Hearing Tests, Aids & Repair

Hearing Tests

Adult and Pediatric Hearing Evaluations

If you or your child has been referred for a diagnostic audiologic evaluation, it means that hearing loss needs to be ruled out or further examined. If hearing loss is present, it will determine the type and severity of the hearing loss. It may also provide insight in to the cause of the hearing loss as well as guidance for the audiologist in making the appropriate recommendations for treatment.

Your evaluation may include the following:

Otoscopy

The ear canal will be examined for any wax, foreign bodies or abnormalities that may be causing difficulty hearing or preventing a proper hearing evaluation.

Tympanometry

This is a test to determine the status of middle ear. If this test is not normal, the audiologist may refer you to the ENT or your primary care physician prior to testing your hearing.

Pure-tone Air Testing

This determines the quietest tones a person can hear at different frequencies, both low and high.

Bone Conduction Testing

This is similar to pure-tone air except a different type of headphone is used which helps the audiologist determine if the hearing loss is originating from the outer/middle ear or from the inner ear.

Speech Reception Testing

This determines the lowest level at which the patient can recognize words or speech stimuli approximately 50% of the time. It is often used to confirm the results of a pure tone test.

Word Recognition Testing

This is a test to determine if you hear speech clearly or if it has any degree of distortion when sounds are presented at a level that should be comfortable based on the pure tone air results. This test helps the audiologist determine candidacy and potential success for amplification.

Conditioned Play Audiometry

This is where a child places a block or other object in a bucket as soon as she hears the pure tones. This is typically done when a child in unable to be conditioned to raise her hand or say “yes” for the pure tones.

Visual Reinforcement Audiometry

This is administered to young children or individuals who are not able to verbalize a response. Speech or a sound is presented from a speaker with the intention of obtaining a head turn response to the stimulus. If the patient responds, she is rewarded with a visual reinforcer such as an elephant or bunny playing the drums. This is typically done to obtain the hearing levels for at least the better ear.

Otoacoustic Emissions

Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) are sounds that are produced in the cochlea (the organ for hearing) but are detected and measured in the external ear canal. A small tip placed in the ear canal is searching for a response. Otoacoustic emissions are present in nearly all people with normal hearing.

Hearing Aid Evaluation

You have already had your hearing tested. Either the ENT Doctor or Doctor of Audiology determined you are a candidate for amplification. The results from your hearing test will provide Dr. Campbell or Dr. Garrett an idea of what sounds you may be missing or hearing, but your personal answers about your daily life and perception about your hearing provide the basis for a more comprehensive hearing device evaluation. You will learn about the different levels of digital technology, as well hearing instrument styles.

Once you have made a decision, either measurements or impressions will be taken of your ears, depending on the style you choose. It typically takes up to 2 weeks to be fit with your hearing instruments.

Hearing Device Fitting

This is the appointment where your audiologist will fit you with your new hearing instruments. They will be programmed based on your hearing loss, age and whether you have previously used hearing instruments in order to meet your hearing needs. You will learn how to insert and remove the devices, change the batteries and care for them. It is a good idea to bring family members or close friends with you to the fitting so they can help you remember all the information that is given, as well as support you.

When you put the hearing instruments in for the first time, you may experience different emotions about the sounds you hear. This is normal. The goal of the hearing devices is to make every day sounds audible and comfortable.

Motivation is an important key to success with your new hearing instruments. Hearing device studies have shown that people who have a positive attitude do better with hearing devices. Adjustments can be made to the hearing instruments depending on your report and particular listening environments. It may take some time to get used to the sounds you were missing. By working closely with your audiologist, you will get the most out of your new hearing instruments.

Real Ear Measurements

Real ear measures allow us to make sure your hearing aids are meeting your hearing needs. Best practice guidelines indicate they are the gold standard for hearing aid verification. These measures determine how much sound is reaching the ear drum. Real ear measurements take the differences in size and shape of each ear canal into account. Your hearing thresholds are entered into the equipment which generates targets. These targets indicate where you will receive the most benefit from your hearing aid. A small microphone is inserted into the ear canal along with the hearing aid. Speech samples are presented to determine whether you are receiving the most help possible from your hearing aids or if adjustments need to be made to meet these targets. This allows your hearing to be customized specifically for you.

Hearing Aid Repair

Hearing devices have small working parts, and it is not uncommon over time for a hearing device to need a repair. You may put your hearing device in and find there is no sound; the wax filter may be plugged. These things do happen, even when the hearing devices are properly cared for. If you should experience an issue that needs repair, take the hearing device(s) to your hearing care professional. They are equipped to diagnose broken hearing devices. Some minor hearing device repairs can be done in the office setting in a short period of time; others will need to be sent to the manufacturer for repair. Your hearing professional can help determine what kind of a repair is necessary if you feel your hearing device is not working properly.

If you are a current patient and have hearing devices that were not fit in our office, we are happy to try to repair your hearing devices. You may contact our office to see if your hearing aid is a brand we service.

Hearing devices come with a warranty when purchased new. If your warranty has expired, it is still possible to repair most hearing devices with a small fee. Depending on the hearing aid manufacturer, this repair may come with a new six month warranty. Your hearing professional will provide you with details when you take your hearing device into the office.

Cumberland Valley ENT
11110 Medical Campus Road, Suite 126
Hagerstown, MD 21742

Office Hours
Mon - Fri: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Phone: (301) 241-7591
Fax: (301) 714-4385
Billing: (301) 714-4376

Clinic Hours
ENT Consultants/Hearing Care Center
Mon - Fri: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Allergy Department
Mon: Closed
Tues & Thurs: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Wed: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Fri: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

Cumberland Valley ENT
11110 Medical Campus Road, Suite 126
Hagerstown, MD 21742

Office Hours
Mon - Fri: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Phone: (301) 241-7591
Fax: (301) 714-4385
Billing: (301) 714-4376

Clinic Hours
ENT Consultants/Hearing Care Center
Mon - Fri: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Allergy Department
Mon: Closed
Tues & Thurs: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Wed: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Fri: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

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