Audiology is the study of hearing disorders. It is concerned with the assessment of the nature and degree of hearing loss, hearing conservation, and rehabilitation of individuals with hearing loss.

Testing Procedures

Conventional Audiogram
Pure tones are tested under earphones in a sound booth for frequencies 250Hz-8000Hz. Bone conduction is completed when hearing levels are 25dB HL or greater. Speech audiometry including speech reception threshold and word recognition is also completed. This testing determines degree and etiology of hearing loss.

Electroacoustic Immittance Measurements
A probe is placed in the patients ear and the middle ear air pressure and tympanic membrane compliance is measured. This test identifies middle ear problems.

Electronystagmography Testing
Electrodes are placed near the patients eyes to measure micromovements in response to changes in physical positions and calorics. This tests helps to identify if patients dizziness is of central or peripheral origin.

Additional Services

Custom Ear Protection
Impressions of patients ears are taken and custom ear plugs can be made in 2 weeks time. These are more occluding than over the counter ear plugs and are excellent for hunters, construction workers and musicians.

Custom Swim Plugs
Impressions of patients ears are taken and custom swim plugs are made. These are used for patients prone to external ear canals. These can be made in a variety of colors and float if they fall out.

For Pediatric Patients

Behavioral Testing
Behavioral Observation Audiometry (BOA)
Used for children age 4-8 months of age. Child is placed in sound booth on caregivers lap and behavioral responses are observed to speech and warble tones in a soundfield. Looking for subtle changes in breathing, eye widening or startle responses. Responses in the 40-60dB HL range are considered normal. BOA is much less reliable than electrophysiologic measures.

Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)
Used for children 8 months to 3 years of age. Child is placed in sound booth on caregivers laps and conditioned to turn head towards a lighted/animated animal in response to both speech and warble tones in a soundfield. This test does not differentiate between ears and test the better hearing ear only. Responses 0-25dB HL are considered normal. VRA is more reliable than VRA.

Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA)
Used for children 3-5 years of age. Child is conditioned to perform task (drop block in bucket etc.) in response to both speech and pure tones under earphones. This test gives us ear specific information. Responses 0-25dB HL are considered normal.

Electrophysiologic Testing
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
Used for children at birth or any child that can not give behavioral responses due to developmental delays. Electrodes are attached behind the ears and on the forehead of infant. This test is an objective measurement of electrical activity in the brainstem in response to sound.

Additional Testing
Electroacoustic Immittance Measurements
A probe is inserted into the child's ear canal measuring the middle ear air pressure and tympanic membrane compliance. This test can be performed on a child of any age.

Central Auditory Processing Screening
Used for children age 3-11 with normal hearing sensitivity and normal middle ear function. This test identified children with auditory processing difficulties.

Audiology Facts

Greater than 30 percent of people over 65 have some type of hearing loss

14% of those between the ages of 45-64 have hearing loss

American Speech Language and Hearing Association Recomendations:

Adults should be tested every 10 years through age 50. After 50 years of age they should be tested at 3 year intervals.

Anyone with a documented hearing loss should be tested annually.

Children should be tested at birth and every 3 years through their school years.

Children with speech and language delays should receive a complete hearing test.

For More Information
or to schedule an appointment

Karla Childers, M.S., CCC-A
Sutter North’s ENT Department
460 Plumas Blvd.
Yuba City, CA 95991

Call 530-749-3399

Same Day Appointments Available on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Most Insurances Accepted.