Grand Rapids ENT Hearing Center is involved with providing comprehensive care to meet the needs of our patients. Our audiologists hold either a Master’s or Doctorate degree in Audiology and are licensed and certified hearing health care professionals. Grand Rapids ENT audiologists are specially trained in the evaluation of hearing loss and in the prescription and fitting of hearing aids. The mission of Grand Rapids ENT Hearing Center is to provide professional, compassionate, and high quality care to ALL of our patients. We are dedicated to educating our patients more about their hearing concerns and treating those with hearing loss with the most appropriate technology to improve their health and quality of life through better hearing.
Custom Earmolds and Earplugs
Patients that work in noisy environments can protect their hearing by investing in earmolds and earplugs. Since these are custom devices, they are made to fit perfectly inside the ear of the user. Custom earmolds and earplugs are used by professionals, athletes and even hobbyists as a way to block out unwanted noise. Some models have special features like floating or wind resistance to make them compatible with current tasks. With custom earmolds and earplugs, long-term hearing health is protected.
Diagnostic Audiologic Evaluations
Diagnostic Audiologic Evaluation is a range of multiple tests to determine if hearing loss is a problem. It’s common for patients to be recommended for this test when they fail a normal hearing screening. More details about current hearing abilities are found out after going through a full diagnostic audiologic evaluation. The medical history of a patient is important for the audiologist to consider before testing. A few of the most common tests in this category are pure-tone air, speech testing and bone-conduction testing.
Hearing Aid Evaluation and Selection
The extent of hearing loss in day-to-day activities is a concern when going through an evaluation. Important questions will be asked about the effects of hearing loss during family or work time. This combined with hearing and speech tests gives the audiologist a full background of the patient. During the evaluation, an audiologist will make recommendations on hearing aid devices. There are many styles to choose from, with a few features being exclusive to certain brands. After outlining the importance of the features, a single (or pair) of hearing aids is chosen. The information is then sent off with a prescription and molds of the patient’s ears.
Hearing Aid Dispensing & Fitting
For patients getting their first hearing aids, hearing aid dispensing and fitting is the final step. An appointment is set up when the device arrives the correct prescription. All of the special features are explained; maintenance, changing the battery, accessories and how to put the hearing aids in/take them out. There is a lot of information to take in, and that is why bringing a friend or loved one is recommended. Their support will prove valuable for the present visit and future checkups. Everyone reacts to differently the first time they put in hearing aids. A few questions and programming adjustments may be necessary to get the personalization right. That is why bringing a second set of familiar ears is helpful when gauging the effectiveness of new hearing aids.
Hearing Aid Repairs
Some minor hearing aid repairs can be done in the office setting in a short period of time; others will need to be sent to the manufacturer for repair. Your hearing professional can help determine what kind of a repair is necessary if you feel your hearing aid is not working properly.