Diagnostic Evaluations
Diagnostic Evaluations
At The Hearing Clinic, patients of all ages can have their hearing evaluated by licensed audiologists who are certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. For toddlers and infants, our audiologists use special play audiometry or visual reinforcement audiometry to obtain the most accurate test results. In addition to measuring the extent of hearing loss, our audiologists also determine the cause of the loss, which is an essential part of hearing loss management.
http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/testing/assess.htm
The Hearing Clinic uses state-of-the-art Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) testing equipment which provides an objective measure of hearing on newborn or other difficult to test patients.
http://www.babyhearing.org/HearingAmplification/NewbornScreening/howScreeningWorks.asp
Tympanometry is a measure of the middle ear function (the part between the eardrum and the inner ear). Typically, it is used to determine if fluid is present.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tympanometry
Also referred to as a BAER test, an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) is used to test the function of the auditory nerve from the ear to the level of the brainstem. It is used to make accurate judgments about hearing sensitivity and hearing loss or to rule out possible auditory nerve disorders.
Electrocochleography (ECoG) is a test that is helpful in the identification and monitoring of Meniere's Disease. http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/balance/meniere.asp
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) refers to difficulties in the processing of auditory information in the central nervous system (CNS). Problems with auditory processing can be associated with difficulties in listening, speech comprehension, language development, and learning, among others. The Hearing Clinic administers diagnostic testing for Auditory Processing Disorders (APD) and can determine if auditory processing problems exist and if further management is needed.
http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/disorders/understand-apd-child.htm
A Baha implant system is a specialty device that is implanted into the skull behind a patient's ear. The purpose of this implant is to improve speech understanding in individuals with conductive hearing loss or single sided deafness. Through testing done here, we can evaluate potential candidates before a referral to the University of Minnesota for surgery.
http://www.cochlearamericas.com/Products/1970.asp
Our audiologists are qualified to do OSHA mandated hearing testing for companies who have employees working in high noise environments. We work with company health officers and management to provide whatever services are needed to meet OSHA regulations and ensure the hearing health of the employees. These services may include hearing testing, noise level measurements and/or employee educational services.
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/noise.asp
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Specialty Services
During your consultation, your audiologist will work closely with you to select the best hearing aid(s) based on your unique needs. Given the wide variety of manufacturers to choose from, we are able to select a hearing aid that best suits your needs and personal preferences. Additionally, after a hearing aid has been chosen, our audiologists continue to provide outstanding comprehensive follow-up care.
The Hearing Clinic staff provides minor hearing aid repairs, takes impressions for custom noise and swim plugs, and does microscopic hearing aid cleaning. Accessories including batteries, hearing aid care supplies, and other equipment used by deaf and hard of hearing patients are available for purchase.
More information on hearing aids can be found here.
For times when a hearing aid is not sufficient or what you need, we also carry a selection of telephones, TV listening devices, as well as other assistive devices. Stop in to see our catalog.
If you spend time in loud environments and/or are in danger of damaging your hearing, we have a solution for you. At The Hearing Clinic, we offer an excellent selection of custom hearing protection.
Do you have a portable MP3 player or cell phone hands-free headset? Would you like an optional earpiece to help hold the ear bud(s) in your ear(s)? We can supply you with a custom earpiece to attach to your headset for extra comfort and retention. In order to create an earpiece that fits perfectly into your ear, we first make a precise mold for a custom fit.
If you need to keep water out of your ears due to a perforation (a hole in the eardrum), ear surgery, or problems with swimmer's ear, custom earplugs are a perfect solution for you. Call The Hearing Clinic to check out the various colors of custom earplugs along with the other options available.
If you purchased your hearing aids from us and they seem to be sounding weak or distorted, we can test their perfromance using our specialized equipment to determine if they are operating at the original specifications.
Do you have problems with wax in your hearing aid? Our audiology assistants provide complete cleaning services using a microscope and suction for out-of-warranty hearing aids. There is a charge for this service, but will prevent more costly repairs.
If you have a significant hearing loss and if your hearing aid(s) needs repair, The Hearing Clinic has a loaner program that can temporarily provide you with a loaner behind-the-ear hearing aid. There is a charge for this service.
Any information provided on this site should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for a consultation with a physician. If you have a medical problem, contact your local physician for diagnosis and treatment.