audiology

Facts:

• Age 60+ — 3 in 10 have hearing loss
• Baby boomers, ages 41-59 — 1 in 6 have a hearing problem
• Generation Xers, ages 29-40 — 1 in 14 already have a hearing loss
• Age 18 or younger — at least 14 million already have hearing problems
• Infants — 3 in 1,000 are born with severe to profound hearing loss

Did You Know?

• Aging is the most common cause of hearing loss
• A study by Johns Hopkins and National Institute on Aging researchers suggests seniors with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia over time than those who retain their hearing
• Exposure to loud or continuous noise may accelerate hearing loss
• Infection in the outer or middle ear may cause permanent or temporary hearing loss
• Ear wax blockage can cause decreased hearing
• There is link between some medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular and hearing loss
• Trauma, especially involving a skull fracture or punctured eardrums can cause hearing loss
• Some diseases and syndromes can cause diminished hearing
• Smoking may act as a toxin, harm blood flow to the cochlea, or change blood consistency. Decreasing or quitting smoking may prevent or delay age-related hearing loss
• Risk for hearing loss is increased by diseases that result in blocked blood flow, including atherosclerosis, problems with blood clots, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and collagen vascular diseases

Signs of Decrease in Hearing:

• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
• Trouble hearing in noisy environments, such as a restaurant
• Perception that people are not speaking clearly or mumbling
• Complaints by others that the TV is too loud

Comprehensive Audiometric Evaluation

A comprehensive audiometric evaluation is designed to assess your hearing skills and provide a detailed description of the test results. Based on your hearing evaluation, you may or may not be a hearing aid candidate. If you are a candidate, a hearing aid evaluation will be conducted to determine the best options for your specific needs.

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)

Otoacoustic emissions testing is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that measures the function of the inner ear (cochlea). This test helps identify hearing problems, especially in newborns and young children, and can detect damage to the hair cells in the cochlea.

Tinnitus is often referred to as ringing, chirping, hissing, or clicking in the ears. Tinnitus is the medical term for the perception of sound in one or both ears or in the head when no external sound is present.

Management Approaches

Our tinnitus management program includes:

• Treating the underlying cause: Identifying and addressing any medical conditions that may be contributing to your tinnitus
• Altering reactions to it: Using sound therapy, counseling, and relaxation techniques to help you manage your response to tinnitus

We work with you to develop a personalized tinnitus management plan that reduces the impact of tinnitus on your daily life and improves your overall quality of life.

Hearing devices are the primary means of managing hearing loss that cannot be treated medically or surgically. Based on your evaluation, our audiologist, Dr. Elizabeth Jackson, AuD may recommend hearing devices or refer you for further in-house tests.

A number of hearing aid models and styles are available to our patients. We will help find the best match for each of our patients based on their medical conditions and budget.

Once hearing aids are elected as a treatment and the doctor has medically cleared a patient, our patients consult with Dr. Jackson on the best matches for their hearing loss. Hearing aids are fitted and custom ordered from our manufacturer. Once the hearing aids arrive, a fitting session is scheduled. During this session, Dr. Jackson will help find the best fit and the optimal results through using the complex computer algorithms within these modern devices. All hearing aids have a 30-day trial period where they can be returned for a refund less the fitting fees (nominal costs for the disposable tools used to fit the hearing aids).

Comprehensive Hearing Aid Evaluation

This evaluation determines whether there is a need for amplification and, if so, what fitting parameters would best match your needs. We consider your lifestyle, communication needs, and budget to recommend the most appropriate hearing aid options.

Hearing Aid Fitting

Our computerized and personalized fitting process ensures your hearing aids are programmed to meet your specific hearing needs. During the fitting appointment, Dr. Jackson will:

• Program your hearing aids using advanced computer algorithms
• Ensure proper physical fit and comfort
• Provide personalized counseling about hearing aid use
• Explain all controls and features in detail
• Answer any questions you may have

Post-Hearing Aid Fitting

Your journey doesn't end after the initial fitting. We provide ongoing support to ensure you get the most out of your hearing aids, including:

• Follow-up appointments to fine-tune your hearing aids
• Adjustments based on your real-world experiences
• Cleaning and maintenance services
• Troubleshooting and repairs
• Continued counseling and support

Treating your hearing loss and managing your tinnitus can have a positive effect on your day to day life at home or at work.

Custom Hearing Protection

Protect your hearing in noisy environments with custom-molded hearing protection. Whether you work in a loud environment or enjoy recreational activities like shooting or motorcycling, custom ear protection provides superior noise reduction while maintaining comfort.

Custom Swimmers' Ear Plugs

Keep water out of your ears while swimming with custom-fitted swimmers' ear plugs. These plugs are especially beneficial for individuals prone to ear infections or those with ear tubes.

Custom Musicians' Ear Plugs

Musicians need to protect their hearing while still being able to hear music clearly. Our custom musicians' ear plugs reduce volume evenly across all frequencies, preserving sound quality while protecting your hearing from damaging noise levels.

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)

Today's technologically advanced hearing aids do an excellent job of improving hearing. However, sometimes there are situations where additional technologies may be needed, such as Assistive Listening Devices.

ALDs can further facilitate better hearing and communication in challenging listening situations, including:

• Telephone amplifiers and captioning devices
• TV listening systems
• Personal amplifiers for one-on-one conversations
• FM systems for classrooms and meetings
• Alerting devices for doorbells, alarms, and phones

We'll help you identify which assistive listening devices would be most beneficial for your specific needs and lifestyle.