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Our Services
We specialize in state of the art hearing
evaluation and fitting procedures for adults and children. We pride ourselves
for being the first in North Carolina to offer a variety of services. Our most
recent addition is the successful evaluation and treatment of tinnitus (ringing
in the ears).
Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations
We assess all parts and functions of the ear through a
variety of test procedures. Tympanometry is used to view how sounds physically
move through the ear, specifically measuring movement of the eardrum and bones
of the ears (ossicles). The organ of hearing, the cochlea, is specifically
tested through the use of otoacoustic emissions and puretone hearing tests.
Auditory Processing
One we have a basic picture of your hearing ability, we then
assess how your brain makes use of sounds through a variety of processing tests,
such as your understanding of words in quiet and noise. In addition, specific
tests are used to examine how your brain utilizes information from each ear
individually and from both ears combined. Other tests are utilized to examine
factors such as auditory memory, and speed of processing.
Hearing Aid Evaluation
Based on your physical level of hearing and your
brain’s ability to make use of incoming sounds, we select the most appropriate
hearing devices to initially evaluate you with. Utilizing sophisticated fitting
techniques, your hearing is again tested right through the hearing device to
ensure the most accurate fit possible. In the presence of your family member(s)
and/or friend(s), we evaluate how you (your brain) is now able to process their
speech, e.g., how well you understand them both in quiet and in noise. Through
the use of our exclusive “Life’s Sound Suite”, you are able to experience how
you would hear surrounded by everyday noises, such as a restaurant, church, or
car.
Once appropriate devices have been selected
for you, these are fit for you utilizing sophisticated “speech mapping ”
equipment to verify that the sound pressure of speech is present for soft,
moderate, and loud sounds-----that the speech has now been “corrected” to the
ultimate level by the hearing devices. Other prescriptive measures as well as
pre- and post- fitting evaluations are utilized.
Together, we
evaluate your performance with your new devices over a 60-day adjustment period.
We see you during regular intervals during this time to ensure that the devices
are meeting your expectations and answer any questions you may have regarding
their use and care.
Auditory Therapy
During this time, you are also enrolled in our unique
auditory therapy program. Through being involved in listening exercises, this
enables your brain to make better use of the new sounds that are now available
to you. Research has shown that individuals who receive auditory therapy achieve
significant improvements in their ability to understand speech.
Acceptance Counseling
Another important component of our program has to do
with your true understand and acceptance of your hearing loss. You and any of
your significant others come together to learn about how hearing loss has
affected your relationships, and what to do about it. We were the first to bring
a unique hearing loss support program to North Carolina. Known as the
Kooser Program: The Hidden Impact of Hearing Loss.
Care for Life™
Our unique program follows our patients for the life
of their hearing aids to provide them important ongoing maintenance. Hearing
aids are delicate electronic devices that endure the effects of moisture,
humidity, earwax, and debris. On a quarterly basis, patients are seen so that
their hearing aids can be thoroughly cleaned and checked. In addition, they
receive batteries to last them for that quarter, until their next check. This
preventative maintenance helps to prevent inconvenient device failures and
unnecessary repairs.
Tinnitus Evaluation and Therapy
Individuals can suffer greatly
from tinnitus (ringing or other noises in the ears). We have received
specialized training in the thorough evaluation and treatment of tinnitus. Once
our evaluation is complete, we assist the individual with tinnitus via
education, counseling, and the use of various management techniques, such as
hearing aids, masker units, and/or sound therapies. We are very proud to be
among the first in North Carolina to offer the newest treatment, Neuromonics.
For more information, visit
www.neuromonics.com
Custom Made Molds
We take impressions of the ear to provide individuals with custom
made ear molds for the following applications:
Swim Molds These are available in a variety of fun
colors and are made right in our office. These are great for children with
middle ear tubes or swimmers who are prone to developing ear infections.
Noise Protection Molds
These can also be made right
in our office or can be ordered from a local lab for a more commercial material.
Available with or without a string for wearing around the neck, and in a variety
of colors. These can be used during noisy work settings, or for noisy hobbies.
 Sleep Molds
For the spouse of “the snorer”. A night of restful sleep is on the way with
these wonderful, soft, molds. They fit into the canal of the ear so that they
are comfortable for sleeping and dampen out the snoring sounds of your loved
one.
 Ipod &
Music Headset Molds If standard earbuds do not fit your ears or fall out
easily, this might be the answer for you. Great for those music lovers who are
on the go!
 Bluetooth/Handsfree
phone Molds Works with a variety of phone
applications.
Industrial Hearing Services
We work with area industries to assist them in their compliance
with OSHA laws for noise protection in the workplace. This includes annual
hearing evaluations and retests when a shift in hearing is suspected. Custom
molds can be made for employees and group discounts are available.
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