Hearing Loss Treatment, Hearing Aids and Repair, Hearing Aid Batteries and Ear Plugs

Our Audiology Services at KHC Include:

Hearing screening tests for children to seniors.
Evaluation of hearing loss through complete testing for hearing, balance, and dizziness problems.
Counseling, hearing, and balance rehabilitation training.
Dispensing hearing aids.
Hearing aid repairs (almost all types).
Referral to otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat) or other physician as appropriate.

Hearing Aid Services: Hearing aids can greatly improve the quality of life for most people with hearing loss. Today's hearing aids are much better than those of the past. They are designed to be matched to each individual's specific type of hearing loss. An audiologist has specialized training that allows him or her to determine the appropriate model and type of hearing aid that will provide the greatest benefit for each individual. Hearing aids should be part of a total hearing rehabilitation program consisting of complete testing, individual counseling, education, and follow-up visits.

Not everyone with hearing loss will benefit from a hearing aid. Our clinical audiologist, Darlene Ballew, will advise you if a hearing aid is recommended for you. Through proper testing, fitting, and rehabilitation guidance, she will then help you to select one that will best meet your needs. Darlene will increase the effectiveness of your hearing aid and help you to make a smooth and successful adjustment in using them.

It is a good health practice to visit a licensed physician specializing in diseases of the ear (called a otolaryngologist, otorhinolaryngologists, or otologist) before purchasing a hearing aid. Hearing loss may be the result of a number of problems. If left untreated, these problems could result in serious or life threatening consequences. Once these pathologies are ruled out, Dr. Kane will give you a written medical clearance statement and refer you back to the audiologist for a hearing aid evaluation.

An otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) will have an audiologist test your hearing to discover the type and extent of hearing loss and ability to understand speech. Testing is more accurate if it is done in a soundproof room.

Products We Provide:

Hearing aid batteries (ask about prices)
Musician, swimming and motorcycle plugs (Westone, Etymotic Research)
- Stock musician plugs
  $20
- Custom musician plugs
  $235 (Extra fillers $80 per pair)
- Custom motorcycle plugs
  $200
- Custom swim plugs
  $140 ($70 for one)
- Earmolds
  $200 per pair ($110 for one)

Hearing Testing:

	Audiogram: This testing is performed to evaluate suspected hearing loss and/or tinnitus (ringing in the ears). The audiogram helps to determine if the hearing loss is sensorineural, or if it is due to conductive factors. It also provides dignostic information about the conditions that cause hearing loss. An audiogram plots a picture of your hearing as it compares to normal hearing of sounds at different intensities (loudness) and frequencies (pitch) that make up the human voice when speaking at normal conversational levels.

	Tympanogram: Tympanometry is a test where air pressure in the ear canal is varied to test the condition and movement of the ear drum (tympanic membrane). This is useful in detecting disorders of the middle ear. The test begins with an inspection of the ear canal with an otoscope ensuring that there is a clear path to the ear drum. Then, a device is inserted in the ear that changes the pressure, produces a pure tone, and measures the body's responses to the sound at different pressures.
Videonystagmography: This test helps to determine reasons for dizziness or unsteadiness. It can help determine the degree and location of a balance dysfunction. To perform the test, video goggles are placed on the face. The patient is asked to follow lights on a bar. His or her balance system is gently stimulated. This is accomplished by changing their position and by introducing cool and warm air into their ears. A computer is used to analyze their responses. Hearing Testing for Newborns and Infants: New technology in otoacoustic-emissions testing equipment has recently made it possible to screen infants for possible hearing problems in a way that was not possible just a few short years ago. Hearing loss affects three out of every 1,000 babies born. It is the most common birth defect and one with major consequences when undetected and treated. Proper hearing is essential for learning as well as speech and language development in children. A young child with hearing loss is more likely to have poor self-esteem, poor school performance and difficulty in social interactions. If the hearing problem is discovered at an early age, then appropriate action can be taken to improve the child's hearing condition. Research has shown that the longer a child's hearing loss has gone undetected after the age of six months, the less likely the child is to completely regain what has been lost from not having the stimulus of hearing the different speech frequencies. Treatment is most effective when intervention occurs during the child's preverbal period. If you think your newborn or infant is at risk for a hearing problem, a licensed otolaryngologist can determine if a hearing screening evaluation is indicated. Dr. Kane at KHC is a competent and well qualified otolaryngologist. He can provide the proper evaluation and appropriate treatment. If you think you have hearing loss, Click here to take this simple 11 question test and find out. Then call for your appointment.