Audiology General Information Clinical Services Scheduling Prevalence of Hearing Loss How the Ear Works Types of Hearing Loss Side Effects of Hearing Loss Guide to Purchasing a Hearing Aid FAQ Related Links   FAQ   What Does A Hearing Evaluation Show? A thorough hearing evaluation will first identify your hearing sensitivity for many different pitch sounds in speech range. This will show us the type, and degree of your hearing loss. Different speech tests will be performed to evaluate your ability to understand speech. This testing gives information to ensure that hearing aids will be beneficial to you.   Will The Testing Show If I Need A Hearing Aid? After the testing, the Audiologist will discuss the effects of your loss and will inform you if hearing aids will be of benefit to you or not. As stated earlier, the communication difficulty will depend on your lifestyle, occupation, and your desire to improve your communication abilities. The decision to wear hearing aids is a personal one, and to be successful with amplification, one needs to make a commitment and have realistic expectations.   Will Hearing Aids Give Me Normal Hearing Again? Unfortunately, hearing aids are only an aid to communication and cannot replace or restore your lost normal hearing.   What Kinds Of Hearing Aids Are Available? There are several types of hearing aids with different advantages and disadvantages. We offer a free hearing aid evaluation appointment where we talk about hearing aids in great details, please schedule an appointment for it after the hearing test is done.   Will I Need A Hearing Aid For Each Ear? Two hearing aids usually provide the optimum benefit when there is hearing loss in both ears, for reasons that your Audiologist can more fully explain to you.   How Long Do Hearing Aids Last? Due to changes in hearing and rapid technological advances in circuitry and miniaturization, people usually desire to replace their hearing aids after 5-7 years. However, this is an average figure, and it is not uncommon for some people to use their hearing aids longer.   Will Medicare Or My Insurance Cover The Cost Of My Hearing Aids? Most of the insurance companies don’t pay for hearing aids, it would be wise to contact your insurance company and check with them prior to your hearing aid evaluation appointment.   How Long Will It Take To Adjust To My Hearing Aids? Of course, this varies from person to person; however, most people adapt to adjustments within a few weeks. We offer 30-day trial period with a provision for partial refund if the aids are returned.   What is ABR? It is a test of neural activity along the hearing nerve from the inner ear into the brainstem. Series of moderately loud clicking sounds is presented to the ears and the computer records the response.   How long does it take to get custom earmold made? It takes approximately two weeks to get the earmold, once the impression is taken. Rush service is available on request. Additional charges apply.   What are the benefits of using a custom earmold? Custom earmold is made from the impression of the user’s ear so it fits very well as opposed to any generic product.   What is auditory neuropathy? It is a disorder of the timing of the auditory nerve.   What is Meniere’s disease? It is a disorder of the inner ear. Although the cause is unknown, it probably results from an abnormality in the fluids of the inner ear. It is accompanied by vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a sensation of fullness.   Will my ringing ever go away? It is hard to say, as it would depend on the cause of the ringing; it would be wise to see an otolaryngologist and audiologist to determine the cause and treatment options.   How does diagnostic testing conducted by the audiologist differ from the hearing screening done at the hospital? Diagnostic testing is conducted by an audiologist and is more comprehensive than the initial screening. Diagnosis will not be made based on one test alone, but rather consists of a battery of tests.   What is VNG/ENG? It is a test to evaluate the balance mechanism. It is called electronystagmography (ENG) or videonystagmography (VNG) where some visual tasks are done with several positions on an exam table. This is a special test and is ordered by the Physician on as needed basis. If any questions, please call our office.   Why does my baby need other hearing test? If your baby did not show a clear result for the first two hearing screens, they will need a diagnostic assessment. There can be a number of reasons for this. It could be that: your baby was unsettled during both screens. There was fluid or a temporary blockage in your baby's ear after the birth, which resulted in some degree of hearing loss. It is important to find out as soon as possible how well your baby hears so that you and your baby can get the correct advice and support.   What are otoacoustic emissions? Otoacoustic emissions are sounds that are produced by healthy ears in response to acoustic stimulation. It is very sensitive test.   Can medicines help a sensory-neural hearing loss? This type of hearing loss is usually not medically treatable.   What does tympanometry involve? Tympanometry is a common test that involves placing a gentle pressure probe in the ear. This test assesses the pressure in the middle ear, and it may help detect fluid, perforation in the eardrum, wax, negative pressure in the middle ear, problems with the middle ear bones, and other conditions.   Is it a good idea to remove wax inside the ear with cotton-tipped swabs? No, it is not a good idea to clean the ear with cotton-tipped swabs. Ear has a natural cleaning mechanism. Usage of cotton swabs pushes the wax deeper inside.   Can listening to loud music, damage the hearing? Listening to loud music can damage hearing, so one should be very careful and should be using hearing protection when around loud noises. Any information provided on this Web site should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for a consultation with a physician. If you have a medical problem, contact your local physician for diagnosis and treatment. © 2004-2005 ENT Physicians & Surgeons, P.A.