360 Communication

Have you ever seen what the inside of your ear looks like? We can’t wait to show you. We have a camera and microscope to give both of us a better view. Though earwax has a purpose, too much of it can impact your hearing. If we see too much, we will remove it (pain free!) through suction, irrigation, or using instruments.

We use the Purdue Pegboard test which focuses on your ability to work with small objects. In addition to assessing current dexterity, this test may help identify persons with preclinical neurological changes.

The Snellen chart and the Jaeger Eye Chart will help us assess both your near and far field vision. These are important for using and maintaining hearing aids and for reading facial expressions and environmental cues for speech comprehension.

There are many different reasons you may be at risk for falling, including untreated hearing loss, which can increase your risk of falling by up to 8 times. We evaluate your balance through the simple and practical Timed Up and Go (TUG) screening. We may recommend at home exercises or refer you to specialized physical or vestibular therapy. Some hearing aids even have a ‘fall detection alert.’

Untreated hearing loss is linked to changes in cognition; the rate of decline can increase by up to 5 times. Our procedure uses a groundbreaking new FDA-cleared system that will screen your executive function, memory, visuospatial skills, reaction time and processing speed. Recent research indicates that treating hearing loss can slow down or potentially even reverse cognitive decline. Each hearing aid processes sound differently and this screening will help us select the best hearing devices for you as part of your plan of care.

• Hearing Diagnostics – This comprehensive test allows a doctor of audiology to look at all parts of your hearing system from your ear to your brain, including your outer ear, middle ear, inner ear, and auditory processing. It’s non-invasive, pain free, and will determine if any of your hearing challenges are medically treatable.
• Hearing In Noise – Hearing in noise is the most common hearing complaint. This test measures how well you can focus on what you want to hear in noisy environments and your listening effort in noise. This information helps us recommend the best treatment options for you, including hearing aid selection/programming, accessories, and auditory training.
• Auditory Processing – This test screens your brain’s ability to make sense of sound. Auditory processing can be difficult even if you have normal hearing sensitivity! Changes in auditory processing naturally occur with aging, which often results in struggling to understand people who talk quickly or have foreign accents.
• Sound Tolerance – Everyone has different sound preferences. This test allows us to understand which sounds are uncomfortably loud for you and how long you can tolerate being in noisy situations. Your sensitivity impacts which devices we choose and how we program them.

Our approach is tailored for your unique needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Based on all of the information collected during this process, we create a ‘360 Communication Hearing and Wellness Plan.’ Your plan includes a comprehensive take-home report for you and your physician. This details the results of your tests and any needed referrals, such as primary care, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, neurology, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Then we help make your next steps as simple as possible.

We are here for you each step of the way. As your health, hearing, and lifestyle change over time we will reevaluate and adjust your plan as needed.