Diagnostic Hearing
Assessments
O
UR SERVICES
A diagnostic hearing evaluation includes assessment of the outer, middle and inner ear. The test battery consists of numerous tests to determine the type and configuration of the hearing impairment. Results obtained from this evaluation will predict the way forward in terms of treatment, medications and necessary referrals.
Comprehensive audiological evaluations are conducted for anyone with hearing concerns. These services are diagnostic medical tests and are used to differentiate between hearing loss due to a medical condition and those due to noise exposure, genetics, or the normal aging process. After the evaluation, the results will be reviewed and interpreted, treatment options will then be discussed with the patient.
The first step when determining hearing aid selection is assessing individual needs and defining what one requires from the experience.
The following factors will determine hearing aid selection:
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Hearing test results: The severity and configuration of the hearing loss determines what options are available.
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Preferences: If one prefers a certain type of hearing aid it can be discussed with the audiologist. It is important to remember that not everyone is compatible with every type of hearing aid, a patient should however voice their preferences so that options may be discussed in depth.
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Lifestyle: an individual’s lifestyle plays a very important role when selecting a suitable hearing aid. Lifestyle factors should be discussed before selecting the appropriate type and technology level of a hearing aid.
Hearing Aid
Evaluation &
Selection
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After the appropriate hearing aid has been selected based on the patient’s test results, preferences and lifestyle the hearing aid fitting will be conducted. The hearing aid will be set according to the test results as well as the patient’s needs and input, the patient’s previous experience with sound input from a hearing device will also be taken into consideration. After the initial fitting a follow-up will be arranged where fine-tuning will again be conducted.
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The practice is also equipped to recommend and fit Assistive listening devices. Assistive listening devices are usually used in conjunction with a hearing aid. Assistive listening devices include hearing aid compatible phones or smartphones, television compatible devices and FM Systems.
Hearing Aid Fittings
Fittings of Bone Conduction Hearing Aids
A bone conduction hearing device works by transmitting sound vibrations through the bone and not the natural ear. This device is used rather than a conventional hearing aid for patients with middle ear pathologies or in instances where a hearing aid will not provide the best access to sound.
The practice is trained in providing fittings and adjustments for Bone conduction hearing devices.
Industrial Setting Screening Services
Noise induced hearing loss is a real and unfortunate effect of long-term exposure to excessive noise. Noise exposure is a hazard of industrial workers and workers of any occupation who are repeatedly exposed to loud noises, these workers include individuals who work in factories, construction sites, mill workers, musicians and airport personnel. The effects of Noise-induced hearing loss are preventable when the correct precautions are taken from the beginning. Regular hearing tests to evaluate any early signs of hearing loss, as well as everyday preventative measures such as the use of hearing protection goes a long way towards preventing permanent hearing loss. In most cases, OSHA requires that employees who are exposed to a time weighted average (TWA) of 85dBA be part of a hearing conservation program which includes hearing testing and employee training.
The practice provides screening and diagnostic hearing evaluation services for industrial settings. Custom made hearing protection is also available.
School Screening Services
Normal hearing in children are of utmost importance for language development and listening skills, a hearing loss can also influence a child’s ability to learn, read and write. To develop spoken language, children must be able to hear speech clearly. The purpose of hearing screening is to identify children with possible hearing losses.
Early identification and intervention procedures provide the best opportunity for effective remediation and aim to reduce the negative effects of hearing loss on the child’s development.
The practice is trained to conduct hearing screenings at schools. If the screening assessment indicates a possible hearing loss, parents will be notified, the child will then be referred to an Audiologist or Ear-Nose and Throat Specialist for a comprehensive and diagnostic evaluation as well as possible treatment.
Industrial Setting Screening Services
Hearing Protection
Hearing protection is used to reduce noise reaching the wearer's ear, this protects the ears from exposure to excessive noise as well as noise induced hearing loss. Sudden or prolonged exposure to noise may cause damage to one’s hearing and is one of the leading causes of hearing loss. Hearing loss from prolonged noise exposure is often detected too late, meaning the hearing loss is usually irreversible.
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Hearing protection is extremely important for anyone who is regularly exposed to a high-noise environment. Though store-bought earplugs offer some hearing protection, custom-made hearing protection offers maximum protection and a comfortable fit that is designed specifically for an individual’s ear.
Custom Made Ear Plugs
The practice provides the following custom made ear plugs:
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Custom made Sleep Plugs – sleeping plugs are often used for individuals who wish to diminish sounds in their environment while they are sleeping. Custom made sleeping plugs are specifically made to fit an individual’s ear.
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Custom made Swim Plugs - Swimming plugs are designed and used to keep water out of the ear while in the water. Swimming plugs are especially useful for individuals who are prone to chronic ear infections as they help to eliminate water from entering and remaining in the ear.