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Our Hearing Care Services

Our expert staff at West Michigan Hearing Services provides services that include basic behavioral tests and sophisticated computerized otoneurological evaluations. When appropriate, the latest digital hearing aids may be utilized to help compensate for hearing loss.

Diagnostic Hearing Testing Comprehensive audiologic evaluations include a thorough case history, an analysis of an individual's listening lifestyle, a physical examination of the ear, and a series of specialized tests. Specific tests include pure tone tests, speech recognition ability testing, and tests of hearing ability in noisy environments. Other special test procedures include middle ear impedance testing and otoacoustic emissions tests. The sum total of these results gives us a complete picture of the auditory capabilities of the individual. Then we can determine if there is hearing loss, and recommend the appropriate next steps for the patient.

Tinnitus Evaluation and Treatment Tinnitus (or ringing in the ears) is one of the most common auditory disorders encountered today. It affects almost 60 million Americans to some degree, and yet the most common advice to a tinnitus patient is to “go home and live with it, because there's nothing we can do for you.” While there is no cure at present for tinnitus, there is always something that can be done to relive its persistent symptoms. A complete tinnitus evaluation gives us a clearer picture of the nature of the problem. The first step is a diagnostic hearing evaluation, since hearing loss is very often a co-existent condition with tinnitus. Then a battery of specialized tests is conducted, to measure the pitch, loudness, and other characteristics of the tinnitus. In addition, subjective tests (Such as the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory) are used to measure the personalized effects the tinnitus is having on the lifestyle of the individual. At this point a determination is made as to the advisability of further medical evaluation, and if none is indicated non-medical treatment options are proposed. Available treatment for tinnitus includes maskers, TRT (Tinnitus Retraining Therapy), and in many cases hearing aids.

Dispensing of Digital Hearing Aid Technology When an individual has a hearing loss with no available medical treatment options, hearing aids are usually recommended, and are of great help. Today's digital hearing technology offers us the ability to assist people in ways we only dreamed about 10 or 20 years ago. Many first-time hearing aid patients find significant benefit and comfort in the so-called “open canal” or “open ear” hearing aids. Unlike traditional hearing aids that fill up the ear and block out natural sounds, these products allow the patient to use his natural hearing abilities as much as possible. Instead of replacing our natural hearing with the artificial sounds of a hearing aid, these devices supplement the natural hearing by only changing those areas where a hearing loss is present, and leaving the rest alone. People find these technologies to be unobtrusive, natural, clear, comfortable, and almost invisible. Other significant advances in digital technology allow the hearing aids to be proactive in dealing with background noise, by digitally changing the hearing aid's microphone configurations and analyzing incoming sounds for speech vs. noise inputs. Additional hearing aid technology improvements include feedback management. Remember when you could hear someone's hearing aid suddenly squeal? And that embarrassed look on the user's face? Well, with today's advanced feedback management systems those days are gone! The hearing aid has internal systems to seek and destroy this annoying feedback. But these great technologies are of no benefit unless they are properly prescribed and fit. And that is where our expert advice and experience comes in. Our testing and evaluation will determine what technology you need to solve your unique listening lifestyle needs. Our expertise will make sure that your technology is adjusted properly to meet your needs and goals. We will use “real-ear measurements” to make sure the hearing aids match your unique hearing loss. And we will provide the follow-up care you need to make sure your goals are being met.

Hearing Aid Cleaning, Check-up and Maintenance. Today's advanced hearing aids need care and maintenance. They are used in an environment that is not friendly to electronics–your ear canal. Wax, moisture, and other debris can interfere with proper performance. We will instruct you on the basic day-to-day maintenance, but a more detailed and in-depth maintenance plan includes periodic visits to our office, where our technicians can inspect and clean your hearing aids , and analyze their performance to make sure they are working up to specification. These are services we can provide for all makes, models, brands, and styles of hearing aids, whether they were purchased at our office or elsewhere.

Assistive Listening Devices Not everyone with hearing loss needs hearing aids, and in some cases other assistive technology may be used to supplement the function of the hearing aids. Specialized devices include amplified telephones, wireless TV listening systems, hearing loops, and special alarm systems. Our office can advise you about available assistive technology, and we carry many of these devices in our everyday inventory.

Custom Ear Protection Many types of hearing loss can be prevented with proper precautions. Excessive noise is one of the leading causes of hearing loss in our culture today. Using custom-made ear protectors makes easy and comfortable work out of this personal health responsibility. We can make these ear plugs in our office.

Custom Swim Plugs Do you need to keep your ears dry because you have had ventilating tubes installed by your otologist? Or are you sensitive to water in the ears, or prone to external ear infection such as swimmer's ear? If so, contact our office and we can make custom swim plugs for you. They are more comfortable and more effective than over-the-counter ear plugs.

Custom Monitors and Specialized Ear Protectors for Musicians Just as we are able to fabricate custom ear plugs for noise reduction and protection from water, we have specialized musician's ear protectors available. Both stock and custom options are available. Musician's earplugs reduce the loudness of music but don't mess up its fidelity. It's like having a volume control in your ears? Call our office for more information and to make an appointment.

Hearing Aid Batteries and Repairs Our office offers a complete range of batteries for any hearing aid, no matter the size of the battery or the brand of hearing aid. Ask us how you may qualify for free batteries for your hearing aids. In addition, we are able to provide repair services on all makes and models of hearing aid. Some repairs can be completed in our office, whereas others may require repair by a manufacturer or repair lab. Ask about our loaner hearing aid program.

Hearing Rehabilitation Program Maximizing your hearing performance often means more than just a technology solution. Your entire auditory system includes the brain's function as well. And over time the brain becomes accustomed to getting reduced information from the ear, and this system needs to be re-trained. While much of this re-training comes automatically through use of your hearing aids, the process can be enhanced and sped up through the use of an active training program. We are authorized providers of the LACE (Listening And Communication Enhancement) program. Developed by researchers at the University of California-San Francisco, LACE has been described as “physical therapy for your ears.” You can complete this program from the comfort of your own home.

Cerumen (earwax) Removal and Management Cerumen (earwax) is a natural by-product of our anatomical make-up, and usually it's best to leave it alone. But sometimes wax build-up can cause temporary hearing loss, interfere with the function of hearing aids, and make you more at risk for external ear infections. Our audiologist is able to identify the need for removal of the wax, and in most cases we can handle the removal. More complicated cases may need to be referred to an ear-nose-throat specialist. In addition, we carry over-the-counter solutions designed to soften and reduce the wax build-up.

Video Otoscopy Ever wonder what the inside of your ears looks like? Not sure if you have hearing loss, or maybe just have a wax build-up? Our office is equipped with a “video otoscope,” which is a device that combines a traditional scope with a camera, which allows you to see on screen what the doctor is seeing in your ear.

Extended Warranty Program Much of the hearing aid technology we dispense comes with a multi-year manufacturer warranty. But our plan is more comprehensive than that. Every hearing aid system we dispense comes with a package of all the services needed for optimal performance. These services include office check-ups, maintenance, adjustments and program changes, annual re-assessment of hearing aid performance, and free batteries. And when your manufacturer warranty expires, you can get an extended warranty which covers all this for an extended period! Call our office for details.

Protection Plus Program Sometimes bad things can happen at the least expected time. Your dog might decide that your hearing aids look like a treat and gobble them up. Or you might be fishing, fall into the water, and your hearing aids fall to the bottom of the lake. Is this a total loss? Not if you have Protection Plus. This is a program that provides coverage for accidental loss or damage of hearing aids. Most hearing aids can be covered through this program, so call us for details.

Finance Hearing Aids Everyone knows that hearing aid technology requires a substantial financial investment. And while some may be able to pay for this investment all at once, and some may be fortunate enough to have some health insurance coverage for hearing, most people appreciate our 0% financing option. You can take up to 12 months with no interest charges. And, if you prefer, financing is available for longer terms at competitive rates. So you can get the solution you need at terms you can comfortably afford.

Friends and Family Program We take pride in the fact that over 80% of our business comes from previous patients, patients referred by our clientele, and referrals from the medical community. And one way we have to make your referrals easy and rewarding is our exclusive “Friends & Family” program. Here's how it works. We offer our existing patients a $250 credit voucher. They can either use it for themselves on a future purchase, or they can give it to a friend or family member to use. And it gets better. Certificates redeemed by friends and family are always replaced with a new one for the referring person. So the cycle can be repeated, and everyone benefits. You benefit by helping someone close to you improve the quality of their life. That person gets the benefits of improved hearing and communication. And we benefit by adding another satisfied patient.

Contact us if you have any questions about our Hearing Care Services.

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