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Audiology Department

Why Consult an Audiologist?

The audiologists at Northwest Audiology are licensed professionals with doctoral or master’s level training. Audiologists perform diagnostic tests to fully assess type and degree of hearing loss. We will develop strategies to allow you to hear better and reduce the stresses of hearing loss including assistive listening devices and state of the art hearing instruments. These services are provided to all ages.

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.

Northwest ENT
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.

Effects of untreated hearing loss:

Research findings support the fact that correcting hearing loss with hearing aids has a positive impact on quality of life.

Hearing loss is associated with:

Embarrassment
Fatigue
Irritability
Tension and stress
Anger
Avoidance of social events
Depression and loneliness

For those in the work force, hearing loss can certainly negatively impact overall life earning potential.

Findings by the National Council on Aging study (1997) of nearly 4,000 people, users of hearing aids and their families, found that “hearing aids are associated with improvements in the social, emotional, psychological, and physical well-being of people with hearing loss regardless of the degree, mild or severe.” The devastating effects of hearing loss on quality of life is well documented. It is primarily an effect of reduced speech intelligibility and when hearing aids are fit appropriately, the improve speech intelligibility and therefore an improved ability to function in life.

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.

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.

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.

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

Hearing Aid Services

The audiologists at Northwest Audiology offer a variety of styles and brands of hearing instruments. We work with several different manufacturers, some of those include: Siemens, ReSound, Oticon, Phonak, Widex and Sonic Innovations. We will help you and your family determine which product best fits your lifestyle and budget.

We also offer assistive listening devices to enhance your hearing with or without hearing aids, such as TV Ears and FM systems.

We offer special devices to lengthen the life of your hearing aids like Dri and Store and other cleaning and drying systems.

We can perform minor hearing aid repairs in our office to avoid costly repairs at the manufacturer. This includes troubleshooting, cleaning, re-tubing and diagnosing hearing aid malfunctions.

We verify hearing aid performance and have the ability to program current instruments to assure that you are achieving maximum benefit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much will my hearing aid cost?

Talk to your audiologist during your initial consultation to obtain a cost estimate.

What will it look like?

Hearing aids have come a long way! Manufacturers are creating more discrete hearing aids with some so small they fit in your ear canal. Hearing aids also come in a variety of colors and styles for those wanting to make more of a fashion statement.

What can I expect?

Your audiologist will recommend the best hearing aid for your lifestyle to ensure your hearing needs are met. Advances in hearing aid design have also resulted in a reduction of background noise, making it less annoying and distracting. Your hearing aid will immediately return your hearing to a normal level but they also take time and patience. Talk to your audiologist about any problems you are experiencing.

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