Professional and personalized hearing care – that is our commitment to our patients. We evaluate and treat hearing loss focusing on individual needs, so that everyone is given the opportunity to communicate and interact with others to the best of their ability, resulting in a better quality of life.
We offer hearing diagnostic services for the following:
Hearing Loss
Hearing tests are an essential part of hearing health. A hearing evaluation consists of several tests to determine the status of a person’s overall hearing status. Doctors Hearing Care uses state-of-the-art machines and equipment to thoroughly evaluate the inner, middle, and outer ear, along with some of the neural pathways associated with hearing.
As Doctors of Audiology, our patients are assured that all hearing tests are performed by the most trained professionals in the industry.
What to expect during a hearing evaluation?
A comprehensive hearing evaluation will start with a detailed case history, followed by a visual examination of the outer ear through an otoscope. Sensitivity for tones and speech will also be measured. Testing for middle and inner ear function may be performed as necessary.
How long does a hearing test take?
On average, we allot 60-90 minutes for an initial audiological evaluation for adult patients. We want our evaluations to be as thorough as possible and we do not want to rush.
For pediatric hearing tests, we schedule 45 minutes to allow plenty of time to review and discuss the results with the parents/guardians.
Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s disease is linked to hearing loss and balance problems. Audiologists at Doctors Hearing Care are trained to diagnose Meniere’s disease and can provide support and services to manage symptoms as necessary.
To be diagnosed with Meniere’s disease, you have to experience at least two episodes of vertigo, with each episode lasting at least 20 minutes but not more than 12 hours. Hearing loss verified by a hearing test must also be present.
Lastly, a person diagnosed with Meniere’s disease may also experience tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or a feeling of fullness in the ear.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
This is the most common type of hearing loss and is caused by damage to the cells in your inner ear. This damage might be from something like loud noise, or an infection. When these cells are damaged, it becomes harder to hear.
Sensorineural hearing loss is an irreversible condition. If you are diagnosed with this type of hearing loss, the best solution would have to be hearing aids in order to restore the sense of hearing as closely as possible. For more severe sensorineural hearing loss, cochlear implants or bone-anchored hearing aids may be recommended.
Doctors Hearing Care offers a wide range of hearing tests to determine hearing loss and to specifically pinpoint the type and severity of hearing impairment.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is characterized by a persistent ringing in one or both ears that is usually only heard by the affected person. Tinnitus varies in frequency and severity. According to the American Tinnitus Association, an estimated 50 million Americans suffer from occasional bouts of tinnitus.
Audiological testing and a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist will rule out possible medical factors that could be triggering or contributing to tinnitus. Since tinnitus symptoms are unique in nature, an in-depth audiological evaluation is needed to help us create a personalized treatment plan.
In most cases, the cause of tinnitus is unclear. Doctors may diagnose this condition based on symptoms alone, but in order to treat them adequately and potentially reduce or eliminate complications, doctors will have to determine if there are any other medical problems currently affecting hearing.
Tests to diagnose tinnitus:
Hearing (audiological) exam: The test will involve sitting in a soundproof room with earphones that play specific sounds into one ear at a time. Patients will indicate when they can hear the sound and the results will be compared with results considered normal for their age. This can help rule out or identify possible causes of tinnitus.
Movement: If your tinnitus changes or gets worse, it may be a sign that you have an underlying disorder that needs treatment. During an exam, you may be asked to move your eyes, clench your jaw, or move your neck, arms, and legs to help identify the problem.
Imaging tests: Doctors may need imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans.
Lab tests: Further tests may be needed to check for anemia, heart disease, thyroid problems, or vitamin deficiencies.
Hearing Diagnostic Services | New Albany, IN
Doctors Hearing Care is a local, independent, community-oriented practice. Our services are fully guaranteed, which means that we are truly committed to listening to your concerns to provide hearing solutions and technology that are always perfectly fit to renew your world of hearing.
If you are looking for a strong patient-provider relationship based on integrity, honesty, professionalism, and values, give us a call today to schedule an appointment!