Our licensed audiologists will perform a series of tests to evaluate the health and function of your middle and inner ear.
The hearing test will determine the type and severity of hearing loss. This testing will help to guide the best course of treatment for your hearing concerns and if any further medical attention might be needed from the physician.
Components of this evaluation typically include:
A newborn hearing screening is typically performed in the hospital or birthing center prior to being discharged. It is important to evaluate a baby’s hearing at birth based on the implications a hearing loss has on a child learning speech and language. If a follow-up screening is necessary, we offer diagnostic Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE) testing to evaluate the cochlear function of both ears. For this test, a small tip is placed in each ear, a sound is played into the ear, and the cochlea sends out an echo in response to the stimulus. No preparation is necessary beforehand, and the baby can sleep through the test.
Several different tests are used to evaluate the inner ear in patients suffering from dizziness. The battery of tests includes an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), Electrocochleography (ECochG), and Videonystagmography (VNG). Each of these tests helps to determine whether the inner ear is involved, and if so, how we can move forward with the best treatment plan for you.
The ABR and ECochG evaluate your brainstem’s responses to loud sounds played in each ear. Electrodes will be placed on your forehead and ears, and earphones will provide clicking sounds as the sound stimulation. These tests assist in the diagnosis of inner ear fluid disorders such as Meniere’s Disease and perilymph fistula.
A VNG is a measurement of your eye movements during different conditions to assess some brain functions and your vestibular system (parts of your inner ears that monitor movement and balance). As you wear goggles that measure eye movements, you will follow a dot of light on the wall with your eyes through different movements, and you will move through different positions like sitting, laying flat, and turning your head to the right and left. Warm and cool air will also be introduced into your ear canals.
Hearing aids come in different shapes, sizes, and technology levels. More advanced technology provides the wearer with more automatic adjustments, particularly in difficult listening environments. Your audiologist will help you to determine the best technology for your hearing loss based on your hearing needs and lifestyle.
Style: The style of your hearing aid will be determined based off your hearing loss and personal preference. Hearing aid styles we offer: Invisible in-the-canal, completely-in-the-canal, full shell, behind-the-ear, and receiver-in-the-canal.
Manufacturers: Because hearing loss varies greatly from patient to patient, the hearing aid that might work well for a family or friend might not be what is best for your hearing loss. Based on patient feedback, overall quality, and helpful customer service we primarily work with the following manufacturers: Widex, Phonak, Resound, and Oticon.
Our audiologist will conduct a thorough interview with you to best determine your specific hearing needs and concerns. We will review different styles, colors, technology features, and benefits of wearing hearing devices.
You will receive the hearing aids selected in the hearing aid consultation. The devices will be programmed to your prescription based on your specific hearing loss. Adjustments will be made to ensure speech is clear, comfortable, and easily audible. Care, maintenance, and proper use will be reviewed as well. After the initial fitting, regular follow-up appointments are recommended to ensure the longevity of your hearing aid.
If your hearing aid can be repaired in office, the audiologist will repair the device and perform a listening check to make sure everything is functioning properly. If it cannot be repaired in office, the hearing aid will be sent to the manufacturer for repair. Battery and supplies will also be provided by your audiologist.
We can provide custom earmolds by taking an impression of your ear canal. Common needs for custom earmolds include the following:
Hearing loss can be caused by several different factors including aging, infection, loud noise exposure, genetics, earwax, and numerous other conditions. Our audiologists perform several tests to determine the type and degree of hearing loss in order to make the proper referral or recommendation for treatment.
Hearing aids range in cost depending on the patient’s lifestyle and needs. Our audiologist meet with any patients interested in hearing aids for a complimentary consultation to discuss hearing loss, treatment options, cost of devices, and insurance coverage if applicable.
A licensed audiologist by the State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology.
Born and raised in Sao Paulo Brazil, fluent in Portuguese and Spanish, Daniele obtained her bachelor degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology at the Pontificial Catholic University of Sao Paulo (PUC-SP) in 1998. In 2003 she moved to Texas, where she obtained her doctoral degree in audiology from the University of North Texas (UNT).
Daniele has experience in different audiology settings and really enjoys working in the medical field. She performs comprehensive audiological assessments on a broad range of patients – from infants to elderly. She also evaluates patients with complaints of vertigo, lightheadedness and dizziness.
Plano is now home for Daniele, her husband and their daughter and son. On her time off she enjoys reading, cooking and spending time with her beloved family.
Katie Pitts is a licensed audiologist by the State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. She completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Texas Christian University and a Doctorate of Audiology degree at the University of North Texas.
She performs comprehensive audiological assessments on a broad range of patients from infants to elderly. She also evaluates patients with complaints of vertigo, lightheadedness, and dizziness. Katie has obtained manufacturer-certified training from various hearing aid companies to dispense and service their hearing aids and enjoys working with patients to improve their quality of life. Katie is a resident of Oakpoint where she lives with her husband and their young son and daughter. In her time away from work she enjoys playing beach volleyball and spending time with her friends and family.
Jerrica Tucker is a licensed audiologist by the State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Texas Tech University and earned her Doctorate in Audiology from The University of North Texas.
Jerrica performs diagnostic audiological examinations for all ages, with a clinical focus on amplification and tinnitus management. She also examines the vestibular system and complaints of vertigo, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Jerrica has experience with a wide range of hearing device manufacturers and has extensive training in the management of tinnitus. Jerrica lives in Gunter with her husband and young daughter, Kit and enjoys spending time with family and traveling.
Chandler Benson is a licensed audiologist by the State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Ouachita Baptist University, and received her Doctorate of Audiology from the University of North Texas.
Chandler performs diagnostic hearing testing for all ages, from infants through adults. She also performs vestibular testing for patients who experience vertigo, lightheadedness, and dizziness. She enjoys working with her patients to help improve their quality of life. Chandler enjoys spending time with her husband, Jonathan, and their dog, Cooper, in her free time.
Hallie Sparks is a licensed audiologist in Texas by the State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at Texas Tech University Health Science Center and received her Doctorate of Audiology from the University of North Texas in 2020.
Hallie works with both the pediatric and adult population, performing audiologic assessments when hearing is a concern. She hopes to improve patients’ quality of life through diagnostic testing and hearing rehabilitation plans. She is also trained in evaluating the vestibular system of patients who experience vertigo, lightheadedness, and dizziness. Hallie enjoys spending time with family, playing tennis, snowboarding, and walking her extra-large dog.
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