Specialized Auditory and Balance Diagnostic Tests
These tests are called electrophysiologic tests because they use electronic means to assess the function of the physical auditory system. They are completely non-invasive and not painful. They do NOT involve use of drugs or X-rays. Yet they provide extremely helpful information about hearing problems, dizziness and imbalance.

Immittance, Tympanometry
A soft probe is placed at the opening of the ear canal. By changing the air pressure in the ear canal slightly we are able to measure the eardrum’s movement. This test detects abnormal pressure and fluid in the middle ear. The same procedure can be used to evaluate acoustic reflexes, which are a normal protective reflex in the middle ear.

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)
As with Tympanometry, a soft tipped probe is placed up to the ear canal and sounds are presented to the ear. A normal ear’s response to the sound creates a signal that we can measure in the ear canal. This test is invaluable with children because it tells us much about their inner ear without the need for any response on the child’s part. It can be performed on newborn infants as well as children or adults of any age.

Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) also called Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
When the ear responds to sound, nerve signals are sent along the hearing nerve to the brainstem and finally to cortical areas of the brain. This test measures the minute electrical response of the hearing nerve and brainstem. It involves the use of receptors on the skin to measure the response.

Electrocochleography (ECochG)
Our inner ear is called the Cochlea. It also produces extremely small electrical signals when it is processing sound. This test uses receptors on the skin to measure the very small electrical response of the cochlea.

ElectroNystagmography (ENG) or VideoNystagmography (VNG)
When we are dizzy our eyes move in reflexive patterns. We can observe, record and analyze this eye movement to obtain information about the cause of dizziness. In our practice we use video recordings of the eyes-no electrodes are necessary with this equipment.

Hearing Aid Services
New Instruments
Repairs, Cleaning
Batteries
Earmolds
Specialized Ear Protectors

When a hearing loss is not medically or surgically correctable, hearing aid use can usually help. Proper evaluation followed by appropriate, carefully selected and adjusted hearing aid technology is foundational to successful hearing aid use. Unfortunately, off the shelf or quick fit devices are rarely effective. We specialize in the fitting process of the best digital and programmable devices available.

At Audiology Associates we listen to you first so we can then help you hear your best. There is a broad range of hearing aid technologies, sizes and shapes. Our mission is to help you obtain the best system for your specific situation. This involves an exploration of your desires, frustrations and goals with respect to hearing.

Technology Available
Digital Hearing Aids utilize a computer to analyze the incoming sound and then shape it so it is optimized for an ear with a hearing loss. These instruments are programmed not only to your specific hearing test results but also to your lifestyle needs. They may include features such as multiple programs, noise management algorithms, directional microphones, feedback management, independently adjustable telephone program, and remote control.

Programmable Hearing Aids do not use a digital signal processor and cannot do all the sound shaping and processing of a fully digital instrument. They can be quite flexible though. They may have multiple programs and can be adjusted to fit most hearing losses. They are considered hybrid circuits because they have digitally programmable memory and controls that manage the analog amplifier.

Conventional Hearing Aids are not programmable and do not utilize any digital technology at all. Although we have these available we rarely use them in our clinic.

Sizes Available
Hearing aids come in the following sizes:
Completely-In-Canal (CIC) size that is completely contained within the ear canal.
In- the-Canal (ITC) size that fills the canal but protrudes out into the bowl of the ear slightly more than the CIC. This size utilizes a larger battery that lasts longer than in the CIC.
In-The-Ear (ITE) instruments fill up the bowl of the ear. They have the best battery life of the custom products.
Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids fit behind the ear and also utilize a small ear mold that is made to fit the user’s canal and ear.

All of the technologies mentioned above may be packaged into any of the sizes available. Prices vary with size and technology.