Audiologist

Our office has on site a Doctor of Audiologist. Our audiologist is trained to a Doctorate degree level, is certified by the American Speech Language-Hearing Association and is licensed by the State of Florida. Audiologist are highly trained and specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, management and nonmedical treatment of hearing and balance disorders in children and adults. Our Audiologist has access to the most technologically advanced procedures and diagnostic tools to individualize the fitting of your hearing aids for your particular type of hearing loss. Your audiologist will properly fit your hearing aid, provide follow-up care, hearing aid accessories and any necessary training for you and your family members. We do all we can to ensure that our patients receive the finest hearing care available.

Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is classified as conductive, sensory, neural, or central depending on the location of the defect within the hearing mechanism.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound fails to transmit through the outer or middle ear.

Some common causes of a conductive loss include:

• Impacted earwax
• Perforated eardrum
• Middle ear fluid
• Middle ear infections
• Abnormalities involving the middle ear bones

Sensory Hearing Loss

Sensory hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the receptor hair cells in the inner ear, or "cochlea." When these cells are healthy, they increase the loudness of sound, contribute to the clarity of speech, allow for a separation of speech and noise, and help prevent loud sounds from becoming uncomfortable. A sensory hearing loss results in a loss of loudness, difficulty with speech clarity, trouble separating speech from background noise, and increased sensitivity to loud noises. Sensory hearing losses often are the result of:

• Heredity
• Aging
• Noise exposure
• Certain illnesses
• Some medications

Medical/Surgical Intervention

Conductive hearing loss causes a reduction in the loudness of sound and are often medically or surgically correctible. Hearing aids can be helpful in cases where medical or surgical intervention is not preferred.

Sensory hearing losses typically are not medically or surgically correctible and are often treated with hearing aids and other assistive devices. Cochlear implants can be used in cases of severe to profound sensory hearing loss. This type is often mistakenly labeled as “nerve loss” and is the most common type of hearing loss.

Hearing Aids

FAQs

How do I know if I need hearing aids?
Do I need to wear two hearing aids?
Will hearing aids make my hearing normal?
Why do hearing aids amplify background noise?
Why does my voice sound so funny through hearing aids?
Why do hearing aids whistle (feedback)?

These are all very important questions. Do not hesitate to discuss all questions or concerns with our audiologist.

Hearing Aid Styles

Hearing aids typically come in 4 basic styles:

1. Behind-the-ear (BTE)
2. Full shell in-the-ear (ITE)
3. In the canal (ITE)
4. Completely in-the-canal (CIC)

The appropriate style for a given patient is determined by:

• The degree of hearing loss
• The configuration of the hearing loss
• The size and shape of the ear and ear canal
• Patient preferences
• Patient lifestyle
• Desired hearing aid options
• Patient dexterity

Your audiologist will discuss your options with you and help you determine the best style for your particular needs.

Balance

Infrared Video Electronystagmography (IR-ENG)

Using a special camera which works without light, IR-ENG allows the physician to directly observe and measure eye movements which occur in response to stimulation. This allows a more accurate and thorough assessment of inner ear function

Vestibular Autorotation Testing

This test compares eye movement with head movement in both a horizontal and vertical direction, allowing greater sensitivity at detecting inner ear disorders.