Colorado Tinnitus and Hearing Center |
Tinnitus Evaluation & Management – Do you have an annoying, constant ringing in your ears? Contrary to popular debate, something can be done about this problem. While there is no cure for tinnitus, our audiologists evaluate and treat its symptoms. A special group of tests known as a Tinnitus Assessment, includes a diagnostic hearing test, ultra high frequency testing, pitch and loudness matching, loudness discomfort levels (LDL’s), Residual Inhibition, and Minimum Masking Levels (MML’s) are performed, followed by a detailed discussion of test findings and patient symptoms. Our Audiologists have been trained by Neuromonics to provide treatment using this revolutionary device. Our Audiologists are also certified in Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), and have obtained training in Baltimore, Maryland from Pavel Jastreboff, Ph.D. of the Emory University Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Center. TRT is a retraining program that trains your brain not to hear the ringing. For more information on Neuromonics or Tinnitus Retraining Therapy please contact our office to make an appointment.
Complete Diagnostic Audiological Evaluations – Audiometric tests obtained in a sound-treated booth to determine the nature and extent of hearing loss.
Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) Screening Using a sensitive microphone placed in the ear, echoes produced by the tiny nerve endings in the inner ear are measured. This test is used to determine outer hair cell function in the inner ear. Audiologists can also use this test with infants and difficult to test children, such as those with special needs who would not be able to respond reliably to normal hearing test procedures.
Ototoxicity Monitoring Program Colorado Tinnitus and Hearing Center, Inc. has a hearing monitoring program for individuals who are required to take medicines that may be toxic to your hearing. Testing procedures are similar to those used for diagnostic audiological evaluation. However, we have special equipment to test the very high frequencies from 9000 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Under normal circumstances, only the frequencies from 250 Hz to 8,000 Hz are tested. In the case of potential hearing damage caused by medications, the higher frequencies are the first to be affected. High frequency testing, then gives us the advantage of early detection and intervention.
Hearing Aid Consultations Following a thorough hearing evaluation, our audiologist will ask many questions about your specific lifestyle to further determine your specific areas of hearing difficulty. We relate these answers to the hearing aid style and technology that would most benefit your unique listening needs.
Hearing Aids and Rehabilitation After a comprehensive hearing evaluation, our audiologists will give you their professional opinion on treatment for your hearing loss. We offer a variety of hearing aids from conventional technology to the most sophisticated state of the art digital technology. Colorado Tinnitus and Hearing dispenses multiple manufacturers, including GNReSound, Vivatone, Oticon, Phonak, Siemens, Starkey, Sebotek and Widex. By using different technologies from different manufacturers, we are able to exactly customize a patients hearing aid to their specific hearing loss.
Hearing Aid Fitting- Computers are used to program and fine-tune the hearing aids. We use the latest computer software and technology, to provide the best outcomes for our patients. Ultimately, we believe that good patient outcomes are achieved through our personal attention to the specific needs of each patient.
Hearing Aid Service and Repairs – At Colorado Tinnitus and Hearing Center, Inc. we are committed to the long-term care and satisfaction of our patients. We welcome patients wearing all types and brands of hearing aids. When routine cleaning and part replacement (i.e. battery doors or wax springs) do not fix a problem, we send the aids to the manufacturer or an all-make repair lab. When a hearing aid is covered under the original manufacturer warranty, there is no cost for the repair, even if the aid was purchased elsewhere.
Loaner Hearing Aid Program-When a hearing aid has to be sent to the manufacturer for repair, it typically takes about ten days to get it back. Many individuals are unable to go without their hearing aids for that amount of time. At Colorado Tinnitus and Hearing Center, we have hearing aids available as part of our loaner program.
Custom Earmolds-Colorado Tinnitus and Hearing can make custom fit earmolds that can be used for swimming and noise protection. Do you talk on your cell phone while driving? We can make a custom fit earmold that a hands free ear bud fits into for easier and more comfortable cell phone use. We are also able to make molds for your IPOD or MP3 player.
Assistive Listening Devices-Assistive listening devices are devices often used instead of, or in addition to hearing aids in situations where hearing aids alone do not provide adequate enough help. Some of these situations are: TV listening, listening at a distance, such as at a concert or lecture hall, using the telephone, or in a classroom. Colorado Tinnitus and Hearing Center has a wide selection of Assistive Listening Devices: Amplified telephones; Cellular phone adaptors, Personal Infrared and FM Television amplifiers; Personal Pocket talkers; FM Systems for students; Sonic alarm clocks with bed vibrator; Door bell alerts and much more! Come in to our office to see our selection.
Hearing Conservation-We have established a hearing conservation program designed to identify, monitor, and protect those employees who are exposed to hazardous noise in their work setting. In our program, all employees who work in hazardous noise areas have a hearing test prior to the start of employment. The employees then receive the best possible hearing protection for their type of work. Each year, the employees hearing is monitored for changes. We offer this program to any industry in the community that needs a program to be compliant with OSHA safety standards. Custom hearing protection (such as custom noise for various needs, including hunters and musicians) can also be specifically made for you personally.
Appropriate Referral to a Physician- When medical or surgical treatment is needed, a referral to the appropriate medical specialist is made. Most of the hearing loss we encounter is not caused by an active medical problem, but rather by a natural loss of sensitivity in the inner ear.