Audiology

Dr. Cindi Sanders is trained to offer comprehensive hearing evaluations, hearing aid consultations, and hearing rehabilitation (see list of services below). We also have an audiology assistant that is available for walk-in appointments. All of our patients have the convenience of utilizing our audiology assistant for hearing aid cleanings, minor repairs and minor adjustments.

Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations and Consultations

A diagnostic hearing evaluation is the first step in determining the type, degree, configuration and symmetry of your hearing loss. The evaluation includes a variety of measurements to rule out any medically treatable causes of hearing loss. Speech testing will also be completed to determine your ability to process speech sounds. The audiologist will then explain your test results and speak with you to determine the best hearing aid style for your hearing loss and personal listening needs.

Otoacoustic Emissions

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) testing is a method of measuring sounds produced by the components of the inner ear (cochlear outer hair cells). OAE testing helps the audiologist determine if the inner ear is functioning properly and can show signs of hearing loss earlier than standard testing. Since we are a certified newborn hearing screening site, this testing is used on infants.

Middle Ear Evaluations

Tympanometry testing is completed to determine if a middle ear problem may be contributing to, or causing, your hearing loss.

Hearing Aid Adjustments

Dr. Cindi Sanders uses state of the art equipment to program your hearing aids. The majority of today’s hearing aids use digital processing and are programmed by connecting the hearing aid to a computer.

Hearing Aid Repairs

Our audiology assistant is available to check your hearing aids. In most cases, we are able to repair your hearing aid in-house while you wait. If your hearing aid requires more extensive repair, we will send the hearing aid to the appropriate manufacturer for you. While your hearing aid is out for repair, we will be happy to loan you a hearing aid so you never have to live without your “ears.” You can always call ahead to see when is the best time to stop by if you are on a tight schedule.

Real Ear Measurements

Real ear measurements are completed during the hearing aid fitting process to measure the response of the hearing in your ear. The testing can be completed using a variety of sounds, and more importantly, speech signals to ensure the most appropriate fitting and programming settings for each patient’s individual ear.

LACE

LACE is an acronym for Listening and Communication Enhancement. LACE is an interactive computerized aural rehabilitation program that has already helped thousands of people who live with some degree of hearing loss increase their listening skills by 40%. Just as physical therapy can help rebuild muscles and adjust movements to compensate for physical weakness or injury, LACE can develop skills and strategies that can help compensate for those situations when hearing is inadequate. We do not really hear in our ears; we hear in our brain. Hearing aids can help a person detect softer sounds, but they do not necessarily provide good listening. Even people with normal hearing can be poor listeners. Good listening skills are one of the essential components in effective communication. These abilities can be damaged by hearing loss and by the natural aging process. LACE is designed to enhance the ability to communicate by training the brain to best utilize these skills. To read more about LACE visit www.neurotone.com.