Hearing Services
Our Approach Precise Audiology will perform a diagnostic evaluation of your hearing. All results will be available immediately and will be explained to you in complete detail. The evaluation will determine what type of hearing device is appropriate for you and if it is medically necessary. All patients are seen by Dr. Michael A. Webb, a licensed Doctor of Audiology. |
We provide comprehensive hearing evaluations including:
Otoscopy is a standard protocol performed at every initial consultation in order to determine whether or not there is an excess of ear wax, or any other anomoly. The doctor will use either an analog or video otoscope to visualize the ear canal and the tympanic membrane (ear drum). Tympanometry is an assessment of eardrum mobility. A probe is placed in the outermost portion of the ear canal. The patient might feel a slight change in pressure in their ear, similar to the experience felt while taking off and landing in an airplane. The test lasts approximately 30 seconds per ear. This test assists the audiologist in determining whether there is middle ear fluid, or a perferation in the eardrum. OAEs Are typically performed on infants, acoustically evoked otoacoustic emission testing allows the audiologist to understand how the outer hair cells of your inner ear are working properly. Audiometric Testing is an assessment used to define the softest level one can hear across different pitches. This is the actual hearing evaluation. The patient is placed in a sound attenuated room (sound dampened). Headphones or insert earphones are placed over there ears. The patient is then given the instruction to push the button every time they hear a tone. This test determines the patients threshold of hearing, or the softest they can hear across pitches required for speech comprehension. The next test entails the patient to repeat two-syllable words. This test determines the speech recognition threshold. The patient will also be instructed to repeat a twenty-five, one syllable word list at a comfortable listening level in order to determine their speech understanding ability. Finally, a bone oscillator headband will be placed on the patient and they will be instructed to press the button each time they hear the tone. This portion of the test will determine the type of hearing loss (conductive, sensorineural, or mixed). Hearing Aid Consultation provides patients with an understanding of their particular hearing loss, and which type of hearing assistance instrument would be best suited for their lifestyle. There are three different levels of technology:
The hour long visit will include programming the hearing aid to your specific hearing loss; instructions on use, care, and insertion/removal. The day of the fitting begins a 45 day trial, in which a patient may return the hearing aids for a full a refund, excluding the fitting fee, if satisfaction of the device is not achieved. Hearing Aid Repairs such as changing tubes on ear molds, changing speakers on hearing aids, battery door replacements, and routine clean and checks can be performed in office for the life of the hearing aid. Any further repairs, such as damaged digital components, must be sent off to the hearing aid manufacturer. There will be a charge associated with this if the hearing aid is not covered by a valid warranty. The warranty depends on the level of technology purchased and can range from one year to 3 years. An extended warranty can be purchased prior to existing warranty expiring. If available, a temporary replacement aid will be provided for the patient while their aid is being repaired. |
Industrial Hearing Testing
These in-office appointments would include:
An otoscopic examination
Puretone testing
Case history documentation
Explanation of test results to each employee
Counsel on the importance of consistent use of hearing protection in the presence of hazardous noise, both on and off the job.
These in-office appointments would include:
An otoscopic examination
Puretone testing
Case history documentation
Explanation of test results to each employee
Counsel on the importance of consistent use of hearing protection in the presence of hazardous noise, both on and off the job.
Electronystagmography (EKG or Balance Disorder Testing)
Electronystagmography is a test used to evaluate the vestibulocochlear nerve, which provides hearing and helps with balance. The test is used to determine whether ear nerve damage may be the cause of dizziness or vertigo.
During an ENG test, eye movements are recorded by electrodes placed around the eyes or by special video cameras fitted on goggles placed over the eyes. An audiologist measures the eye movements and shows the kind of messages the inner ear is
sending to control the movement of the eyes through the central nervous system.
During the first part of the test, the patient stares at a spot or a light. Next, they watch a light moving on a bar. The third part of the test records eye movements as the patient lies on a bed in different positions (lying on right side, left side, etc.). During the final portion of the test, warm and/or cool water or air will be placed in the outer ear canals.
The test does not hurt, but you may feel dizzy afterwards, so it is best to have someone who can drive you home. The test should not take longer than one or two hours.
Electronystagmography is a test used to evaluate the vestibulocochlear nerve, which provides hearing and helps with balance. The test is used to determine whether ear nerve damage may be the cause of dizziness or vertigo.
During an ENG test, eye movements are recorded by electrodes placed around the eyes or by special video cameras fitted on goggles placed over the eyes. An audiologist measures the eye movements and shows the kind of messages the inner ear is
sending to control the movement of the eyes through the central nervous system.
During the first part of the test, the patient stares at a spot or a light. Next, they watch a light moving on a bar. The third part of the test records eye movements as the patient lies on a bed in different positions (lying on right side, left side, etc.). During the final portion of the test, warm and/or cool water or air will be placed in the outer ear canals.
The test does not hurt, but you may feel dizzy afterwards, so it is best to have someone who can drive you home. The test should not take longer than one or two hours.
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Ear Molds
We offer custom ear molds not only for those with hearing aids but also for swimmers, individuals in noisy environments or those in the music profession. Custom ear molds are a wonderful way to help provide protection from hearing loss or prevent further loss. |
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