Easter Seals Disability Services

Audiological Services

Hearing loss may be acquired before or during birth if a pregnant woman takes certain drugs or contracts a viral disease such as rubella (German Measles). Children sometimes acquire hearing loss from infection and inflammation of the middle ear or from communicable diseases. Adult hearing may be affected by prolonged exposure to loud noise and the process of aging.

Audiological services are used to:

• Determine existence and type of hearing impairments
• Provide rehabilitative services
• Assess amplification devices, such as hearing aids
• Teach individuals ways in which they can make the best use of their remaining hearing

Individualized Treatment Plans

An audiologist, after evaluating a person's hearing and determining the type of hearing loss, establishes a treatment plan. This may involve therapy, prescription of special equipment such as hearing aids and electronic communication devices and referral for possible surgery or medication.