Audiology

More than 24 million Americans have some type of hearing problem.

The causes of hearing impairment are numerous. Examples of causes include:

• the aging process
• exposure to loud noises;      
• ear infections or middle ear fluid;      
• use of certain drugs;      
• heredity;      
• birth defects;      
• illness or accidents;      
• complications during pregnancy, the birth process or following birth; and      
• tumors. 

Regardless of the cause, hearing impairment directly affects the quality of life for hearing impaired individuals and their families. If your ability to communicate is altered by a hearing impairment, you can become isolated – isolated from family, friends and society. The impairment not only affects relationships, but can also affect academic performance, emotions and careers. 

The Center for Audiology is located in Hillcrest Office Building I, 50 Hillcrest Medical Blvd., Suite 203.  A board-certified, licensed audiologist may be reached by calling (254) 202-9800.

INDICATORS OF HEARING IMPAIRMENT

"Hearing impairment is often unrecognized by the person involved."
Source: American Academy of Audiology 

If you or someone you know displays the following tendencies, having a hearing evaluation by a licensed audiologist may be in order. Look for these indicators: 

• a delay in speech and language development;     
• turning the television a little louder than everyone else;     
• complaining that others mumble or slur their words;     
• turning one side of head toward speakers;     
• asking people to repeat phrases or words;     
• and difficulty hearing in crowds. 

Hearing loss affects both genders and people of all ages. Children and teenagers seldom complain about the symptoms of hearing loss, and adults may lose their hearing so gradually that they do not realize it is happening.

DIAGNOSES

"The first step in diagnosis of a hearing problem is a hearing evaluation by an audiologist."
Source: American Academy of Audiology 

Audiologists are professionals who specialize in evaluating and treating individuals with hearing loss. The Hillcrest Center for Audiology has a board-certified and licensed audiologist. Audiologists provide a comprehensive range of diagnostic testing, hearing aid dispensing, and rehabilitation programs to the hearing impaired. 

Specifically, the Hillcrest audiologist: 

• conducts a wide variety of tests to determine the exact nature of hearing problems;    
• performs newborn hearing screens;    
• offers hearing screening programs at businesses and schools;    
• provides industrial hearing conservation programs;    
• fits and dispenses hearing aids;    
• repairs minor hearing aid problems or sends hearing aids to the manufacturer when needed;    
• removes ear wax build up;    
• creates custom swim mold ear plugs; and    
• provides hearing rehabilitation training.

HEARING QUESTIONNAIRE

Research shows the following questionnaire to be a valid way to confirm hearing impairment in adults. Take a few minutes to rate your hearing by clicking here. 

American Academy of Audiology, 800-222-2336,  www.audiology.org
American Speech-Langauge-Hearing Association, 301-897-5700.  www.asha.org