Our Services

Diagnostic Testing

Hearing Test

The traditional audiometric evaluation of adults consists of placing the patient in a sound-treated enclosure that reduces the effects of outside sounds. The individual will be asked to listen to a series of tones through earphones and to respond by raising his/her hand every time a tone is heard, no matter how softly it is heard. Tones of different pitches or frequencies will be evaluated to determine the softest sound the individual can hear at each of the frequencies. This part of the evaluation is called puretone air-conduction threshold. Similarly, tones will be presented through a bone-conduction vibrator placed on the mastoid bone behind the patient's ear. This is called bone-conduction threshold. The speech reception threshold test is performed by asking the patient to repeat two syllable words that become very soft. Word intelligibility, or word identification ability, is tested by presenting single-syllable words at a comfortable level that are repeated by the patient. Sometimes a tympanogram may be performed. This test is a test of the mobility of the eardrum and the bones behind the eardrum and a test of the volume of the external canal. Also acoustic reflexes may be evaluated by having the patient listen to loud sounds that cause a special reflex in a normal ear.

VNG test

VNG testing is used to determine if a vestibular (inner ear) disorder is causing a balance or dizziness problem, and is one of the only tests available that can help determine if the disorder is in one or both ears. In order to assess the function of the balance portion of the inner ear, infrared goggles are worn by the patient and eye movements are recorded. The eyes should respond to commands from the inner ear in a predictable manner. The eye movements will be recorded across a series of subtests during which the patient is asked to move his or her body in a variety of safe and comfortable positions. VNG testing is safe and very effective at identifying the primary cause of vertigo.

ABR test

An auditory brainstem response test has multiple diagnostic uses. The two primary uses are to: estimate the hearing sensitivity of children and adults who are unable to have their hearing tested by more traditional means; and to verify the integrity of the neural pathways that connect the brain to the inner ear. The ABR is helpful for determining hearing loss in infants and developmentally delayed children and adults; contributing to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis; diagnosing non-organic hearing loss; and providing additional information regarding the integrity of certain vestibular functions.

The ABR is non-invasive and causes no discomfort. Children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years may require light sedation as the test equipment is very sensitive to body movement. Depending on the purpose, the test might take as few as 20 minutes or as long as an hour and a half.

Dispensing

Amplification devices of all shapes, sizes and technology levels are dispensed by our audiologists. Each individual has a unique lifestyle, listening need and hearing loss. Through a careful interview and diagnostic process, the audiologist is able to recommend an amplification system that will be right for only you. We have very solid relationships with the world's top manufacturers and are able to choose from hundreds of devices to find just the one that will meet your specific needs.

Hearing aid system checks

In order to provide the longest life and the highest quality sound, all amplification devices must be rigorously maintained. The staff at each of our offices has been thoroughly trained to clean and check your instrument and ensure your device(s) are in excellent working condition. This service is provided at no charge and no appointment is needed.

ALDs

Amplification systems are excellent general tools to help overcome hearing loss in a wide variety of listening environments. Assistive listening devices are intended to provide greater help in specific cases where hearing aids fall short. These situations vary from person to person and may include watching television, listening at meetings and church services, music enjoyment and talking on telephones and cell-phones.

Custom plugs for hearing protection

Earmuffs and custom-fit ear plugs provide the greatest protection from loud noise exposure. These devices can be customized to block as much noise as possible or to provide speech understanding while blocking only the loudest noises. Products range from those intended from general use such as while mowing the lawn, to more specific environments such as target shooting and industrial noise exposure.

Swim plugs

Custom-fit swim plugs provide superior protection against waterborne bacteria and fungus. These plugs are recommended for adults and children with tubes in their ears or perforated eardrums caused by chronic ear infections. Swim plugs are also recommended for those who swim daily or in non-chlorinated waters such as lakes and rivers.

Musician's monitors and plugs

We welcome all musicians who need either plugs or monitors and we can cater to musicians of all genres and interests. We carry the best filters in the industry that provide and exceptionally flat frequency response without distortion.

Batteries

We supply batteries to our patient's at no charge for the length of their original hearing aid warranty. We are fortunate enough to have a large patient base and so always have the freshest batteries. You may come in at any time during business hours to pick up or purchase batteries. If you find yourself out of town and in short supply, we are happy to mail batteries to you at no charge.

UNHS follow-up diagnostics:

We are proud to offer state-of-the-art test equipment that can quickly and painlessly identify any type of hearing disorder in children from the moment of birth. We are honored to be the primary providers for all follow-up newborn hearing screening testing for 14 counties. If your child did not pass his newborn hearing screening, or is there is a family history of hearing loss please call us to make an appointment.

Pediatrics

Young children can be difficult to test due to their age and inability to communicate what they are and are not hearing. At the Hearing Centers, all of our audiologists are specifically trained to test young children and you may be assured of reliable results. Should your child need medical attention because the hearing loss is due to an ear infection or other correctable disease, we have 5 full-time otolaryngologists that can see to your child's needs.

A child with hearing loss demands special attention and specialized training to ensure that his educational and hearing needs are met. We are honored to have on staff highly trained audiologists and otolaryngologists who are able to provide comprehensive pediatric care. We work closely with all surrounding school systems, early intervention specialists and government agencies to ensure you're child's communication, educational and developmental needs are met.

Cerumen removal

We recommend that you see one of our audiologists at least twice a year for a general check up including otoscopy. If you wear a hearing aid, you might find that your ears accumulate wax faster than they used to. With regular check-ups, your audiologist can easily and quickly prevent significant wax build up before it affects your hearing or hearing aid function. Should one of our audiologists see any reason that you may need medical attention, they will immediately refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist for evaluation and treatment.

Video-otoscopy

Video otoscopy gives your Audiologist the ability to record a picture of your ear-can eardrum and external ear. This technology allows you to see your ear and whether or not you have ear wax. Video otoscopy also allows your audiologist to confer with other health-care providers regarding any suspicious lesion or mass that might be discovered during an office visit.

Extended warranty

Our extended warranty program provides peace of mind once your original warranty has expired and can help protect your investment for years. Most hearing aids quit functioning approximately once a year and repairs can cost up to $300.00. Our extended warranties have no deductible and can be purchased at very reasonable prices (much less than a repair) at any time as long as your hearing aid is still in good working condition. Warranties may be purchased for both repairs and for loss/damage protection.