Audiology

As many as four to six of every 1,000 newborns born in the United States have some degree of hearing loss. Phoebe's Audiology Department treats infants with special care. All infants are given hearing tests, and if an infant fails the test, a follow up appointment is automatically scheduled at our Phoebe Northwest location.

Phoebe Audiology performs hearing tests on patients of all ages, including various tests and services in our community such as:

• Newborn hearing screenings
• Diagnostic hearing evaluations for newborns, pediatrics and adults
• Central auditory processing evaluations
• Customized earmolds

Conventional Audiometry:

This is the standard test method used to determine a patient’s hearing sensitivity and quantify a hearing loss. Through this test method, the type and degree of hearing loss can typically be confirmed.

Pediatric-tailored hearing tests:

There are various test methods that can be employed to assess a child’s hearing, even if the child is non-verbal or unable to respond using the conventional test method. These include Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) and Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA). The audiologist will customize the test method based on the child’s developmental age, interests, and attention span.

Acoustic Immittance:

This is an objective measurement which includes tympanometry (measure of the mobility of the tympanic membrane under varying pressures) and reflex studies (measure of stapedial muscle activity in response to sound). When correlated with other measures, immitance is helpful in determining the presence of middle ear pathology (evaluating any damage or abnormality of the inner ear).

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR):

This is an evaluation that can be a useful measure of hearing sensitivity in patients who cannot respond behaviorally (infants, for example). Surface electrodes are attached to the patient’s head and the ears are stimulated via insert earphones. Brainwaves which correlate to hearing sensitivity are measured, and thus, an estimate of hearing levels can be generated.

Central Auditory Processing Evaluations: 

The evaluation of central auditory processing disorders is conducted in children that appear not to be functioning normally orally, even though they have normal hearing sensitivity and discrimination. Parents and teachers of these children frequently report that the child has delayed speech and/or language, inattention, and an inconsistent ability to follow instructions.

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs):

OAEs which are produced by the cochlea’s outer hair cells, provide an objective assessment of peripheral hearing sensitivity at the level of the cochlea. OAEs may also be used to monitor the potential ototoxic effects of medication.

Earmolds:

The audiology department offers customized earmolds for radio communication, swimming, hearing protection, and hearing aids.

Phoebe Audiology

2336 Dawson Road, Suite 1100, Albany, GA 31707
(229) 312-8793