October 31, 2022
How it fits together.
We pride ourselves on being a “full scope” practice. By that we mean we perform virtually all the functions an audiology/hearing aid dispensing practice could encompass. Fully diagnostic, we perform evaluations that include outer ear, middle ear, inner ear, ear wax, tinnitus, and the balance system. Our patients range from pediatric to the elderly. We cover a lot of bases, but are these functions isolated from one another? How do we fit them together to provide unrivaled levels of care to our patients?
The problems our patients present with are EAR problems. Since the same fluid flows through the balance and hearing portions of the inner ear, conditions that affect balance may affect hearing. Ear wax affects hearing AND hearing aid function. Patients commonly report problems with their hearing, their balance, and perhaps other problems.
Having all these functions under one roof makes it possible to help patients in a more complete way without the need for extra trips to multiple offices and specialists. There are also conditions we diagnose that may need an otolaryngologist (ENT). We will recognize the “red flags” for these conditions. Often a patient being seen for hearing aids will have excessive ear wax at a check up. We then transition the patient to the exam chair for removal. If the patient complains of recent dizzy spells, we consider VNG testing for that. Perhaps a vertigo patient also presents with impaired hearing. We can then discuss amplification.
We perform all these functions to better serve our patients efficiently. This is the benefit of not operating under a retail model. We are not about products, we are about care. We take pride in seeing patients, not customers. It is a privilege to serve the public in such a capacity, and we look forward to helping you with your ear-related concerns. As always, we wish to keep you on a clear path to good hearing and ear health.
