at your first fitting if there are things that you feel should be adjusted right away. The hearing professional may do some testing to make sure the hearing aids are giving you enough sound where you need it.
  
  You may be also be given a short survey or list of questions to answer. Be honest about what you hear so that the hearing professional can work with you to create the best listening experience with your new hearing aids. Your hearing aid fitting is only a starting place; other changes to customize the hearing to your liking may need to take place over a few appointments, as you wear the hearing aids in more situations and adapt to all the new sounds you are hearing.


• Hearing Aid Repair :
  Hearing aids have small working parts, and it is not uncommon over time for a hearing aid to need a repair. You may try to turn the hearing aid on in the morning and find that there is no sound; the battery door may come unhinged. These things do happen, even when the hearing aids are properly cared for. If you should experience an issue that needs repair, take the hearing aid(s) to your hearing care professional. They are equipped to diagnose broken hearing aids. 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.
  
  If you are a current patient and have hearing aids that were not fit in our office, we are happy to try to repair your hearing aids. We are able to service most major manufacturers of hearing aids and can tell you in the office if yours is a brand we service. Hearing aids come with a warranty when purchased new. If your warranty has expired, it is still possible to repair most hearing aids with a small fee. Depending on the hearing aid manufacturer, this repair may come with a new year-long warranty. Your hearing professional will provide you with details when you take your hearing aid into the office.


• Audiologic Evaluations :
  If you or your child has been referred for a diagnostic audiologic evaluation, it means that hearing loss needs to be ruled out or further examined. The diagnostic audiologic evaluation may be indicated for individuals who did not pass an initial hearing screening.
  
  The evaluation is done to determine if a hearing loss is present, and if so, to detail the type and severity of the hearing loss. It also may provide insight in to the cause of the hearing loss as well as provide guidance for the audiologist in making appropriate treatment recommendations.


• Ear Wax Removal :
  Cerumen, also known as earwax, is naturally produced by the glands in the ears to lubricate the ear canals and keep dust and debris from getting too far down in the ear canal.
  
  Cerumen typically clears itself from the ears, but in some instances can accumulate and cause a blockage.