Hearing loss is a health issue Some people think hearing loss is a mechanical problem. Hearing less these days? Buy an electronic marvel and fix it. The fact is, hearing loss -- like vision impairment or physical disability -- is a health problem. There are dozens of possible causes, a wide variety of symptoms and variations, and an assortment of side effects and emotional impacts. And for each unique combination of causes, symptoms, variations, side effects and emotional impacts, a unique combination of treatments and therapies is suggested. Audiological Diagnosis Dr. Paul Milner or Judy Learner Nichols, both licensed certified audiologists, provide complete evaluation and diagnosis of hearing loss situations. Among the services available are: Screening test: This audiometric exam tests pure-tone thresholds and will determine (a) if a hearing loss exists, (b) generally what type of loss it is, and (c) which, if any, further tests are needed. Diagnostic evaluation: This audiological evaluation includes complete air-conduction and bone-conduction testing, as well as speech thresholds and word recognition tests. Additional tests such as tone-decay, loudness balance, and middle ear function tests may be performed. Medical and Surgical Referrals Some causes of hearing loss are correctable without the use of a hearing aid. Treatment ranging from removal of blockages to corrective surgery can restore hearing loss in many cases, often to 100% efficiency. Hearing Care Center will refer patients to the proper medical and/or surgical specialists when such treatment is indicated. Hearing Aids When electronic hearing assistance is indicated, Dr. Milner and Judy Learner Nichols draw upon their combined more than 50 years of knowledge and experience to evaluate the many variables required for a successful hearing aid fitting. Dr. Milner uses his MIT engineering background and graduate education in Speech and Hearing Sciences, as well as more than 30 years experience in scientific and clinical research. Judy has nearly 20 years experience in working with a wide range of clients in medical and non-medical settings. After a thorough evaluation of both the client's needs and the wide range of currently available hearing aid technology, Dr. Milner and Judy will select a hearing aid with the proper features and custom specifications to suit the client's hearing loss and personal needs. Hearing Care Center represents a number of highly respected manufacturers, and is bound to no one brand. Advanced technology 100% Digital, programmable and conventional non-programmable hearing aids are available from Widex, Oticon, GNReSound, Siemens, Phonak, Unitron, Audio'D', Rexton, Starkey and others, as well. Each company offers different technologies that allows Dr. Milner and Judy to select the devices most suitable for the client's needs. Hearing Accessories Hearing Care Center carries a full line of hearing aid batteries and hearing aid accessories. Also available are assistive listening devices such as personal and infra-red listening systems, signaling devices and other special products for the hearing impaired. Hearing Care Center provides full in-warranty and out-of-warranty services on all hearing instruments. Supportive Counseling Hearing loss can have a profound impact on mood, personality, self-esteem, and more. Family systems can be affected when communications are impaired or changed. Adjustments to assisted hearing may require emotional guidance and understanding. Ione G. Milner, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), applies her years of experience and background in both individual and family therapy to provide counseling to patients and their families, as required.