Hearing Evaluation

To determine your hearing sensitivity, we conduct a diagnostic hearing evaluation. We begin with a Threshold Audiogram. Generally, narrow-band noise or pure-tones are used to determine the softest level you can detect in each ear at various frequencies or pitches.

Word recognition testing and other special tests may also be conducted to further evaluate the adequacy of the auditory system. This information is used to help determine the type of hearing impairment, the possible location of the impairment, and the necessary means of treatment and/or rehabilitation.

In some cases, the test results and/or particular symptoms will warrant further evaluation of the auditory and/or vestibular system prior to the beginning of the rehabilitation process.

Hearing Aid Selection

Binaural amplification is recommended for bilateral hearing loss to reduce the detrimental effects of auditory deprivation. It will also provide better sound localization, help improve your ability to understand speech in noisy environments, and help to process overall sound more efficiently.

Several styles of hearing aids and levels of technology are available to improve hearing. The styles include: In-the-Ear (ITE); Behind-the-Ear (BTE); Behind-the-Ear Open (BTE Open); Canal; and Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC). The type or style of instrument is generally based on the hearing evaluation, the anatomy of the external ear, the life-style of the individual, age, etc.

CIC BTE BTE Open ITE Canal

There are two different types of technology: analog and digital.

Analog Technology
The data from the Threshold Hearing Evaluation is used to help determine the appropriate prescription. A formula is calculated that determines the amount of amplification required at each frequency or pitch. An individualized circuit is assembled based on these specifications. Advanced circuits may include adaptive compression, variable release compression, wide-range active filters, and other noise suppression type features. A user volume control is often necessary in analog technology to fine-tune the circuit in various listening environments.

Digital Technology
The prescriptive method of determining appropriate amplification is also used with digital technology. However, additional supra-threshold data is needed to more accurately calculate loudness sensitivity. These defined loudness parameters are used in digitally programming the hearing instruments for a particular individual's needs.

This sophisticated level of technology incorporates digital signal processing. Digital circuitry provides the highest fidelity of sound reproduction available. Digital technology also provides greater flexibility and fine-tuning capabilities, and its electronic efficiency in amplifying soft sounds and limiting loud sounds is far superior to that inherent in analog devices.

Some advanced and specialty circuits may also utilize directional microphones, as well as a variety of noise suppression features, to further enhance understanding speech in the presence of background noise. A user volume control may not be necessary due to the automatic functioning of these devices.

Assistive Listening Devices

The Hearing Center also has available many different types of assistive listening devices specifically for the hearing impaired. Amplified telephone receivers, amplified alarm clocks, various tactile devices, and an array of personal alerting devices are accessible and may be recommended in certain situations.

Hearing Protection Devices

Custom hearing protection devices are also available. Ear plugs, high-attenuation ear muffs, musician's ear protectors and other hearing conservation devices are typically suggested on a routine basis.

Payment Policy

There will be no fee to try the hearing instruments. However, a deposit equal to half the cost of the new hearing instruments will be due the day of the fitting. The deposit will be applied to the total purchase price of your instruments. The balance will be due the day of the purchase, after you are satisfied and the rehabilitation process is completed. If you choose not to purchase the hearing aids, your deposit will be refunded. If a hearing aid is lost during the trial period, you will be responsible for the purchase price of the instrument.

Economy and standard digital aids carry a one-year manufacturer guarantee while most advanced instruments have a two-year warranty! Specialty instruments carry a three-year warranty!

*There is an additional fee for remote control units.

Hearing Quiz

I have a problem hearing over the telephone.
I have trouble following the conversation when two or more people are talking at the same time.
People complain that I turn the TV volume too high.
I have to strain to understand conversations.
I don't hear some common sounds like the phone or doorbell ringing.
I have trouble hearing conversations in a noisy environment such as a party.
I get confused about where sounds come from.
I misunderstand some words in a sentence and need to ask people to repeat themselves.
I especially have trouble understanding the speech of women and children.
I have worked in noisy environments (assembly lines, jackhammers, jet engines, etc.).
Many people I talk to seem to mumble (or don't speak clearly).
People get annoyed because I misunderstand what they say.
I misunderstand what others are saying and make inappropriate responses.
I avoid social activities because I cannot hear well and fear I'll reply inappropriately.
Have your friends or relatives expressed concern that you may have a hearing problem?	Yes		No
Do you have a blood relative with a hearing loss?	Yes		No

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Test Provided by American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery, Inc. and American Academy of Audiologists