Audiological Exam
Audiological exams are a series of tests used to determine the type, severity and cause of a patient’s hearing loss, so they can find a unique treatment plan. These tests are painless and non-invasive. They are typically conducted by an audiologist in an office setting.
Learn MoreBalance Assessment Test
Balance assessment tests take around two hours and are taken with computerized testing equipment. While are painless, doctors often recommend patients bring a driver with them as a precautionary measure. Balance assessment tests usually consist of three types of tests to measure problem-causing areas.
Learn MoreCochlear Implant
A Cochlear implant is a device that provides sound signals to the brain, working in place of a damaged inner ear. Surgery is required to place a cochlear implant, and then it receives digitally coded sound signals from a sound processor worn behind the ear. It then stimulates the hearing nerve which sends impulses to the brain where it is understood as sound. Cochlear implants are used in children and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Learn MoreEndolymphatic Dac Decompression
Endolymphatic sac decompression is a surgery utilized in patients with Meniere’s disease to control or lessen vertigo attacks. It is typically recommended after other treatments, such as dietary changes and therapies, have been proven ineffective in a patient. Endolymphatic sac decompression is a same-day surgery that removes a bone in the ear. It is performed in an office setting under anesthesia.
Learn MoreEpley Maneuver
An epley maneuver is an exercise that treats positional vertigo. It is typically performed by a doctor in an office setting. However, patients can also utilize this maneuver at home once they have been to the doctor to learn the intricacies of the movement. The goal of the movement is to reposition crystals in a patient’s ear, which may cause dizziness and nausea.
Learn MoreFistula Test
Fistula tests are used to confirm the diagnosis of perilymph fistula, when an abnormal opening between the vestibule and middle ear cavity is suspected. In fistula testing, positive and negative pressure are applied to each ear then eye movements are recorded. If a patient’s test is positive, it is a good basis to require surgery.
Learn MoreHearing Aid
A hearing aid is a small electronic device used to amplify sound so that people with hearing loss can communicate more effectively. While hearing aids do not restore hearing loss, they improve hearing significantly. There are three main styles of hearing aids – behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, and canal hearing aids, and two types – analog and digital which vary on the type of electronics used.
Learn MoreLabyrinthectomy
A labryinthectomy is a surgical procedure used to control vertigo. The goal of corrective labyrinthectomy is to repair or stabilize ear function. Meanwhile, the goal of destructive labrinthectomy is to stop the production of sensory information or prevent transmission from the inner ear to the brain.
Learn MoreMicropressure Therapy
Micropressure therapy is used to treat some cases of Meniere’s disease when medical treatment does not suffice. Micropressure therapy places a device in the external ear, which generate a sequence of low-pressure pulses. It aims to reduce pressure in the ear, relieving symptoms of Meniere’s disease and removing the need for invasive surgery.
Learn MoreNoise Suppression Device
Noise suppression devices are sound therapy hearing aid devices that are used to mask a patient’s tinnitus, blending it into the background, and taking the patient’s focus elsewhere. They transmit white noise and can be adjusted to the patient’s preference level.
Learn MoreSemicircular Canal Occlusion
Semicircular canal occlusion surgery is an option for benign positional vertigo patients that therapy does not work for. In the surgery, an incision is made behind the external ear to remove the bone behind the scalp and inner ear. This bone removal eliminates the function of the canal in the poorly performing ear. Within a few weeks, the patient’s brain will learn to rely solely on the good ear and vertigo will be relieved.
Learn MoreSurgical Repair for Perilymph Fistula
Surgery is sometimes required to repair the membrane of the middle and inner ear, and this is called surgical repair for perilymph fistula. During surgery, the eardrum is raised and soft tissue grafts are placed around the oval and round window. It is carried out through the ear canal and under local anesthesia.
Learn MoreValsalva Maneuver
Valsalva maneuver is a four-phase breathing technique used to normalize middle ear pressure. The technique requires a patient to try to exhale while keeping the mouth and nose closed. It can be performed sitting or lying down, but should always be performed under a doctor’s supervision.
Learn MoreVestibular Nerve Section
Vestibular nerve section is a surgical option for patients who have severe Meniere’s disease, but still have good hearing in the affected ear. A successful surgery results in an elimination of recurrent vertigo attacks. This surgery is often only considered after other devices and therapies have been unsuccessful. Vestibular nerve section involves opening an envelope of the brain to expose the vestibular nerve, and then carefully cutting the vestibular nerve and keeping the cochlear nerve fibers intact.
Learn MoreVestibular Test
A vestibular test, also called a vestibular function test, determines the health of the vestibular part of the inner ear, which controls balance. These tests help identify the specific cause of dizziness which lead to the development of a customized treatment plan, or a request for more expensive tests such as MRIs. Common vestibular tests include: electronystagmography, rotary chair tests, computerized dynamic visual acuity, and more.
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