Our Services

Audiometric Evaluations: Adults

• A combination of tests that examine the quality and quantity of hearing.Used to evaluate for possible hearing aid candidacy, disease states, and to monitor changes in hearing.
• Can help to determine if hearing loss is correctable or permanent.
• An audiogram is usually required for anyone presenting with dizziness, tinnitus(ringing ears), otalgia (ear pain), ottorhea (drainage), and/or other ear related complaints.
• In general, testing can be reliably performed on children 4 years and above.

Audiometric Evaluations: Pediatric

• Visual Reinforcement Audiometry
• Used for children ranging in ages from 6 months to 4 years.
• Involves conditioning a sound stimulus with a visual reinforcer.
• Test equipment includes speakers and toys rather than headphones and hand raising.

Tympanometry

• A test that meaures movement of the eardrum.
• Can help determine if a patient has an ear infection, fluid in the ear, or an open Pressure Equalization (PE) Tube.
• Takes about 1 minute and results are available immediately.
• Can be done on any age.

ABR-Diagnostic

• Also known as an AEP, BSER, BAER.
• An ABR is a test that evaluates how long it takes for sound to travel from the ear to different parts of the brain.
• 2 sensors are placed on the forehead and a sensor is placed in each ear. These sensors record eletctrical impulses from the ear/brain.
• Testing does not hurt; in fact a patient can even sleep during the procedure.
• The ABR is used to evaluate for tumors, hearing and balance problems, and to determine an estimate of hearing levels in children who cannot be tested with traditional methods.
• Total test time is 1 hour and results are usually available within 1 week.

ECoG-Electrocochleography

• A test very similar to the ABR.
• It is used to evaluate for Meniere’s disease.
• Total test time is 1 hour and results are usually available within 1 week.

Balance and Dizziness: ENG (electronystagmography), also see VNG

• In other words, electrically recording eye movements.
• Used as a test of the balance system.
• Consists of 3 parts:

1) Coordination testing for the muscles and nerves of the eyes.
2) Positional testing for problems like Benign Positional Vertigo.
3) Caloric (water) testing which creates temperature changes in the inner ear and causes dizziness. This test is used to determine if one inner ear balance system works better than the other.


CRP-Canalith Repositioning

A Canalith Repostitioning Maneuver is designed to reposition normal, but displaced balance "stones." After undergoing a treatment, the following instructions must be used for 24 hours.

1. Wear the neck collar for 24 hours after treatment. The collar is meant as a reminder not to look up or down.
2. Sleep in a recliner or with 3-4 pillows behind you to keep your head elevated at a 45-degree angle for one night. After this, do not sleep on the treated side for the next 3 days.
3. Do not bend over.
4. Do not pick up objects from the floor-ask for help!
5. It is normal to feel some dizziness after this procedure.
6. Although most patients are greatly improved after this treatment, some patients require a second or third procedure for better control of their dizziness.
7. The condition may recur should you experience a blow to the head or serious illness. Canalith Repositioning may be repeated if needed.


Cochlear Implant Evaluation: CIE

• An implant is for persons whom are deaf or nearly deaf and cannot benefit from hearing aids.
• A series of electrodes take the place of damaged nerve cells in the inner ear.
• These electrodes stimulate the ear for frequency and intensity.
• The FDA has set certain criteria for patients to meet. A CIE is designed to determine if a patient qualifies.
• The CIE is also used for counseling patients and their families regarding realistic expectations.

ENG/VNG Instructions (see top menu )

VNG – Videonystagmography

Similar to ENG, but uses infrared cameras to monitor eye movement rather than electrodes.

OAE-Otoacoustic emissions