Audiological Evaluations

This consists of a number of tasks (pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry and impedance testing) performed in a sound proof room, designed to determine which sounds of speech you can hear and how well you can distinguish differences between similar words such as tips, pits, fits, thin. Impedance measures the integrity of the middle ear system to determine how well the eardrum functions, to check if there is fluid behind the eardrum or to determine if there might be other middle ear conditions that warrant a visit to an Ear, Nose & Throat specialist.

We are a Medicare approved provider of services as well as have contracts with a number of insurance carriers including Aetna, Alta Bates Medical Group, Blue Shield, Blue Cross, Carpenters Trust Fund, Connecticut General, Health Net, ILWU, US Dept. of Labor-OWC, and others.

Hearing Aid Dispensing Services

Hearing aid evaluations include the selection of appropriate technology specific to your hearing needs based on your hearing test, your lifestyle, your manual dexterity, visual acuity, financial ability and cosmetic preferences.

Real ear measurements (REM) with the hearing aids in place are obtained utilizing state-of-the art equipment to document aided benefits. These tests utilize miniature microphones placed in the ear canal to measure exactly the performance of the hearing aid in your ear.

Speech-in- noise (SIN) tests are utilized in conjunction with (REM) to determine the most appropriate technology for you.

Hearing aid orientation includes training on the use and maintenance of the hearing aids, counseling for you and your loved ones on how to maximize communication at home and in other places as well as how to access assistive listening devices to enhance hearing aid use.

We dispense most major brands (AHS/Interton, AVR Sonovation, Bernafon, Microtech, GN Resound, Oticon, Phonak, Qualitone, Rexton, Siemens, Sonic, Starkey, Unitron, Widex)

We service, clean and repair all brands under 7 years post purchase, as long as parts are available.

All hearing aid fittings honor FDA and California law: 30 days evaluation/satisfaction period.

2-year comprehensive warranty including loss and damage.

We assist you in billing insurance plans that cover hearing aids.

Real Ear Evaluations (REM)

Visible Speech and Unity Systems are employed to determine aided versus unaided results using complex signals and speech. The Visible Speech computer enables loved ones to hear a simulation of the patient’s hearing loss.

An integrated computer system enables us to make programming changes to your hearing aid with the hearing aid in place in your ear canal.

Computer guided video otoscopic images enable us to determine whether cerumen is present and affecting aided performance; it also helps determine other causes of “occlusion effect (echo).”

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)

Is a filtered Electroencephalogram (EEG) that monitors the central auditory pathways to determine potential dysfunction due to central lesions such as: stroke, tumors, and congenital abnormalities, among others. Click here for related links.

Electronystagmography (ENG)

An ENG is a test of vestibular/balance function, which is usually ordered when the patient presents with a complaint of dizziness or unsteadiness. The test is a non-invasive electrical recording of eye movements obtained as the patient is asked to perform specific head and body movements.

Click here for related links.

Medicolegal Evaluation

Consists of a battery of tests, including the HINT (Hearing In Noise Test), to evaluate the impact of noise exposure at work.

HINT – Hearing in Noise Test

A computerized and standardized test developed at The House Ear Institute in Los Angeles to document the effects of background noise on speech understanding, particularly for state employees such as firemen, policemen and other similar occupations. For more information, please visit the House Ear Institute's HINT page.

Ototoxic Drug Monitoring Program

Serial testing of patients receiving certain antibiotics, loop diuretics and oncological agents, to determine changes in hearing sensitivity.

Central Auditory Processing Evaluations

Evaluations are available for adults and children 6 years of age and older and consist of the administration of a battery of tests specifically selected to determine central auditory dysfunction. Click here for an explanation of the term Central Auditory Processing and related links.




Pediatric Evaluations

Conditioned-oriented visual reinforcement audiometry as well standard play audiometry and middle ear and speech testing is offered for children 5 years and older.