Services
EAR Audiology provides services to evaluate and conserve hearing, as well as to treat a wide variety of hearing disorders. EAR Audiology also provides engineering consultation to businesses in the healthcare sector. Specific services include:
- Ear and hearing healthcare
- Diagnostic hearing evaluation
- Ototoxicity monitoring
- Occupational hearing evaluation
- Tinnitus assessment and treatment
- Hearing aid evaluation
- Hearing aid fitting
- Aural rehabilitation
- Hearing aid follow-up and repair
- Custom earplug and earpiece consultation
- Engineering consultation
By working closely with Stephen Dent, M.D., an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor), EAR Audiology facilitates timely diagnosis and medical treatment of infections, Eustachian tube dysfunction and other ear disorders, as well as removal of wax. Surgical treatments are offered when appropriate. EAR Audiology and Dr. Dent are conveniently located at the same office in Encinitas.
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A thorough evaluation of hearing health can be conducted by EAR Audiology for adults and children age 6 years and older. This evaluation includes air, bone and speech audiometry, speech-in-noise testing, tympanometry, acoustic reflexes, acoustic reflex decay, and otoacoustic emissions. Additional tests may be administered depending on patient symptoms.
Back to Services IndexFor patients receiving chemotherapy agents like cisplatin, as well as those being treated with potent antibiotics like gentamicin and tobramycin, it is important to monitor hearing health. Those treatments are toxic to the inner ear and can cause tinnitus, dizziness and hearing loss. EAR Audiology monitors ototoxicity using audiometry and otoacoustic emissions.
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Occupational Hearing Evaluation
The workplace can be noisy, and exposure to loud noise may cause permanent tinnitus and hearing loss. In addition, some chemical fumes found in factories, workshops and laboratories are ototoxic. EAR Audiology monitors the hearing of people exposed to occupational noise or chemicals. Many employers and licensing agencies like the police department, Federal Aviation Administration, and Transportation Security Administration require applicants to have their hearing tested. Some also require periodic hearing tests. EAR Audiology conducts the required tests and certifies results for employers and licensing agencies.
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Tinnitus Assessment and Treatment
EAR Audiology can conduct tests to estimate the pitch and loudness of tinnitus then determine whether or not a patient may benefit from a tinnitus masker or sound therapy. Patients are educated about tinnitus, its possible causes and coping strategies. Medical consultation with Stephen Dent, M.D. is also available.
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There are many types of hearing aids ranging from completely-in-the-canal to behind-the-ear. The hearing aid that will work best for a patient depends on their hearing loss as well as other clinical and lifestyle factors. EAR Audiology helps patients make informed decisions when selecting hearing aids. Together with Dr. Dent, EAR Audiology may provide a bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) or other implanted hearing aids to patients who qualify.
Back to Services IndexSelecting the proper hearing aid and features is just the beginning. EAR Audiology uses best practices including real-ear measurement to ensure hearing aids are fit appropriately. Additional adjustments are made based on patient preferences. Patients are thoroughly educated about their hearing aids including how to use them and care for them.
Back to Services IndexEAR Audiology emphasizes aural rehabilitation of its hearing aid patients. This includes counseling about adjusting to hearing loss, getting the most out of hearing aids, and communicating effectively. Family members are encouraged to participate in group discussion. Auditory training and assistive devices are also available.
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Hearing Aid Follow-up and Repair
Like any electronic device, hearing aids sometimes need repair. EAR Audiology offers some repairs onsite and coordinates others through hearing aid manufacturers. Additionally hearing aids can be reprogrammed based on patient preference and changes in hearing loss. Hearing aid accessories like batteries, cases and dryers can be provided, too.
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Custom Earplug and Earpiece Consultation
In addition to numerous styles, materials and colors of earmolds for behind-the-ear hearing aids, EAR Audiology helps people by providing custom earpieces for music listening and communication devices. Custom earplugs are available for protection from noise and water as well.
Back to Services IndexEAR Audiology provides mechanical engineering consultation for the biotechnology and medical device industries. Mechanical design solutions are offered for products and processes from concept to production.
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