Ascend Physical Therapy Tupelo
Audiology and Hearing Aids Tupleo and Corinth MS

Audiology & Hearing Aids

ENT Physicians provide state of the art diagnostic hearing and balance testing for all ages, newborn through geriatrics, including immittance testing, otoacoustic emission testing, auditory brainstem response testing, visual reinforced and comprehensive audiometry, Electrocochleography (ECoG), and electronystagmography.

Our doctors and audiologists utilize the newest in hearing assessment, hearing aid technology and comprehensive rehabilitation plans. We do not take a one size fits all approach and pride ourselves in personalized plans and patient satisfaction. The dedicated doctors and audiology team at ENT Physicians are Tupelo’s finest.

When you find yourself having a difficult time following conversations, it becomes frustrating for you and others around you. Some patients let their hearing loss control their social life and relationships. But with expert diagnoses and treatment you can regain control of your life. If you are experiencing dizziness, ear pressure, ringing or any other of the negative symptoms of hearing problems, it can force you to stop doing what you enjoy the most: Enjoying the outdoors, spending time with family outside, playing sports or picking up new hobbies. Allow ENT Physicians of North MS to get you back on track.

Our audiologists’ years of training and experience provide them with the knowledge and resources to meet your unique hearing needs. Just because you are struggling with hearing loss does not mean that hearing aids are the right option for you. Many hearing losses can be treated with wax removal medication or surgery and will not required hearing aids. However, if hearing aids are recommended, one of our 6 audiologists will discuss test results, needs and lifestyle with you. They will make a recommendation based on the technology available that is most suited for you. Our audiologists possess the expertise to customize the hearing aid settings for your loss, counsel you regarding adjusting to the device and provide any follow up support required to maximize your performance with the hearing aids. This individualized care provides you with the greatest opportunity for success.

If you or someone you know is living with hearing loss, there is no point in waiting. The quicker you come in, the quicker we can help. Our comprehensive testing and diagnosis will give you or your loved ones a clear path to hearing again. Call us today at (662) 844-6513.

Services & Treatments


Hearing - How do we hear?

Sound waves reach our outer ear and are funneled into our ear canals vibrating the eardrum. The sound is magnified as it is moves along the middle ear bones to the inner ear. The cochlea is a fluid filled portion of the inner ear containing small hair cells that are activated as sound energy continues along this auditory pathway. These hair cells are connected to our auditory nerve which then sends the signal along a complex pathway to reach the auditory cortex in the brain. Only then is the sound truly “heard”. A disturbance along any portion of this pathway can result in hearing loss. Hearing loss can be classified as conductive, sensorineural, or mixed.

Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with the outer or middle ear, such as ear canal occlusion of wax or an ear infection. Most conductive hearing losses can be treated medically or surgically to improve the hearing loss.

Sensorineural hearing loss combines two sub-categories: sensory hearing loss arising from problems with the inner ear and neural hearing loss associated with abnormalities in the auditory neural pathway. In most cases sensorineural hearing loss is permanent and we must compensate for the loss through devices such as hearing aids.

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural elements.

Diagnostic Testing: Hearing

Immittance testing, most commonly a tympanogram, reflects eardrum mobility. This test is often ordered to confirm or rule out fluid in the middle ear.

Otoacoustic emission testing reveals outer hair cell activity. It is commonly used as a screening test on children under three years of age. Present emissions convey a normal pathway from the ear canal to the outer hair cells of the cochlea in the inner ear.

Auditory brainstem response testing in infants tests auditory nerve sensitivity. This test is typically ordered when an infant is referred from a newborn hearing screening. For adults this test can be used to evaluate auditory nerve function.

Visual reinforced audiometry uses lighted animated characters to positively reinforce awareness of speech and tonal stimuli in the soundfield of a sound booth. This testing is mostly used with small children.

Comprehensive audiometry is the most common hearing test ordered for older children and adults. It encompasses both speech testing as well as testing for threshold responses at different pitches.

HEARING AIDS

Amplification has been determined to be among the most effective tools for providing relief from tinnitus. Because the hearing aid helps amplify external sounds many patients will immediately detect a reduction in the loudness of the tinnitus. Additionally, the devices may help by relieving stress associated with the adverse impact of hearing loss on communication abilities. Learn more about Our Hearing Aid Services.

Balance

Balance disturbances can manifest themselves in many ways, including but not limited to, a feeling of lightheadedness, a spinning sensation, or general unsteadiness. Our balance is maintained by a complex neurologic system between the inner ear, sensory receptors in our joints and muscles, visual input, and our central nervous system. Treatment options may vary based on cause of dizziness. It is important to describe your symptoms to the physician, including how long the symptoms last, movements that make the symptoms better or worse, along with a complete list of medications. Some causes may resolve on their own or additional testing may be required.

Diagnostic Testing: Balance

Electrocochleography (ECoG) measures electrical potentials generated in the cochlea. This test is generally used to detect abnormalities that may suggest Meniere’s disease.

Videonystagmography (VNG) is used to evaluate the vestibular system. It is a combination of positional and caloric tests. It uses cameras in goggles that are worn over the eyes to record eye movements based on the balance system's response during these tests.

Video Head Impulse Test (VHIT) also uses cameras in goggles worn over the eyes. This test evaluates the vestibular ocular system’s ability to maintain gaze on a target when the head is rotated slightly. This test allows the physician to determine the function of all six semicircular canals.

ASSISTIVE DEVICES

HEARING PROTECTION

ENT Physicians and the Audiology and Hearing Aid Center are here to help. Call 662.844.6513 today to schedule your appointment.


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