Staffed by state licensed audiologists, Capital Health's Audiology Department provides diagnostic and treatment services for adults and children (ages newborn and older) with hearing disorders. Our services include:
- Standard audiological hearing evaluations.
- Visual reinforcement audiometry and conditioned play audiometry for children.
- Otoacoustic emission testing.
- Central auditory processing evaluations.
- Hearing aid evaluations and dispensing for digital hearing aids.
In addition, we offer state-of-the-art video electronystagmography (VNG) testing for patients that are experiencing vertigo, dizziness, unsteadiness and balance problems.
AUDIOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS
An audiological evaluation includes procedures to assess and monitor the status of the peripheral auditory system (the inner, middle, and outer ear). This is typically recommended when:
- Hearing loss is suspected.
- There is difficulty with speech and language skills.
- There are difficulties with a person’s balance and/or equilibrium.
Following the evaluation, the results are explained to the patient or caregiver, and recommendations are made for follow-up assessment if needed. Here are some of the tests we provide.
Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE) identify cochlear hearing loss in infants and individuals who cannot respond on their own. The results do not assess the individual’s actual hearing level, but rather identify whether his or her hearing is functioning well enough to hear speech.
Automated Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (ABAER) tests hearing sensitivity through the auditory pathways. This is often done in conjunction with the otoacoustic emissions (OAE) tests on babies under five months old.
Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) is typically used to evaluate children six months to three years old. Speech, speech sounds, music, and warbled pure tones are presented either through headphones, earphones, or into the soundfield while we observe the child’s responses.
Conditioned Play Audiometry is usually recommended for children ages three to five years old. Speech thresholds are obtained by having the child repeat words or point to pictures. Pure tone thresholds are obtained by having the child participate in a game playing activity.
Complete Hearing Evaluation is used to assess adults and older children, and includes speech and pure tone audiometry, as well as tympanometry and acoustic reflex measurements. Speech audiometry obtains speech threshold and speech discrimination information. Pure tone audiometry obtains threshold information at different frequencies or tones. These results are measured using headphones or earphones and a bone conduction device together to determine the type and degree of hearing loss, should one exist.
Tympanometry is used to evaluate the condition of the eardrum and the middle ear, and is a routine part of the hearing evaluation for both children and adults.
Acoustic Reflex Measurements evaluate the ear’s ability to react to loud sounds.
CENTRAL AUDITORY PROCESSING EVALUATIONS
The inability to understand spoken language in a meaningful way in the presence of normal hearing sensitivity is called a central auditory processing deficit. Researchers often described this type of problem as how well the brain understands what the ears actually hear.
A central auditory processing evaluation performed by our audiologist can reveal important information about a person’s ability to:
- Process speech in difficult listening situations.
- Pay attention to and remember what is said.
- Tell the difference between auditory signals and speech sounds.
Central auditory processing problems can affect learning, particularly in areas like spelling and reading. Identifying this type of problem early can help the person acquire adaptive strategies to compensate for the processing difficulties. If your child is a “poor” listener, frequently misunderstands speech, and has difficulty following directions, perhaps he or she has a central auditory processing disorder. At the conclusion of the testing, treatment strategies are recommended to help improve academc performance.
HEARING AID EVALUATION, DISPENSING AND REPAIR
Our program offers hearing aid evaluations and dispensing for digital hearing aids, as well as hearing aid repairs. Our licensed audiologists work with hearing impaired individuals to achieve maximum benefits through amplification. Counseling is available to assist new hearing aid recipients in making the adjustment to their new devices and make recommendations for anyone who needs assistive listening devices (phone or doorbell lights, phone amplification devices, pocket talkers, etc.).
VIDEO ELECTRONYSTAGMOGRAPHY (VNG)
Video electronystagmography (VNG) is used to assess balance and vestibular problems. Physicians often recommend this test battery for their patients who exhibit symptoms of dizziness, gait disturbances, and a specific visual problem called nystagmus. During the test, eye movements are monitored with various tasks that require balance. Results assist in identifying possible causes for the symptoms and are sent to the patient’s referring physician or provider.
MEET OUR AUDIOLOGISTS
LOCATIONS & HOURS
Most audiology diagnostic services are performed at Capital Health - Hamilton and Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. VNG is performed at Capital Health Medical Center - Hopewell. For more information, call 609.689.5740.
Appointment hours are:
Capital Health - Hamilton
Monday & Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday & Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed Friday
Capital Health Medical Center - Hopewell
Monday & Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday & Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Closed Tuesday
Capital Health Regional Medical Center
Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Closed All Other Days
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
To schedule an appointment, call Capital Health Central Scheduling at 609.394.6695.
If you have any questions regarding services or treatment, please contact the Audiology Department at 609-689-5740.