Sierra Hearing Center provides comprehensive hearing evaluations allowing us to determine whether you have a hearing loss, and if so the degree and type. Test procedures most frequently used are:
1) pure-tone air conduction,
2) speech reception threshold,
3) speech discrimination,
4) pure-tone bone conduction, and
5) impedance audiometry.
Instructions are provided prior to each test.
For all of these tests, the patient is seated in a soundproof room. They are asked questions regarding their hearing health, and their hearing problems and concerns are discussed. The patient’s ear canals are then visually examined using an otoscope
1) Headphones are worn during air conduction testing. During this test, the audiologist is trying to find the softest sounds the patient is able to hear at each test pitch. The patient will be asked to press a button whenever they hear a sound or tone.
2) The next test is speech reception threshold. During this test, the audiologist is trying to find the softest level the patient is able to hear words. The patient is asked to repeat a list of words as they become softer. Headphones are worn during this test.
3) While wearing headphones, the patient is given another list of words. This is the speech discrimination test. In this test, the audiologist is trying to determine how well the patient understands speech.
4) A specialized headset is worn during bone conduction testing. One part is placed on the bone behind the patient’s ear (mastoid bone). Again, the patient is asked to press a button whenever they hear a tone or sound at each test pitch. Results from this test allow the audiologist to determine type of hearing loss. This test is only performed as needed.
5) A specialized probe is placed in the patient’s ear during impedance audiometry. The pressure is changed against the eardrum to determine the health of the middle ear. There is no discomfort during this test procedure. This test is only performed as needed.
HEARING AID EVALUATION
We will administer the appropriate hearing tests, explain the results and address the patient’s concerns. If the patient is a hearing aid candidate, we will discuss the hearing aid circuitry and styles appropriate for their hearing loss. Nevada State law requires that patients obtain a medical evaluation or sign a medical waiver prior to purchasing hearing aids. Sierra Hearing Center is happy to provide a copy of the test results to the physician of choice. Once the patient has decided to purchase hearing aids, impressions are made of each ear.
Sierra Hearing Center is affiliated with Ear Nose and Throat Specialists
Bud A. West, M.D.
343 Elm Street, Suite 204
Reno, Nevada 89503
(775) 323-2157
Paul Ludlow, M.D.
343 Elm Street, Suite 203
Reno, Nevada 89503
(775) 323-3800
HEARING AID FITTING
Wearing hearing aids requires a period of adjustment, as speech and environmental sounds will sound different to the patient. We are committed to making the adjustment as easy as possible. To assist our patients, we want to be sure they have realistic expectations about what the new hearing aids will do.
Once the hearing aids arrive from the factory, Sierra Hearing Center programs the circuit using the patient’s hearing test results. The hearing aid fitting usually takes one hour, and we encourage the patient to have their spouse or a friend in attendance. During the initial fitting of the hearing aids, we will make adjustments to the program based on the patient’s perception of soft, average, and loud sounds. Sometimes, the patient may not even like the quality of sounds they hear. This does not mean the sound quality is "bad," just consistent with hearing in the real world.
We provide detailed verbal and written instructions regarding use of the hearing aids. These include explanations of all parts, how to put the hearing aids in the ear, how to remove them, how to change a battery, type of battery and where to buy them, cleaning procedures, and adjusting to hearing aids. The patient is then instructed to wear the hearing aids in their own listening environment to assess how well they are hearing.
The first follow-up visit usually occurs after the patient has worn the hearing aids for one week. This allows the patient time to assess both positive and negative experiences in their own surroundings. Using information provided by the patient, adjustments are made to the hearing aids if necessary.
Additional follow-up visits are scheduled as needed. Most new hearing aid wearers require two follow-up visits. However, it can take up to three months to feel completely comfortable with new hearing aids.
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
For best performance, hearing aids should be cleaned and checked regularly by an audiologist. Sierra Hearing Center will recommend an appropriate schedule for each patient.
The manufacturer performs most hearing aid repairs. However, Sierra Hearing Center is able to perform minor repairs in the office. Patients should schedule an appointment. One of Sierra Hearing Center’s audiologists will assess the problem and advise the patient as to whether or not the hearing aid can be repaired in the office.