---

ABR-Diagnostic

• Auditory brainstem response (ABR) is a diagnostic test which is similar to an electroencephalogram (EEG). This procedure involves the use of clicking sounds to stimulate the auditory nerve, which produces an electrical response. Electrodes placed on the patient's face and ears pick up the electrical activity of the nerve, and a computer displays the results for the audiologist to interpret. Also known as BERA, BAER.

---

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs): FM Systems

• We offer information and guidance on use of assistive listening devices, such as amplified telephones, FM transmitter systems, and infrared systems. These systems serve as additional help in situations when hearing aids do not provide the necessary assistance. We will either order the device in which you are interested, or give you the information to order on your own.

---

Audiometric Evaluations: Adults

• The audiometric evaluation (audio) consists of testing with both speech and pure tones. Testing with pure tones is done to determine the amount of hearing loss for volume. Speech discrimination scores are obtained to estimate the loss of hearing pertaining to the fine-tuning ability of the ear.

---

Audiometric Evaluations: Pediatrics

• Depending on the age of the child, different play techniques are employed to determine the amount of hearing loss in each ear using pure tones and speech stimuli. For the youngest children, information specific to each ear may not be obtainable, but overall information is possible.

---

Balance and Dizziness: VNG (Videonystagmography)

• The inner ear is responsible for both hearing and balance. Videonystagmography (that's why we call it VNG - it's shorter) is a battery of tests designed to evaluate part of the inner ear balance system, as well as more "central" components that work together to keep you on an even keel.

---

Battery sales

• Twice each year, in the summer and again in December, we offer a sale on hearing aid batteries. This is an opportunity to stock up on batteries at a low price, since these air cell batteries have a shelf life of up to three years. You won't have to worry about being left out of the conversation because you forgot to buy batteries.
   

• All batteries are toxic and dangerous if swallowed. Keep all batteries (and hearing aids) away from children and pets. If anyone swallows a battery it is a medical emergency and the individual needs to see a physician immediately.
   

• One question often asked is "How long does the battery last?" Typically they last 7-14 days based on a 16 hour per day use cycle. Batteries are very inexpensive, costing less than a dollar each. Generally, the smaller the battery size, the shorter the battery life. The sizes of hearing aid batteries are listed below along with their standard number and color codes.

  • Size 10 YELLOW

  • Size 13 ORANGE

  • Size 312 BROWN

  • Size 675 BLUE

• Today's hearing aid batteries are "zinc-air." Because the batteries are air-activated, a factory-sealed sticker keeps them "inactive" until you remove the sticker. Once the sticker is removed from the back of the battery, oxygen in the air contacts the zinc within the battery, and the battery is "turned-on". Placing the sticker back on the battery will not prolong its life. Since many of today's automatic hearing aids do no have "off" switches, removing the battery at night assures that the device is turned off. Zinc-air batteries have a "shelf life" of up to three years when stored in a cool, dry environment. Storing zinc-air hearing aids in the refrigerator has no beneficial effect on their shelf life, in fact, quite the opposite may happen. The cold air may actually form little water particles under the sticker. Water is made of oxygen and hydrogen. If the water vapor creeps under the sticker, the oxygen may contact the zinc, and the battery could be totally discharged by the time you peel off the sticker! Therefore, the best place to store batteries is in a cool dry place, like the back of your sock drawer, not the fridge!

---

Cerumen Management

• Cerumen refers to wax in the ear canal, which can interfere with hearing or clog up hearing aids. If this is a problem, we are often able to remove the wax for you. If the wax is deep within the canal, or impacted, we may refer you to an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat physician). There is a link to the website for Medical Center Ear, Nose and Throat Associates of Houston, P.A., and you are able to contact this group of physicians yourself.

---

Ear Molds: Custom-made cell phone & iPod ear pieces

• For those who want hands-free use of their cell phones, we offer custom-made ear molds through Westone Laboratories. iPod and mp3 player users will enjoy a more comfortable listening experience with custom ear molds.

---

Ear Molds: Custom-made noise protection ear molds

• Any kind of noise exposure is potentially damaging to hearing, so whether your noise exposure comes from your work environment or just mowing your lawn, custom ear molds can provide protection from noise-induced hearing loss.

---

Ear Molds: Swim Molds

• Ask Your Hearing Healthcare Professional About Swim Plugs
  
  TOP 10 REASONS TO GET AQUANOTS BY WESTONE
  
  With swim season almost upon us, we wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of a few of the many useful reasons to have a pair of AquaNot swimplugs from Westone on hand.
  
  You know, AquaNots are great for more than just swimming - they're also excellent sound plugs. Some of these reasons you may already be aware of, some we just thought up, but all are sure to make you say, "Wow, order me a pair!"

10. Keeps water out of your ears while swimming on vacation (and your brain from exploding while trapped in the car with the kids on the way there).

9. Excellent noise suppression capabilities. Great for use when cutting wood, mowing the lawn, operating power equipment, or visiting your in-laws.

8. They're floatable (even if you're not).

7. Exciting, more vibrant colors are sure to make a splash at the pool (cannonballs and belly-flops optional).

6. Your head is full of enough junk already (eighth grade locker combination; phone number from 1983; the words to The Brady Bunch theme song) -- there's no need to add pool or ocean water to the mix.

5. Ensures that you actually enjoy the peace and quiet of a long, hot bath -- whether there is peace and quiet in the house or not.

4. Never again be bothered on an airplane by the annoying whine of the jet engines (or the no-slip bathtub appliqué salesman sitting next to you).

3. Handy cords keep AquaNots connected (also great for emergency bikini repair).

2. With handles for easy placement and removal, super soggy wrinkled skin won't be a problem -- even if you haven't been in the water yet.

1. There's just nothing better at keeping water out. AquaNots and Swyrls by Westone are soft for long wearing comfort, floatable, and offer incredible noise suppression. If you're looking for the ultimate in style and comfort, they really are number one.

---

Hearing Aid checks

• We offer cleaning services for your hearing aids, and will check the function of the aids in our electroacoustic analyzer. We will also evaluate your performance with the hearing aids.

---

Hearing Aid evaluations

• At the hearing aid evaluation, you and your audiologist will determine which type of hearing aid is best for you and your unique needs, including the style, circuit, and number of hearing aids necessary. This choice should reflect your needs, preferences, and budget, including your lifestyle and activity level, medical conditions, physical characteristics and limitations, cosmetic and style preferences, and financial expectations.

---

Hearing Aid: Extended warranty sales and service

• For those people who prefer to take out extended warranties on their hearing aids, we will handle this through the manufacturer for them.

---

Hearing Aid: Sales and Service

• Hearing Aids - We offer a wide selection of hearing aids, including digital processing and digitally programmable, from a variety of manufacturers. We will work with you to find the best solution for your hearing healthcare needs within your budget.
   

• Repair All Makes - We can get your hearing aid repaired quickly at a reasonable cost and give you a loaner hearing aid to use until yours comes back.

---

Hearing Aid: Warranty service

• If your hearing aid requires servicing while still under the manufacturer's warranty, either for a new aid, or repair warranty, we will take care of the necessary paperwork and give you a loaner hearing aid to use in the meantime.

---

OtoAcoustic Emissions

• A small probe like an earplug is placed into the ear canal, and a series of tones is presented to the ear. The probe records the response from the hair cells of the inner ear to these tones to give an indication as to hair cell function.

---

Real-ear measurement

• A small tube attached to a microphone is inserted into the ear along with the hearing aid, and the output of the aid, as modified by the ear canal, can be measured to assure adequate amplification when setting or programming the aid.

---

Tinnitus Diagnostics and Management

• Many people experience ringing or other noise in the ear or head. We will evaluate the nature of this noise, make appropriate medical referrals, and discuss possibilities in management, such as tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT).

---

Tympanometry

• We offer tympanometric screening for middle ear disorders, such as middle ear fluid (serous otitis media) and otosclerosis.