Our Services
Olmsted Medical Center's audiology department can evaluate, diagnose, and treat hearing and balance disorders for patients of all ages. Below are services OMC offers.
Pediatric Hearing Evaluations
Hearing evaluations cover a wide range of test procedures and populations. Basic evaluation of pure tone air conduction and bone conduction audiometry, speech recognition, and speech discrimination are included for children as age appropriate. For many children, soundfield speakers, visual reinforcement using lights and toys, and play audiometry may be incorporated along with the skill of the provider to obtain an accurate measure of hearing.
Adult Hearing Evaluations
Hearing evaluations cover a wide range of test procedures and populations. Basic evaluation of pure tone air conduction and bone conduction audiometry, speech recognition, and speech discrimination are included for most adults. Many times, speech in noise testing may be included in addition to other special tests as needed.
Occupational Hearing Conservation Follow-Up and Monitoring
Many industries provide hearing services and protection due to OSHA regulations. Those individuals who experience a significant change in hearing, require testing with hearing aids, or need custom hearing protection devices are referred to audiology. OMC Audiology department also offers program monitoring and coordination for many industries.
Tinnitus Evaluation and Management
Olmsted Medical Center provides comprehensive evaluation and management options for patients with Tinnitus. There is no cure for Tinnitus but several sound therapy treatments are available that can improve the quality of your life. Karin Ross, Au.D., has trained with Pawel Jastreboff (an international tinnitus treatment expert) and is able to provide Tinnitus Retraining Therapy. Appropriate recommendations for medical evaluation, further psychological management, or alternative behavioral therapies will be made at your evaluation.
Hearing Instruments
A wide variety of makes and models of the most advanced digital hearing instruments are available for adults and children as treatment for hearing impairment. All hearing instruments come with a 45-day trial period. For more information, you can browse the US Federal Trade Commission's information on these devices.
Hearing Instrument Accessories
Accessories for hearing aids such as cell phone connections, personal wireless microphones, TV linking devices, remote controls, dehumidifiers, amplified phones, assistive listening devices, alerting devices, battery testers, and hearing aid batteries are available. Parent kits, including a listening scope to check your child’s hearing aids, are provided with all pediatric fittings. Download a PDF brochure detailing our hearing-aid-related services, products, and costs.
Hearing Instrument Repair
Repair of many makes and models of hearing instruments is available. Download a PDF brochure detailing our hearing-aid-related services, products, and costs.
Middle Ear Monitoring
Objective measures using tympanometry and middle ear acoustic reflexes are available to evaluate the middle ear including the determination of middle ear fluid presence, tympanic membrane perforations, acoustic nerve function, etc.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs)
OAE is an objective measure of cochlear hair cell function. It is used to evaluate hearing sensitivity in infants most often, but it also used to confirm hearing status without the need for the child to respond.
Auditory Brainstem Response Evaluations (ABR)
ABR is an objective test used to measure hearing sensitivity and the integrity of the ear structures from the auditory nerve to the brainstem.
Newborn Hearing Follow-Up
Newborns in Minnesota are required to receive a hearing screening in the hospital prior to discharge. Follow-up services for those infants who are missed or do not pass the initial screenings are available.
Custom Earmolds, Swimplugs, and other Hearing Protection
Custom ear pieces are needed for hearing aid fittings, to prevent water from entering ear canals post-surgery, or to prevent outer-ear infection. Custom hearing protection is also available for the comfortable prevention of noise-induced hearing loss. Special earplugs designed for musicians are also available.
Custom Music Products
Custom earpieces for use with personal listening devices (mp3 players, etc.) are also available.
Custom Music Monitors
Custom monitors allow musicians to hear their music while performing and protect their hearing. Monitors are available in a variety of styles, colors, and designs.
