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Hearing Care Services in Gurnee and Libertyville


Our expert staff at Hearing Associates provides services to those from newborn to over a hundred years old. These include basic behavioral tests and sophisticated computerized otoneurological evaluations. When appropriate, the latest digital hearing aids may be utilized to help compensate for hearing loss. Hearing care services are offered at our office locations in Gurnee and Libertyville.



Hearing Tests
An appointment with one of our AudigyCertified™ Doctors of Audiology should be made for the purposes of testing and evaluating a suspected hearing loss.

After the age of 50, a regular hearing test should be considered as important as a yearly physical checkup.

The hearing test is completed in a sound booth using earphones and a bone conduction oscillator. Testing is painless, comfortable and safe. Basically, it consists of recognizing everyday words at different volume levels and identifying different sounds.

Your ability to hear each tone, or frequency, produces a unique hearing pattern which is recorded on an audiogram. The Doctor of Audiology then uses the audiogram to determine the type and severity of hearing loss. These tests should help determine whether a hearing loss is best treated medically or with hearing aids.

Dispensing of Digital Hearing Aids
Every patient undergoes a comprehensive hearing exam prior to receiving hearing aids to determine the cause and extent of the hearing loss. A detailed case history is also completed. Once a patient becomes a candidate for hearing aids based upon his/her hearing loss, all options are discussed with the patient including style of the hearing instrument and technology level required to meet his/her communication goals. The hearing aids are then programmed to match his/her unique hearing loss. At this point, every patient undergoes comprehensive instruction on how to listen again. Emphasis is placed on how the brain must relearn to focus on specific sounds that the individual wants to pay attention to and ignore irrelevant noises. Every patient is also instructed on use and care of the hearing instruments.

Hearing Aid Checks and Servicing
The cornerstone of our customer service is the follow-up care our patients receive once fit with hearing aids. Most patients initially require three to four office visits to understand how to once again listen and how to take care of their new hearing aids. Subsequent hearing aid programming adjustments or trouble shooting is always available for the life of the hearing instruments.

In fact, most patients can be seen for hearing aid related problems the day that they call. In addition, all patients receive our newsletters to keep them informed of the latest research on hearing disorders and technological improvements. Finally, all patients are scheduled for clean and check of hearing aids on an annual basis.

Hearing Assistive Technology (HATs)
When a patient has a hearing loss, sometimes hearing assistive technology (HAT) is required in addition to or instead of a hearing aid. HATs can be amplified telephones, TV enhancers, visual smoke or doorbell alarms, and a variety of other items designed to keep the hearing impaired person in touch with his/her environment. We have a number of these items in our office for demonstration where their benefits can be quickly observed.

VNG Test - Videonystamography
The VNG test is probably one of the most useful tests to diagnose "dizzy" complaints in which other obvious causes such as ear infection, head injury, or medication "side effects" are not involved.

This test is usually performed on individuals who expereince dizziness or balance problems.

VNG is a series of tests designed to evaluate the inner ear's vestibular mechanism. This test electronically determines the responses of the balance mechanism of the vestibular system. These reponses are expressed through eye movements which are recorded via special goggles placed over the eyes.

Tinnitus Evaluation and Treatment
For patients suffering with tinnitus or "ringing in the ears", we offer several diagnostic tests and self-assessment surveys to determine the cause of the tinnitus and its psychological impact. Tests are performed to determine if the cause of the tinnitus is related to middle ear or inner ear problems as well as possible auditory nerve abnormalities. The tone/pitch and volume of the tinnitus are also determined to help assess the best management option. These options may include dietary changes, medication review, masking devices, hearing aids, or Tinnitus Retraining therapy (TRT).

Hearing Screening for Infants
Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and a highly trained staff, we offer newborn hearing screening and follow-up as needed. We work closely with local pediatricians to determine if a hearing loss in an infant is present and the extent and cause of the impairment.

 

For more information on any of our Hearing Services, please contact us.

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