Question 1

What is an Audiologist?

Accepted Answer

Audiologists are medical experts who diagnose hearing and speech issues, provide evaluations, and prescribe treatments. They specialize in hearing aids and implants and work in settings like hospitals and private practices.

Question 2

Hearing Loss

Accepted Answer

Over 48 million Americans experience some form of hearing loss, which can affect the ear, auditory nerve, or brain. It ranges from mild to profound and affects all ages.

There are three main types:
Conductive: sound can’t pass through the ear properly
Sensorineural: damage to the inner ear or nerve pathways
Mixed: a combination of both

Causes include ear infections, fluid buildup, loud noise, aging, genetics, or head trauma. Signs in adults include difficulty hearing in noise, needing higher volume, or ringing in the ears. In children, it can show up as delayed speech or lack of response to sound.
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If you notice any signs, a hearing test is the first step toward treatment.

Question 3

Hearing Test

Accepted Answer

Hearing testing starts with a simple screening to check if further evaluation is needed. Screenings are pass/fail tests often done for newborns, children, and adults in schools, clinics, or health fairs.
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If someone doesn’t pass or shows signs of hearing loss, a full audiological evaluation is recommended. This includes a review of medical history, ear exams, and tests like tympanometry, speech and tone tests, auditory brainstem response, and otoacoustic emissions (OAE)..
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OAE tests measure inner ear response using a small probe and are commonly used in newborn screenings.
 
Tympanometry uses air pressure to check eardrum movement and diagnose middle ear issues. Our office uses Titan wideband tympanometry for advanced, 3D middle ear diagnostics.

Question 4

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)

Accepted Answer

The Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test measures how the inner ear and brain pathways respond to sound. Small electrodes placed on the head track brain wave activity, and the person being tested must rest quietly or sleep during the test.
 
ABR is ideal for newborn screenings, individuals who can’t complete regular hearing tests, or those showing signs of hearing-related brain issues.

Question 5

Hearing Protection

Accepted Answer

About 26 million Americans have noise-induced hearing loss, which is permanent but preventable. Loud noise exposure—on the job or in daily life—can damage hearing over time.
 
Wearing earmuffs or earplugs helps block or reduce harmful noise. Whether you work in construction or music, there are solutions that fit your needs.
We offer custom-fit earplugs and specialized protection for musicians, providing comfort and clarity while preserving your hearing.

Question 6

Tinnitus

Accepted Answer

Tinnitus is a common condition affecting nearly 50 million Americans, often described as ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears with no external source. It’s usually linked to noise-induced hearing loss but can also stem from ear injuries or circulation issues.
 
Most cases are subjective, meaning only the patient hears it. While there’s no cure, treatments like hearing aids, sound therapy, and tinnitus retraining can help manage symptoms.

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