What is an audiologist?

An Audiologist is a specialist trained to evaluate hearing loss and related disorders, including balance disorders and tinnitus, and provide rehabilitation to people with hearing loss and related disorders. Each of our Audiologists has earned a Master’s or Doctorate Degree in Audiology. They are licensed to practice Audiology and dispense hearing aids for people of all ages. At Head and Neck Surgical Associates, our audiologists work alongside our physicians to diagnose and treat your hearing or balance troubles.

What services do we provide?

· Audiological evaluation to determine type and degree of hearing loss
· Acoustic impedance measures to assess middle ear function
· Otoacoustic emission (OAE) testing for infant hearing
· Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing to test the hearing of infants or the function of the hearing nerve in adults
· Electronystagmography (ENG) test to assess balance disorders
· Hearing aid fitting, orientation, and repairs
· Assistive listening devices
· Custom fit hearing protection

Hearing aids

Hearing aids are useful in improving the speech comprehension of people with hearing loss. They are made to selectively increase the volume of sounds you want to hear. They allow you to hear soft sounds, while at the same time making loud sounds comfortable. A hearing evaluation will be completed by one of our audiologists to help you decide what choice is right for you. No two people have exactly the same hearing loss. Consequently, we offer a wide selection of hearing aids and other hearing systems to help people face the challenge of hearing impairment. Our Audiology department has access to many different styles and levels of technology for hearing aids. One of our audiologists will be happy to evaluate your individual needs and help you select the style, technology, and brand that will best suit your needs!

BAHA (http://www.cochlearamericas.com)

The BAHA system is a small device that attaches to the bone behind the ear and transmits sound vibrations directly to the inner ear through the skull, bypassing the middle ear. BAHA’s are generally used by individuals with middle ear problems or deafness in one ear. This unique hearing treatment, offered by Cochlear Corporation, is the only system of its kind cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat hearing loss. Dr. Murry has gone through specialized training and obtained the privilege to perform the new BAHA surgery, which may be effective for your specific hearing loss. Call our office for more information.

What to expect at your visit

Hearing Evaluation: At your initial visit to our office, a hearing evaluation will be completed by one of our certified audiologists. Your hearing will be evaluated in a sound-proof booth to determine the type and degree of hearing loss.

Hearing aids: Once the audiological and, if necessary, medical evaluations have been completed one of our audiologists will help you decide whether hearing aids are right for you. At your consultation appointment, we will discuss:

· Hearing test results: Describing the type and degree of hearing loss.
· Is a hearing aid right for you, and if so, which one?: Not every person is a candidate for a hearing aid. In addition, there are numerous options for those who are.
· One versus two hearing aids: If hearing aid(s) will benefit you, our audiologists will discuss with you the advantages of using one or two hearing aids for your particular hearing loss.
· Style of hearing aids: In-the-Ear, In-the-Canal, Completely In-the-Canal aids, Behind-the-Ear, and Open-Fit hearing aids.
· Your communication demands: Lifestyle, job, telephone use, etc.

Follow Up Appointments

Upon purchasing new hearing aids, you will have a 30-day trial period. During this time, your hearing aids should be worn as often as possible. A follow-up appointment will be set within the first two weeks to check on your progress.

During the 30-day trial period, the hearing aids may be adjusted by your audiologist several times to find the best settings for your hearing loss and lifestyle. These adjustments are made based on your feedback.

The trial period allows you to try a different type of hearing aid if desired. At the end of the trial period if you are not fully satisfied you have the right to return the hearing aid(s). Upon the return of hearing aid(s), a full refund minus the price of earmolds and a small fitting fee will be given.

What types of financial assistance are available?

Hearing aids are generally not covered by health insurance companies, although some do.

Medicare does not cover hearing aids for adults; however, diagnostic evaluations are covered if they are ordered by a physician for the purpose of assisting the physician in developing a treatment plan.

In addition to providing a range of hearing aid prices and options, Head and Neck Surgical Associates works with various programs including SoundChoice.