Audiology Services

Our Audiology Services in Bel Air and Havre de Grace, MD

Hearing Evaluation

Hearing Associates, Inc. is an Audiology center specializing in hearing aids and hearing evaluations.

A hearing loss is a hidden disability showing no external signs of its presence; therefore, others are less apt to respond with patience and understanding. The impact of untreated hearing loss can adversely affect all aspects of an individual’s life: educationally, socially, psychologically and vocationally. Hearing disorders in adults often causes difficulties in the ability to perform well on the job, to follow conversations, to keep abreast of current happenings and to interact easily with others. Feeling left out, a person with hearing loss may become suspicious and withdrawn—placing undue stress on personal relationships.

The first step in the treatment of the hearing loss is to provide a complete audiological evaluation by Doctor of Audiology to determine if the disorder can be effectively treated medically, surgically, or through the use of amplification or other hearing assistive technologies. Audiologists are trained to interpret the test results and to counsel and guide the patient regarding hearing loss, conservation, prevention, and treatment. For people whose hearing loss is not medically reversible, hearing aids are often the most viable treatment option. There are a variety of hearing assistance technologies that may be used independently or in conjunction with hearing aids. Hearing Associates offers the latest and most remarkable innovations in high-tech hearing systems.

Diagnostic Services

Complete hearing evaluation.
Impedance testing (tympanometry and acoustic reflexes) for middle ear function.
Medical/Legal hearing evaluations

Treatment Services

Earmold impressions and modifications.
Hearing aid evaluations, repair and service.
Hearing aid sales (with a 30-day trial period); daily wear and extended wear devices: hearing aid fittings, adjustments and follow-ups.
Probe microphone measurements: Verification of hearing aid function.
Hearing assistive technologies: Personal systems, Alerting, Telephone, Television.
Recreational / occupational hearing conservation programs.
Consultative services to community programs and agencies interested in improving services for the hearing impaired.

Testing & Audiometry

In order to adjust your hearing aid to your individual requirements, we first determine your personal hearing profile, or “audiogram.” This is done by testing your ability to hear a variety of speech and environmental sounds.

Counseling

Once you have told us your problems and your personal expectations with regard to your hearing, we provide you with detailed advice on the most appropriate products and facilities to meet your requirements:

Which ear has a problem hearing?
Which style of hearing aid is most suitable for you: analog, digitally programmable or fully digital?
Do you want to regulate the volume of the hearing aid yourself, or would you prefer a hearing aid that adjusts automatically to any hearing situation?

Which aid best suits your hearing loss or your personal situation?
A Completely-in-the Ear (CIE), In-the-Canal (ITC), In-the-Ear (ITE), or behind-the-ear aid (BTE) aid?

Ear Impressions

We will take ear impressions for custom made hearing aids or earmolds based on the exact contours of your ears. We can then ensure that your hearing aid or earmold fits perfectly. For this purpose we will produce custom-made earmolds based on the exact contours of your ears.

The Fitting

To determine the optimum settings for your hearing aids, we use your audiogram, as well as your personal impression of how well you can hear. This adjustment process is carried out using a computer.

When adjusting your hearing aids, we take various measurements to check how well you can hear. Once we teach you how to operate them and instruct you on the energy supply (batteries), you should wear your new hearing aids for a few days in your regular surroundings.
Based upon what you tell us about how well you can hear in your everyday surroundings, we will make any necessary final adjustments to your hearing aids.

Follow-up Care

Once your hearing aids have been fitted to your complete satisfaction, we will provide you with detailed information on how they should be maintained. Of course, you can have your hearing aids checked by us at any time. This will ensure that the sound quality remains as good as ever, and will extend the life of your aids.