Munson's Hearing Clinic offers a range
of services, from hearing screening and diagnostic testing for
all ages, to the fitting of hearing aids for those who have hearing
loss.
Assessment of Central
Auditory Processing Disorders
Central Auditory Processing Disorders tests evaluate how the brain
processes auditory information. This type of testing can be performed
on children and adults.
Auditory Brainstem Response
Testing
Auditory Brainstem Response testing (ABR) is used to evaluate
the function of the hearing nerve. To measure how sound travels
along the hearing nerve, the Audiologist places an electrode on
the forehead, as well as on each earlobe. Small earphones are
inserted into the ears and the patient will hear a clicking noise,
which may change in terms of volume.
During the test the patient must lie very quiet
with eyes closed. The lights will be turned down and it is okay
to sleep during the test. The test takes approximately one hour
for adults and two hours for children. For infants and children,
it is often necessary to deprive the child of sleep prior to testing.
To sleep deprive a child, wake them up earlier than normal and
do not let them sleep in the car. If you have other children that
need supervision please bring along another adult to supervise
them during the test. Testing can usually not be performed on
children who are awake.
Community Hearing Screening
for Children and Adults
Hearing screenings are frequently provided throughout the region
in conjunction with local Lion's Clubs.
Electronystagmography (ENG)
Electronystagmography (ENG) is a series of tests that evaluate
how well the eyes, inner ear, and brain help a person maintain
balance and a sense of position. ENG measures certain involuntary
eye movements called nystagmus. These eye movements occur normally
when the head is moved. Spontaneous or prolonged nystagmus may
be associated with certain conditions that affect the nerves or
structures of the inner ear or brain.
During ENG testing the patient wears goggles that
track eye movements. The patient is asked to track some lights
and change positions. These motions sometimes trigger vertigo
or dizziness. Near the end of the test the Audiologist will induce
air (warm and cool) into the ear canal. This may or may not cause
dizziness. In most cases, the dizziness is very brief.
Fitting of Custom Made Ear
Protection
Custom ear protection devices are available for those who are
exposed to loud noises for extended periods of time, such as musicians,
industrial workers and those who frequently use firearms.
Hearing Evaluations
A hearing evaluation assesses the type
of hearing loss and severity of the hearing loss. Testing also
measures how well the middle ear is functioning. Hearing evaluations
can be performed on infants, children, and adults.
Industrial Hearing Conversation
Program
Munson's Ear Lab is capable of providing on-site testing for companies
requiring annual hearing tests in compliance with OSHA requirements.
Microprocessor testing allows for complete record-keeping and
multiple person testing up to four employees simultaneously.
Newborn Hearing Screenings
All babies born at Munson Medical Center are screened for hearing
loss.
For more information on Munson's
Newborn Hearing Screening Program:
Otoacoustic Emissions
Otoacoustic emissions testing (OAE) measures the inner ear's response
to sound. A small microphone placed in the ear canal measures
the response of the cochlea. The patient will hear a series of
very soft tones, similar to an echo. A normal hearing ear will
send the sound back out and record it while an ear that has hearing
loss will not. OAE testing does not require the patient to respond.
It can be used to assess the hearing of adults and children. It
is often used to screen the hearing of newborns.
Selection and Fitting
of Hearing Aids for Children and Adults
Munson's Speech and Hearing Clinic dispenses a variety of hearing
aids. Audiologists will help select the most appropriate hearing
aids for your needs, according to your hearing loss.
If you are a Munson Healthcare patient and have a compliment,
concern, or complaint, please contact one of our Patient
Liaisons.
