Pediatric

Audiology testing of children is available which includes pure tone and speech testing in a sound booth, followed by impedance testing if indicated. The particular tests chosen will be dependent on the child's age and conditioning capability. In addition to these standard hearing tests, special audiology tests for children are also available, such as Play Audiometry and BSER threshold tests (see BSER/ABR). If a hearing loss is found, the child will be referred to see Dr. Jay Farrior. If medical intervention is not indicated, then the appropriate rehabilitation for that child will be discussed.

Adult

1. Audiologic Evaluation: Pure tone (Air and Bone Conduction) and speech testing is available to evaluate the patient's hearing sensitivity and ability to process speech.
2. Hearing Aids: If the patient's hearing loss cannot be medically corrected then a full hearing aid evaluation can be done. The Farrior Ear Clinic offers all the latest in hearing aid technology, including digital hearing aids. The patients, his family, and audiologist can decide which hearing aid(s) would be most appropriate. Which hearing aid is chosen depends on the type and severity of the patient's hearing loss, the model/size the patient prefers (in the ear, behind the ear), and his particular listening environment. All hearing aids are sold on trial; the patient may wear the hearing aid up to 45 days and may return it for any reason if he is not satisfied. All monies will be refunded with the exception of a professional fee of $100.00. Some insurance companies may pay for part or all of the cost of a hearing aid.

Other Testing Available:

Brainstem Evoked Response (BSER): This test goes by various other names such as ABR (Auditory Brainstem Response), BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) and AEP (Auditory Evoked Response). This is used to determine abnormalities of neural conduction time of the auditory nerve and auditory brainstem; it can be used to determine hearing sensitivity and screen for retrocochlear lesions, strokes, multiple sclerosis, and various other disorders.

The test requires the placement of 4 electrodes on the patient's head to response to a clicking sound presented to the test ear. The patient will hear a static noise in the non-test ear. It is important to avoid influences of muscle activity on the waveform. The resulting waveform is inspected for abnormalities in shape and time delay. Time to complete the test is 45 to 60 minutes.

Electronystagmagraphy (ENG): The ENG is a test battery designed to determine abnormalities in the vestibular system (organ of balance). The patient wears goggles during the test. (Please do not wear makeup for this test). The eye movement recorded during testing is examined for abnormalities and helps to determine if problems related to vertigo, dizziness, or balance involve the peripheral vestibular system or certain nervous system. Alcohol and certain medications affect the results of this test and the patient will be asked to discontinue their use at least 48 hours prior to this test.

Generally, patients tolerate this test well, but there are several individuals' tests within the battery that may cause vertigo and on rare occasion nausea. Still, the patient is advised to eat only lightly before this test and, if possible, have someone accompany him/her to drive after the test is completed. Time to complete the ENG is about 21/2 hours.

Electrocochleography (ECOG): This test is requested in some cases of Miniere's Disease (positive findings help document and verify diagnosis) and is similar to the BSER test. It involves the placement of an electrode in the patient's ear canal a long with other electrodes on the patients head. The electrodes pick up the response to a clicking sound delivered to the test ear. This test can be somewhat uncomfortable for the patient due to the placement of an electrode in a tender ear canal. Time to complete the test is about 30 minutes.

Facial Nerve: This test is used primarily with patients having Bell's Palsy (facial paralysis). A stimulus is applied to elicit facial nerve activity. Results from the affected side are compared to the non affected side. Residual facial nerve function of the affected side is assessed.

Otoacoustic Emission: This test evaluates inner ear function. A series of tones are presented to the patient's ear canal. Normal cochlea's produce an audio-frequency sound called otoacoustic emissions; in response to the acoustic stimuli. This test takes relatively little time to administer.