Audiology
Audiology in Afton
Hearing loss and other hearing-related conditions affect tens of millions of Americans – and those numbers are expected to increase. Audiology is a healthcare specialty specifically focused on hearing and balance conditions. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, our team provides comprehensive care and personalized solutions.
“A big part of audiology is trying to keep patients able to communicate with their loved ones. My goal is to have open and clear communication and provide open and clear recommendations, expectations, and outcomes.” – Dr. Zack Hale, AUD
Combined with our ENT (ears, nose, and throat) and surgical services, we can diagnose and treat many ear-related conditions. Dr. Hale is fluent in Spanish, and we can also arrange for an ASL translator to be present at appointments.
Help for Hearing Loss
According to the National Council on Aging, about 60 million Americans over the age of 12 experience some degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss can occur for a variety of reasons, including excessive noise exposure, age-related conditions, or ear injuries.
Signs of hearing loss include:
- Ringing in the ears
- Hearing speech as muffled
- Difficulty hearing conversations in loud environments
- Frequently turning up the TV and radio volume
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
We understand how hearing loss can affect your quality of life. Don’t delay in seeking treatment. Our team will work to diagnose the cause of your hearing loss and develop a plan of care.
Treatments for Tinnitus
Tinnitus – often referred to as ringing in the ears – is a common condition. Tinnitus can occur in one or both ears, and it may also sound like a variety of noises, including buzzing, clicking, or rushing. There are many possible causes of tinnitus, like injuries of the head or neck, hearing loss, medications, or exposure to loud noise.
Tinnitus can really disrupt your life, causing headaches, making it difficult to focus, or affecting your sleep patterns. Unfortunately, at this time there is no cure for tinnitus, but there are various treatments that can help mitigate symptoms and prevent tinnitus from becoming more severe.
Hearing Aids and ALDs
Dr. Hale can also fit patients for hearing aids and provide guidance on the use of assisted listening devices (ALDs). Hearing aids come in different sizes, designs, and with different features. That’s why it’s so important to have a professional hearing assessment, to choose a product that will best meet your needs and lifestyle.
If you have mild hearing loss, ALDs may assist with amplifying sound. They can also be used in tandem with hearing aids. Examples of ALDs include captioned telephones or headsets with personal volume control for watching TV.
You don’t have to travel far to receive specialized care. To learn more about our audiology services, call 307-885-5042.