Audiology
As many as four to six of every 1,000 newborns born in the United States have some degree of hearing loss. Phoebe’s Audiology Department treats infants with special care. All infants are given a hearing screening after birth, and if an infant fails the screening, a follow up appointment is automatically scheduled at our Phoebe Northwest location for diagnostic testing.
Phoebe Audiology performs hearing tests on patients of all ages, including various tests and services in our community such as:
- Newborn hearing screenings
- Diagnostic hearing, evaluations for newborns, pediatrics, and adults
- Central auditory processing evaluations
- Customized earmolds
- Hearing Aids: Fittings and maintenance
- Cochlear Implants
Conventional Audiometry:
This is the standard test method used to determine a patient’s hearing sensitivity and quantify a hearing loss. Through this test method, the type and degree of hearing loss can typically be confirmed.
Pediatric-tailored hearing tests:
There are various test methods that can be employed to assess a child’s hearing, even if the child is non-verbal or unable to respond using the conventional test method. These include Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) and Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA). The audiologist will customize the test method based on the child’s developmental age, interests, and attention span.
Acoustic Immittance:
This is an objective measurement which includes tympanometry (measure of the mobility of the tympanic membrane under varying pressures) and reflex studies (measure of stapedial muscle activity in response to sound). When correlated with other measures, immittance is helpful in determining the presence of middle ear pathology.
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR):
This is an evaluation that can be a useful measure of hearing sensitivity in patients who cannot respond behaviorally (infants, for example). Surface electrodes are attached to the patient’s head and the ears are stimulated via insert earphones. Brainwaves which correlate to hearing sensitivity are measured, and thus, an estimate of hearing levels can be generated.
Central Auditory Processing Evaluations:
The evaluation of central auditory processing disorders is conducted in children that appear not to be functioning normally orally, even though they have normal hearing sensitivity and discrimination. Parents and teachers of these children frequently report that the child has delayed speech and/or language, inattention, and an inconsistent ability to follow instructions.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs):
OAEs, which are produced by the cochlea’s outer hair cells, provide an objective assessment of peripheral hearing sensitivity at the level of the speech and/or language, inattention, and an inconsistent ability to follow instructions.
Earmolds:
The audiology department offers customized earmolds for radio communication, swimming, hearing protection, and hearing aids.
Hearing Aids:
Hearing aids are devices designed to amplify sound for individuals with hearing loss. The audiology department offers hearing aid fittings and maintenance services for a variety of hearing aid models. After a thorough evaluation, the audiologist will determine the appropriate hearing aid style based on the patient’s degree of hearing loss, lifestyle, and personal preferences. All ages can be fit for hearing aids. Ongoing follow-up appointments are also available to ensure proper functionality and adjustments.
Cochlear Implants:
Cochlear Implants are surgical devices that may improve hearing for individuals with specific forms of hearing loss (sensorineural hearing loss). They are often an option when hearing aids and other assistive devices are no longer sufficient. At Phoebe, our Audiologist works closely with Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) providers that specialize in Cochlear Implant surgery to conduct the necessary hearing tests and, following the implant, provide ongoing support and care to help you adjust and maintain your device.
Phoebe Audiology
2336 Dawson Road, Suite 1100, Albany, GA 31707
(229) 312-8793