Diagnostic Services
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Comprehensive otologic examination to evaluate the structures of the ear including the external auditory canal, tympanic membrane, and middle ear. Video otoscopy is also utilized for documentation and patient counseling.
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Screening and diagnostic evaluation of the inner ear structures.
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Comprehensive evaluation of the middle ear system including the mobility and health of the ear drum and middle ear structures. Tests include tympanometry, acoustic reflex thresholds and acoustic reflex decay testing.
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Evaluation of the tube that connects the middle ear to the upper part of the throat.
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Utilization of both air conduction and bone conduction pure tone testing for the purpose of determining the type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss/thresholds.
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Testing determined to find a listener’s most comfortable loudness level, uncomfortable loudness level, speech understanding in quiet and speech understanding in the presence of background noise.
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A diagnostic CAPD evaluation including tests of dichotic listening, frequency patterning, tests of time compressed and low-pass filtered speech. We work closely with other professionals (speech therapy, occupational therapy, neuropsychology, education) as well as families to determine deficit specific treatment recommendations.
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Black Hills Audiology is equipped to see patients of all ages (infancy through elderly). We welcome patients of all abilities and are happy to provide accessible hearing health care services to any and all who seek our services.
Hearing Aid Services
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Discuss what is most important to you and your family with the purpose of determining the most appropriate amplification recommendation(s). Discussions surrounding hearing aid technologies, hearing aid styles, hearing aid pricing, hearing aid service pricing included.
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Black Hills Audiology currently fits and services hearing aids from Widex, Phonak, Oticon and Starkey.
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Black Hills Audiology fits all styles of hearing aids (behind-the-ear, receiver-in-the-ear, custom in-the-ear).
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Personalized programming based on every individual’s hearing loss and lifestyle. Verification of hearing aid fittings using real-ear measurements guaranteed. Counseling regarding expectations and care/maintenance of hearing aids included.
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We are here to help you! Whether it’s something small or large, let us help troubleshoot any issues you may have. Routine hearing aid clean/checks (every four to six months) are recommended but we are happy to provide services even if we have never seen you or haven’t seen you in a while!
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Whether it be a remote microphone or TV streamer, we have assistive listening devices available to help patient understanding as much as possible. We also provide support with mobile App accessibility and use.
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Over the counter and custom hearing protection options available.
Hearing Loss
and Your Health
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Individuals with hearing loss are at greater risk cognitive decline at a faster rate than individuals with normal hearing. Hearing loss also increases risk of depression and isolation, overall impacting mental health.
-https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/whats-connection-between-hearing-and-cognitive-health
-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8920093/
-https://www.asha.org/siteassets/ebp/value-of-audiology-hearing-loss-cognitive-decline-factsheet.pdf
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Extreme and/or fluctuating blood sugar levels can damage small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear and brain, leading to higher risk of hearing loss.
-https://www.audiology.org/consumers-and-patients/hearing-and-balance/diabetes-and-hearing-loss/
-https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/complications/hearing-loss/diabetes-and-hearing-loss
-https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hearing-loss-common-people-diabetes
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Hearing loss can lead to balance disorders and higher risk of falls.
-https://www.audiology.org/consumers-and-patients/hearing-and-balance/
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Although you can have tinnitus without the presence of hearing loss, it is often the first sign of damage somewhere in the auditory system. Hearing loss and tinnitus are closely related.
-https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/symptoms-causes/syc-20350156
-https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/53029-Tinnitus-and-hearing-loss
-https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-tinnitus-basics
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Cardiovascular disease can impact the blood flow to the ear, resulting in higher risk of hearing loss.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6145783/
-https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28703883/
-https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52833-Hearing-loss-and-heart-health