The Center for Audiology & Hearing Aids

Welcome to the Audiology Center at the Centers for Advanced ENT Care

Our goal is to support your hearing health through comprehensive audiology services, including advanced hearing testing, tailored hearing aid solutions, and preventative care to maintain long-term auditory wellness. We offer free hearing consultations to help you understand your options and take proactive steps toward better hearing.

Our team of experienced audiologists combines cutting-edge technology with personalized treatment, ensuring that you receive the highest standard of care. With convenient locations across the Mid-Atlantic, we’re here to provide accessible and compassionate audiology services that empower you to enjoy life with improved hearing.

We believe accurate and comprehensive hearing testing is the first step in addressing any concerns about your hearing health. Our audiologists conduct thorough evaluations using advanced diagnostic equipment to assess your hearing abilities across different frequencies and determine the type and degree of hearing loss you may be experiencing.

Common hearing tests we offer include:

  • Pure tone audiometry measures hearing threshold level in response to tones presented at specific frequencies. This test can help determine if you have a conductive, sensorineural, or mixed hearing loss.

  • Speech audiometry assesses your ability to hear and understand speech. This test can help determine the type and degree of your hearing loss, as well as how it may affect your daily life.

  • Tympanometry measures how well your eardrum moves in response to changes in pressure. This test can help determine if there is any blockage in your middle ear or if you have a perforated eardrum.

  • Acoustic Reflex testing measures the muscle contraction in your middle ear in response to loud sounds. This test can help determine if you have damage to the nerve pathways from your inner ear to your brain.

  • Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) testing measures the response of your inner ear to sound. This test can help determine if there is any damage to the hair cells in your cochlea.

    By identifying the specific nature of your hearing loss, we can recommend appropriate treatment options and strategies to help you hear better and communicate more effectively.

Understanding Hearing Loss: 

Hearing loss is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. It can occur due to a variety of factors, including age-related changes, exposure to loud noises, infections, genetic predispositions, and certain medical conditions. Hearing loss may manifest as difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments, or challenges in distinguishing between different sounds. It can be classified into several types: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed, each requiring different approaches for diagnosis and management. Early detection and intervention are crucial, as they can help mitigate the effects of hearing loss, enhance communication, and improve overall well-being. At our clinic, we utilize comprehensive evaluation methods, including audiometric testing and specialized assessments, to tailor personalized treatment plans for our patients.

In some cases, others may notice your hearing loss before you do. Indicators that it may be time to visit our ENT team include:

  • Ringing in your ears
  • Focusing on people’s mouths while they speak
  • Favoring one ear over the other
  • Perceiving sounds as muffled
  • Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
  • Avoiding loud or crowded places

 

Hearing Loss for Children:

If you suspect your child has hearing loss, the first step is to obtain a hearing assessment to discover the cause. The sooner children with hearing loss are identified and treated, the more likely they are to achieve expected developmental milestones.

Available Services and Treatments for Hearing Loss: 

At The Centers for Advanced ENT Care, our team of physicians and audiologists works together to diagnose hearing loss and find the most suitable treatment for you. In some cases, hearing loss can be addressed through earwax removal or medical treatments. For others, after thorough hearing evaluations, solutions like hearing aids or cochlear implants may be recommended.

Common hearing services we offer:

  • Comprehensive evaluations and hearing tests for adults and children
  • Hearing aid fitting
  • Hearing aid repairs and maintenance
  • Hearing protection

Hearing Aid Specialists:

Audiologists at The Centers of Advanced ENT Care are trained in the latest hearing aid technologies to ensure we offer the best hearing device fit and function for your personalized needs.

We offer a full line of hearing aids, including:

  • Rechargeable hearing aids
  • Smartphone compatible hearing aids
  • Invisible hearing aids
  • Custom hearing aids

Who is a Good Candidate for Hearing Aids?

If you are experiencing hearing loss, a hearing aid may be a good option for you. But with so many different types and features available, how do you choose the right one?

Here are a few things to consider when selecting a hearing aid:

  • Type of hearing loss: There are two primary types of hearing loss—conductive and sensorineural. Conductive hearing loss happens when there’s an issue with the outer or middle ear that blocks sound from reaching the inner ear. Sensorineural hearing loss, the most common form of permanent hearing loss, occurs due to damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve.

  • Severity of hearing loss: Hearing loss can range from mild to profound. The degree of your hearing loss will help determine the most suitable hearing aid for you.

  • Lifestyle and listening needs: Do you work in a noisy environment or enjoy watching TV and going to the movies? Consider where and how you'll be using your hearing aid when making your choice.

  • Desired features: Modern hearing aids come with various features like Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable batteries, and directional microphones. Think about which features are most important to you.

  • Size preference: Hearing aids come in different sizes, from nearly invisible models to larger behind-the-ear styles. Choose the size that best matches your needs and personal preferences.

The audiology team at The Centers for Advanced ENT Care is dedicated to working with you to identify the best solution for your hearing needs. They provide a personalized approach to hearing care to ensure you receive the device and care that meets your lifestyle needs.