Central Auditory Processing (CAP) Evaluations
A Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) is the inability to process spoken language in a meaningful way when hearing is considered to be within normal limits. In simple terms, one may describe Central Auditory Processing (CAP) as how well the ear communicates information to the brain and how well the brain comprehends the ear’s message. Through a series of tests, an audiologist can evaluate hearing and identify possible auditory processing problems. These tests involve listening to different types of speech under a variety of challenging listening situations. CAPD can affect learning, particularly in the areas of short-term auditory memory, reading comprehension, literacy, and organization. If left untreated, CAPD can have negative implications on an individual’s social and cognitive functioning. Early detection is crucial in treating CAPD. Hearing Evaluation Services recommends testing children as young as 8 years old if a CAPD is suspected. For more information on CAPD testing in children, please visit Central Auditory Processing Disorder in our Pediatrics section.
Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Evaluation and Management
The description of tinnitus varies from person to person, however typically it is described as a ringing, buzzing, or hissing in a person’s ears. Tinnitus is often accompanied by oversensitivity to sound, which in clinical terms, is known as decreased sound tolerance or hyperacusis. While tinnitus is quite common for many Americans, at times it may cause individuals to feel increased levels of stress and anxiety.
A tinnitus appointment at Hearing Evaluation Services (HES) is led by an audiologist, specializing in tinnitus and gives the patient an opportunity to discuss the effects that tinnitus has had on his or her life. Our comprehensive tinnitus and hyperacusis program is aimed at improving quality of life by empowering patients to feel more in control of their tinnitus. Visit our Tinnitus section to learn more about what HES can offer in the way of treating and living with tinnitus.
Hearing Conservation Program
Hearing Evaluation Services is committed to providing hearing healthcare to Western New York, and that includes taking proactive steps to help prevent and monitor hearing loss. Our Hearing Conservation Program is designed for businesses where employees are exposed to loud noise on a daily basis. In addition to monitoring the hearing of employees, educational training as mandated by OSHA is also available. If you are exposed to high levels of noise, it is important that hearing protection devices are used and that hearing is monitored to ensure that hearing levels are not changing. Common sources of noise-induced hearing loss at work include loud machinery, power tools or driving trucks and other large vehicles. Noise exposure can occur outside of work as well; if you hunt, go to concerts or listen to loud music, your ears are at risk! Specialized hearing protection that fits right into the ear canal is available for these special circumstances. For more information, visit Industrial Testing.
Cerumen Removal
Extreme cerumen (earwax) buildup in the ear canal can block out sound and cause temporary hearing loss. Some people produce excessive wax, while others produce very little. Earwax tends to pose a problem for people who wear hearing aids as it can block the sound coming out of the hearing aid and cause feedback (a whistling sound that typically occurs when there is earwax in the ear canal). Hearing Evaluation Services provides cerumen removal using state-of-the-art equipment. Earwax is removed by gently flushing water in and out of the ear canal. Our audiologists are also skilled in removing cerumen manually if an ear wash is contraindicated by a hole in the eardrum, a history of ear surgery, or other problems with the ear.