Audiology and Hearing

An estimated 27.2 million Americans, or one out of every 10, suffer from some form of a hearing problem. Remarkably, only one in every five takes action. Because hearing loss and balance issues often develop slowly over the course of time, they can end up being left unattended. It’s likely you know someone suffering from these issues, whether it’s a co-worker, neighbor, family member or even you.

Many people have questions about how to preserve their hearing and adjust to hearing loss. Our audiologists work with you to help maintain healthy hearing and balance. Our hearing specialists provide diagnostic hearing tests and can help you choose the best tools and technology to support your hearing needs. This can include hearing aids, implantable devices and other assistive listening systems.

We also provide speech pathology services that provide evaluation and therapy for adults and kids who have difficulties with language, speech, cognitive, voice, stuttering, laryngectomy or swallowing. Therapy rooms are equipped with observation mirrors for spouses or parents to observe rehabilitation.

Preventing Hearing Loss and Ear Problems

While people can be born with hearing loss, the leading cause of hearing problems is exposure to loud noises. Both the level of noise and the length of time you listen to loud noises can put you at risk for hearing loss.

In either case, the damage occurs when loud sounds reach the inner ear. This process can occur from exposure to a single loud noise or because of years of overexposure to loud noises.

Because hearing loss is permanent, the best treatment is prevention. In many cases, earplugs or earmuffs may prevent damage to your hearing. Also, reducing exposure to loud sounds and lowering noise levels support healthy hearing.

Symptoms of Ear and Hearing Problems

• Balance issues (vestibular problems)
• Difficulty hearing TV or radio at normal volume levels
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Slurred or mumbled sounding speech from others

Ear and Hearing Treatment

• Audiological testing
• Auditory evoked potentials
• Balance/Vestibular Testing
• Cochlear implants
• Computerized dynamic posturography
• Custom ear protectors
• Electroacoustic assessments of hearing aids
• Electronystagmography
• Hearing aid evaluation and dispensing
• Hearing and balance disorders
• Hearing tests
• Immittance testing
• Implantable hearing aids
• Infant hearing screening program
• Pediatric audiological testing
• Otoacoustic emissions
• Rotary chair testing
• Swim molds
• Vestibular rehabilitation