The
PCMH Audiology and Hearing Aid Center offers a range of screening,
diagnostic and treatment services for patients of all ages.
Hearing
Aids
PCMH
audiologists fit hearing aids for hospital inpatients and anyone
referred by a physician. Our staff members are experts in fitting
hearing aids from various manufacturers and work with the patient to
find the right type and then fine tune the hearing aid. We
also provide an aggressive follow-up program.
We
offer trial periods with hearing aids and interest-free payment
plans. Hearing aid technology has changed dramatically over the last
few years; let us provide a free demonstration of the latest
products.
Cochlear
implants
Cochlear
implants are special devices used when regular hearing aids do not
provide enough benefit for the patient. We use a series of tests
and work with parents to determine if pediatric patients will benefit
from a cochlear implant. Follow-up rehabilitation therapy
is also provided to help the child achieve his or her maximum
potential.
Infant
hearing assessment and follow-up
We
test the hearing of all infants born at PCMH and provide follow-up
services, if needed. North Carolina has an aggressive infant
hearing assessment program, and goals include having newborn children
with hearing impairment identified early and hearing aids fit, if
needed, by six months of age. We retest infants who are referred from
our hospital as well as infants referred from area hospitals. We
offer a wide range of procedures to assure accurate hearing
assessment and proper fitting of hearing aids plus continued
follow-up to achieve maximum benefit.
Traditional
audiological assessments
We
work with many physicians who refer patients if they suspect hearing
loss. We may monitor patients who are on medicines that can
damage hearing. For
very young children, we use a variety of techniques involving playing
and listening, and adapt play methods to attain accurate
assessments.
We
follow children who may be at risk for developing hearing problems,
and we work closely with the parents. If a school-age child is
hearing impaired, we work with the school audiologist to
help fit special hearing aids or other equipment for the best
patient care.
We
also offer assistive devices such as signaling systems, amplified
telephones, etc., to help with special needs.
Auditory
processing disorders
Traditional
hearing testing tell us the levels at which a person can hear sounds.
However, this test does not tell us what the brain does to interpret
sounds or speech. A more sensitive test, called central auditory
processing screenings and evaluations, help determine how a person
processes speech. We provide special listening devices or treatment
as appropriate.
Balance
disorders assessment
PCMH
Audiology is part of a team of professionals who provide a vestibular
rehabilitation program. Physicians may request a vestibular or
balance system assessment by audiologists if a person has nystagmus
(rapid eye movement), complaints of vertigo (dizziness) or balance
or gait abnormalities.