Here at Oakdale ENT we understand the importance of excellent service to our patients. We are dedicated professionals who focus on providing our patients with the highest quality of hearing healthcare. Our audiology department offers a variety of hearing related services including:

• Comprehensive hearing evaluations for adults and children
• Central auditory processing evaluations and comprehensive treatment
• Patient oriented hearing aid evaluations
• Hearing aid fittings with real ear measurement
• Follow up care including complementary hearing aid checks and cleanings
• Hearing aid servicing
• Hearing conservation and protection
• Assistive listening device evaluations and fittings
• Aural rehabilitative services

What is an Audiologist?

Audiologists are the primary healthcare professionals who evaluate, diagnose, treat, and manage hearing loss and balance disorders in adults and children. Some audiologists specialize in specific aspects of the profession such as amplification, central auditory processing disorders, cochlear implants, hearing conservation, pediatrics, or vestibular disorders. Audiologists hold a graduate level degree such as the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.), Master of Science (M.S.), or Master of Arts (M.A.) in Audiology. Audiologists in Minnesota are licensed through the Minnesota Department of Health in order to practice audiology and dispense hearing aids.

What are some signs of hearing loss?

• Difficulty hearing people when there is background noise
• Frequently asking people to repeat what they have said to you
• Feeling that people “mumble” when they speak to you
• Difficulty hearing female or children’s voices
• Feelings of frustration and withdrawing from social situations
• Parents may notice that their child does not respond to sound or that their child is not developing age appropriate speech and language skills

If I think I have hearing loss what do I do next?

If you are having difficulty hearing, the next step is to have your hearing evaluated. The audiologist will perform the evaluation and will counsel you regarding the results. The purpose of the hearing evaluation is to determine the type and degree of hearing loss and to establish various treatment options. Some hearing loss can be treated medically in which the audiologist will work together with an ear, nose, and throat physician to evaluate and treat the hearing or balance problem. Other types of hearing loss can be treated with amplification and rehabilitation.

Some insurance companies, such as Medicare, require a written physician referral prior to the audiology evaluation. Ask your physician to give you a written referral for the audiology evaluation or contact your insurance company for specific instructions.

What should I expect as a new hearing aid user?

Hearing rehabilitation requires your active participation, practice, and perseverance. It is not an event, but rather a process; the fitting of hearing aids is only the beginning!

As a new hearing aid user, it is important to be realistic and patient. It may take time to adjust to your new hearing aids. Throughout the adjustment period, the brain will begin to recognize new sounds. Initially, familiar sounds such as turning the pages of a newspaper, footsteps, or even your own voice may sound different to you. Over time, familiar sounds will become more natural as well.

Unfortunately hearing aids cannot restore normal hearing or the ability to understand speech in every listening situation. Hearing aids do however help you hear certain pitches that are important for speech understanding. They can also make speech easier to understand in most listening situations, and which allows communication to be more enjoyable and less frustrating.

You are not embarking on this rehabilitative effort alone. At Oakdale Ear, Nose, and Throat we are dedicated to helping you be successful with your hearing aids. Remember hearing aids are only the beginning! The greatest success comes when you, your family, and friends understand your hearing loss and what can be done to help you communicate most effectively.

For more information regarding hearing loss please visit:

www.asha.org

www.audiology.org

www.minnesotaaudiology.org