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SERVICES
Hearing Evaluation
This evaluation consists of a review of the patient's health
history, an inventory of the patient's listening environments,
and a measurement of the patient's hearing acuity (hearing
test). Upon completion of the hearing test, the Audiologist
will review the results with the patient and make appropriate
recommendations.
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Hearing Aid
Evaluation
The hearing aid evaluation begins with the hearing
evaluation process. If the patient is currently wearing hearing
aids, an assessment of whether or not this is the most beneficial
hearing option for that patient's hearing needs is conducted.
If there is a more appropriate option, the patient is given information
regarding this hearing aid technology. For patients that have
never worn hearing aids, they are educated regarding hearing aid
amplification in general and are given a recommendation. Our office
works with a full range of hearing aid options, please see "products"
on our website for more information.
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Tinnitus Evaluation and Consultation
"Tinnitus" is often referred to as a noise inside the ear(s).
We begin this evaluation with a hearing evaluation and a thorough
assessment of the tinnitus itself. The patient reports the
specific symptoms (how often, the loudness, and general pitch)
of the tinnitus. Next a "tinnitus matching" test is conducted
in the sound booth following the hearing test. The "tinnitus
matching" helps the Audiologist determine the specific frequency
(pitch) and intensity (loudness) of the patient's tinnitus.
If it is determined by the Audiologist that the tinnitus is
a symptom of a medical condition then the patient is referred
to an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor. Most of the time
the cause of tinnitus is unknown and is not life threatening.
For the patients that are not referred to an ENT doctor, the
Audiologist can make recommendations on how the tinnitus can
be addressed.
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Hearing Aid Fittings
Once the Audiologist has made a recommendation for hearing aid amplification, the hearing aids are ordered from the manufacturer. Some hearing aids require a custom fit and an impression of the patient’s ear is taken. Other hearing aids are referred to as “open fit” and can be ordered without an ear impression. When the hearing aids arrive from the manufacturer, the patient is brought into the office for the hearing aid fitting itself. This is when the hearing aids are programmed to the patient’s hearing loss configuration, and clinical verification is conducted to insure proper fitting. The patient is educated on how to use the hearing aids and begins the first week of hearing with the new hearing aids.
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Follow-up Care
This is the most important aspect of the hearing aid fitting.
We provide weekly follow-up visits during the 60-day trial
period, as well as, visits every 3-6 months following the
purchase of hearing aids. The purpose of these visits is to
insure the hearing aids are adjusted properly and are working
as well as possible for that particular patient.
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60-Day Trial Period
The law of Colorado entitles the patient to a 30-day trial period with the hearing aids. Colorado law also allows the hearing provider to obtain a 5% return fee from the patient if the hearing aids are returned. In our office the standard trial period is 60-days with a full refund if the patient does not find the hearing aids to be beneficial. Sometimes it is necessary to extend the trial period in order to accommodate our patients. We provide brochures on "How to Purchase Hearing Aids in Colorado." Please call us if you would like us to send you a brochure.
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Custom Fitted Earplugs
We offer a variety of custom fitted earplugs. We offer industrial noise blockers, swim plugs, plugs used during sleeping, plugs used for hunting, plugs for motorcyclists, and musician earplugs. We also take impressions for musician ear level monitors and custom earpieces for use with I-Pods and cell phones.
www.westone.com
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