Audiology Services

The audiology clinic at Lamar University provides the opportunity for doctoral students in the program to work under close supervision of a licensed and certified Audiologist. We proudly offer the following services to individuals of all ages:

Complete Diagnostic Hearing Evaluation: Lamar University Speech and Hearing Clinic uses both traditional and state-of-the-art technology to complete a thorough hearing evaluation for our patients. Testing includes:

Otoscopic Examination: Otoscopic examination is a vital tool in assessing the status of the ear canal and the tympanic membrane (eardrum). We often use a video otoscope to complete this procedure, which allows the patient to see his or her own ear canal and ear drum on a television monitor. Otoscopic examination is a means to assess if there is wax or debris in the ear canal, any disorders of the external ear canal (redness, irritation, or swelling) and the status of the eardrum.

Acoustic Immittance: This test is a very quick means to assess the function of the tympanic membrane (eardrum). It helps us to ensure that the tympanic membrane is able to move freely, which is helpful in diagnosing problems of the middle ear, such as otitis media (middle ear infection).

Acoustic Reflexes: Acoustic reflex thresholds are obtained in order to test the function of the auditory nerve. This test is completed as a screening tool for neural disorders of the inner ear.

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE’s): Otoacoustic emission testing is a means of assessing the function of the nerve cell endings in the inner ear. This test is purely physiologic and requires only that the patient sit quietly for a few moments while the test is completed. OAE’s are very helpful in multiple situations, but are particularly helpful with small children or infants who have difficulty with other testing protocols. OAE testing assists the audiologist to make an accurate diagnosis.

Behavioral Pure tone audiometry: Pure tone audiometry is a standard testing procedure that allows us to assess an individual’s hearing acuity across the frequency spectrum. Patients are asked to listen for the "beep" and to press a button (or provide some other behavioral response) when the tone is heard.

Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA): VRA is used with very young children who are able to sit up unsupported and to turn their head in response to sound, but who are too young to complete other forms of audiometry. VRA uses animated puppets to reward children for turning their head in response to sound.

Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA): CPA is often used with preschool children who may become bored during standard behavioral testing. An assistant enters the booth and will play a game with the child which is based on completing an action (such as throwing a block into a bucket) when a sound is heard. This is a very accurate means of assessing a child’s hearing sensitivity.

Speech recognition testing: We use both live voice and digitally recorded voice to assess an individual’s ability to understand speech at various levels of loudness. This type of testing allows us to assess the individual’s ability to hear speech at various levels of loudness. Testing speech perception is a valuable tool in helping to understand the individual’s communicative status.

Speech in noise testing: Because most of us don’t live our lives in a sound-proof booth, we test the patients’ ability to understand speech in the presence of background noise. This is helpful in determining what situations provide the most challenge in daily communication and to determine specific hearing aid features or specific assistive listening devices which will help to overcome those difficulties.

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR): ABR is generally completed when hearing test results have been inconclusive or as a more accurate screening tool for problems of the auditory nerve. This test requires that the patient lay comfortably with his or her eyes closed while sounds are presented to the ears. Four electrodes are placed on the patient’s head which allow us to record the response of the brainstem to sound. This test takes approximately 30-60 minutes to complete and is painless. Many patients fall asleep during this test.PLEASE NOTE: The electrodes do not shock the patient!

Video Nystagmography (VNG): VNG is a testing procedure which helps audiologists to diagnose difficulties with balance and stability. VNG testing requires approximately 60-90 minutes to complete. There are specific instructions which must be followed for the 12 hours prior to VNG testing. These instructions are available at our reception desk in the clinic.

Cerumen Management: Cerumen, or earwax, is a naturally occurring substance in the ear canal and is a sign of a healthy ear. However, sometimes, a build up can occur or the cerumen can become impacted in the ear canal. This problem can be exacerbated by the use of cotton swabs to clean the ear, by wearing amplification, or due to particularly small ear canals. The Audiologists Lamar University Speech & Hearing Clinic have specific tools, called curettes, which are designed to remove cerumen from the ear canals when necessary. For particularly difficult impactions, warm water irrigations are used to loosen and remove cerumen.

Hearing Aids and Assistive Technology: For individuals with hearing loss who wish to improve their ability to communicate with friends, family, and loved ones, we offer many different styles of hearing aids with a wide range of technology levels depending upon the individual’s hearing loss. One of the most popular new styles of hearing aid is called an "Open Fit" hearing aid. These instruments are relatively small, discreet, and ideal for a great number of individuals. By maintaining an "open fit" these hearing aids allow the individual to take full advantage of their residual natural hearing as the hearing aid provides amplification only at the specific areas of hearing difficulty. Many individuals who have worn hearing aids for year, and who try this new style, are immediately impressed and choose an "open" hearing aid as a replacement to other styles.

The supervising audiologists at Lamar University have a combined total of more than 30 years of working with amplification to meet the needs of the patients we serve!