Diagnostic Testing
Audiology and Hearing
Sharon Hickox, MA, CCC-A
Sharon Hickox is a certified audiologist and licensed hearing aid dealer who graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Disorders in 1984. She then received her Master of Arts Degree in Audiology and began her career at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Sharon relocated to the Grand Rapids area in 1996 and has been working at Comprehensive Ear, Nose and Throat, PC. since her arrival. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, Michigan Academy of Audiology, and the American Speech –Language-Hearing Association.
Sharon is committed to providing the full range of audiology services to her patients including complete hearing and balance diagnostic evaluations, hearing aid services and custom ear plugs. Personal interests include: fitness, reading and fishing.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is the sudden or gradual decrease in how well you can hear sounds. Most commonly caused by age, hearing loss is a common condition that affects up to 25% of people between the ages of 65 and 75, and up to 75% of people over the age of 75. Hearing loss can be mild or severe and can be reversible, temporary or permanent.
Hearing loss is most frequently caused by noise and age. Noise-induced hearing loss is gradual but can affect people of all ages. It is caused by loud noises, such as music, lawn mowers, etc, that you hear over a long period of time. Age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, changes in your ear cause gradual hearing loss. Hearing loss can also be caused by wax buildup and an object in the ear, which are usually temporary, or an injury or ruptured eardrum, which may be more serious.
Common symptoms of hearing loss include muffled hearing, understanding what people are saying and the feeling that your ear is plugged. Other symptoms can include ringing, hissing or buzzing in the ear. It is important to talk to your doctor if you suffer from any of these symptoms. Your doctor may perform a "whisper" test or use a tuning fork to test your basic hearing. If hearing loss is indicated, a more detailed audiologic test may be performed to properly diagnose the condition.
Myringotomy
A myringotomy is a surgical procedure in which a small incision is made in the tympanic membrane (eardrum) to remove fluid such as blood, pus, or water from the middle ear. The fluid is usually caused by an infection or allergies. In many cases, a small ear tube is inserted into the eardrum to maintain the drainage.
A myringotomy is performed to relieve pressure due to chronic fluid buildup in the middle ear that has not responded to other treatments. Although some adults may undergo this operation, myringotomies are most often performed on children. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis with a general anesthetic. Some adults may only require a local anesthetic.
Tympanometry
Tympanometry is a diagnostic procedure that examines the middle ear by applying varying air pressure in the ear canal to see how the ear responds. A probe is inserted into the ear to change the air pressure and produce a tone by making the ear drum move back and forth. The responses are then measured. The patient may not speak, move, or swallow during the test because these actions can affect the ear pressure.
Tympanometry measures the functionality of the ear drum, or tympanic membrane, by measuring the ear's response to sound and different pressures. Abnormal results may be the result of fluid in the middle ear, perforated or scarred ear drum, impacted ear wax, a tumor, or lack of contact between the conduction bones of the middle ear.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are a common non-invasive treatment option for hearing loss. A hearing aid is a small electronic device that is worn in or behind your ear and amplifies sounds so they can be heard better and listening and communicating with others is made simpler. The device consists of a microphone, amplifier and speaker. The sounds are received through the microphone and then increased in power by the amplifier, which then sends the signals to the ear through a speaker.
Hearing aids magnify sounds based on the severity of a patient's hearing loss. Hair cells within the ear detect these magnified sounds and convert them into signals to pass to the brain. There is a limit on how much amplification can be given to sounds, so hearing aids are not for everyone.
Click here to learn more about Hearing Aids
Vestibular and Neuro-Diagnostic Testing
The licensed and certified audiologists at Comprehensive Ear, Nose, and Throat P.C. have received advanced training in the field of Audiology. They receive continuing education that allows them to provide patients with the most advanced neuro-diagnostic testing. The audiologists work closely with our physicians.
Vestibular Testing
Nearly forty percent of all people over the age of 40 experience dizziness or balance problems during their lifetime. There are many causes for dizziness. The Audiology Department at Comprehensive Ear, Nose, and Throat P.C. specializes in vestibular diagnostic testing to determine the cause of your difficulties with balance.
Electronystagmography (ENG)
An ENG provides an objective measure of the vestibular (balance) system. During this test, eye movements will be recorded while different patterns of movement will be evaluated. The test consists of three sections: 1) Eye movements: The patient will watch a target light that is stationary or in motion. 2) Positionals: The audiologist will move the patient through various head and body positions, including the Dix Hallpike Maneuver. 3) Calorics: The ear will be warmed and cooled with 60 seconds of airflow into the ear canals.
Important ENG Testing Information
The morning of your scheduled test, please do not smoke, eat or drink caffeinated beverages such as coffee or tea at least two hours prior to the test. Please do not wear makeup or moisturizers the morning of your test. It is important that you do not take any of the following medications 48 hours prior to your test:
- Tranquilizers (Valium, Librium, Ativan…)
- Antihistamines (Benadryl, Atarax…)
- Medications for dizziness or motion sickness (Antivert, Scopolamine…)
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Sleep Aids
Do not discontinue medication for diabetes, thyroid, heart conditions, seizures or blood pressure management. If you are not sure whether or not to take a medication, please call our office. This testing may cause some patients to feel dizzy or unsteady. If possible, please arrange for a family member or friend to provide transportation.
Neuro-Diagnostic Testing
Neuro-Diagnostic testing has a wide range of clinical applications. The Audiology Department at Comprehensive Ear, Nose, and Throat P.C. offers the following services to help provide physicians with more information regarding the status of your auditory nerve and peripheral system.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE's)
An OAE is an objective test that is used to determine cochlear status, specifically outer hair cell function. Information can be used to:screen hearing, test functional hearing loss, differentiate between the sensory and neural components of sensorineural hearing loss, monitor for medications toxic to the ear, and give a partial estimate hearing sensitivity within a limited range.
Speech Therapy and Videostroboscopy
Elizabeth A. Fausone, MS CCC SLP
Elizabeth A. Fausone is originally from the Detroit area and graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor's of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She received her Master's Degree in Speech Pathology from the University of Michigan. She has twenty years of experience in the Medical Speech Pathology field with the last ten years specifically in the areas of swallowing and voice. Her special interests include Videostroboscopy/Voice Evaluation and complete Head and Neck Cancer Services. “Beth Anne” offers complete speech pathology services for both adults and children. Treatment is provided on a one to one basis utilizing an individualized approach. She is committed to working closely with physician referral sources, patients and families to provide state-of-the-art services in an ethical and supportive atmosphere. Personal interests include: reading, triathlon training, fitness and adventure-travel.
Here is a link to an article about Beth Ann and our speech department:
http://www.mlive.com/living/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/09/hoarse_throat_will_heal_faster.html
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