Why Consult an Audiologist?
Audiologists are highly trained doctors specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, management and nonmedical treatment of hearing and balance disorders in children and adults. Audiologists use the most advanced procedures and state-of-the-art equipment to individualize the fitting of your hearing aids for your particular type of hearing loss. Your doctor will properly fit your hearing aid, provide followup care, hearing aid accessories and any necessary training for you and your family members.
Signs & Types of Hearing Loss
There are two primary types of hearing loss – Conductive and Sensorineural. Conductive hearing loss means the sound is not transmitted properly to the inner ear. This can be caused by wax, eardrum perforation, middle ear fluid or damage to the bones in the middle ear. Conductive hearing losses may be correctable with procedures in the office or surgery, depending on the cause.
Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the nerve endings in the inner ear or hearing nerve. The most common causes are noise trauma or aging of the hearing. There are also inherited forms of sensorineural hearing loss, which can begin in childhood or early adulthood. Hearing aids can help most people with sensorineural hearing loss. The sudden onset of sensorineural hearing loss should be evaluated immediately for rapid treatment and intervention.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a noise heard in the ear and is frequently associated with some degree of hearing loss. It can be a symptom of a more serious ear condition, is sudden in onset, unilateral or pulsatile in nature. Initial evaluation of tinnitus includes a thorough ear examination and hearing testing.
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Diagnostic Audiology
Northwest ENT & Allergy Center offers comprehensive evaluation and management of various degrees of hearing loss in infants, children, adolescents and adults. Our audiology experts are trained to diagnose hearing disorders and recommend appropriate treatment and care for individuals suffering from hearing loss.
While hearing loss is a very common condition, few people with hearing loss use hearing aids. According to the American Academy of Audiology, nearly 30 million Americans have some type of hearing problem and approximately 30% of adults over 65 experience hearing loss as a natural result of aging. Recent technological advances allow hearing aids to be programmed to a person's specific hearing loss pattern. A variety of styles are available including hearing aids that can be hidden in the ear canal. Learn more about the practice of audiology>>
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Audiology Tests
Tympanometry
This test detects disorders of the middle ear. Your doctor will first examine your ear canal to make sure there is a clear path to your ear drum. A device is placed in your ear to change the air pressure while the tympanogram records the results. The measurements will show your ear’s response to the varying pressures and identify problems needing medical attention.
Otoacoustic Emissions
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) are measured by a series of very brief acoustic stimuli or clicks. A probe is inserted into the outer third of the ear canal. The probe contains a loudspeaker that generates clicks and a microphone that measures the resulting OAEs. OAEs do not occur in people with hearing loss thus indicating potential hearing loss to your doctor.
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Hearing Aids
The results of the hearing tests performed by your audiologist will determine the extent of your hearing loss. Your doctor will also ask questions about your lifestyle to determine your specific hearing needs in order to recommend the best hearing device for you. All hearing aids have a 30 day evaluation period so you can try out the device and make sure it fits your needs.
In addition to hearing aids, Northwest ENT also provides:
• Hearing Protection & Musicians Earplugs
• Hearing Aid Batteries
• Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) including:
• Amplified Telephones
• Alert Devices
• Infrared Listening Systems
• TV Ears
Learn more about hearing aids and listening devices>>
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