| The state of the art audiologic diagnostic equipment at MCHA Hearing Solutions allows accurate evaluation of hearing loss for all ages and the ability to determine appropriate solutions for those with hearing difficulties. |
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| Diagnostic Services |
| The hearing test includes pure tone air, bone and speech discrimination. Tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing can evaluate the patient’s middle ear function. Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE) evaluates outer hair cell function and is used to screen hearing in young children. An Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) is used to estimate hearing thresholds in children as young as 1 day old. A video otoscope allows the patient to view his or her own eardrum. |
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| Otolaryngology Referrals |
Referrals to an otolaryngologist or family physician are made any time ear disease is suspected or medical treatment is needed such as:
- Abnormal middle ear function (abnormal tympanometry)
- Asymmetrical hearing loss
- Unilateral tinnitus
- Dizziness
- Newly identified pediatric hearing loss.
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| Hearing Aid Options |
Hearing aid options are given to the patient following the complete diagnostic testing and medical clearance from a physician. Patients can chose from a variety of hearing aid manufacturers such as Phonak and GN ReSound. Patients are fit with hearing aids only when necessary and each patient has a 30-day trial period with the hearing aids. Patients are asked to pay the price of the hearing instruments as the deposit at the time of the fitting. Each digital hearing aid will come with a minimum of a one year warranty which includes batteries. Digital hearing aids are programmed by computers. Hearing aid fittings can be verified using real ear analyzers.
Patients are successful with their hearing aids through close follow-up and post fitting care.
- Post fitting care is included with every aid.
- After the hearing aid trial patients are encouraged to return every six months for check ups, cleaning and service of the hearing aid components.
- Patients will be referred to family doctor as soon as Cerumen (ear wax) removal is needed if it cannot be accomplished in the office in order to decrease the number of needed hearing aid repairs.
- Annual hearing evaluations are recommended.
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| Cochlear Implant Audiologic Evaluations |
| Services also include Cochlear implant audiologic evaluations to determine candidacy, pre and post surgical assessment, counseling, and audiologic treatment including implant programming and maintenance of implant hardware. |
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| Assistive Hearing Devices |
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Assistive hearing devices can be worn in conjunction with hearing aids and/or Cochlear implants and are available to patients that have difficulty in challenging listening situations such as church, theaters, or conversing on the telephone. These devices will be selected on an individual basis. |
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| Vestibular Disorders |
| Audiologists also are involved in the treatment of persons with vestibular disorders. Evaluation of vestibular function will be offered in the future for individuals complaining of dizziness or balance disturbances. |
