Audiology and Hearing Aids

The following informational topics and tips are available on voice disorders and care of your vocal cords:

1. Audiology Office Information
2. The Audiologists
3. Audiology Diagnostic Tests
4. Audiology Screening Tests Available
5. Audiology Accessories
6. Hearing Aids
7. Newsletter

Audiology Office Information

Lawrence Office

You may drop off a hearing aid to be checked on any weekday during our normal business hours.

Ottawa Office

Please call the number above to schedule an appointment at the Ransom Memorial Hospital clinic.

Effective March 6th, our new address in Ottawa is;

602 S Maple St.
Ottawa, KS 66067

The Audiologists

Karen Andregg, MA, CCC-A

Karen graduated with Master’s of Arts degree in Audiology from the University of Kansas in 1986. She has worked in private practice Audiology office from 1983 to 1999, doing all facets of audiology work from screenings, diagnostics, and hearing aid fittings. She did audiology consultant work 1999 to 2004. In the fall of 2004, she began her work at Lawrence Otolaryngology doing diagnostic evaluations and later added hearing aid fitting and management of hearing aid patients. Karen has a husband in addition to three children, so her spare time is spent on family activities ("taxi driver"). She is also involved on boards at her church and works to assist a local swim team.

Audiology Diagnostic Tests

Audiological Evaluation

This is commonly known as a hearing test. We test your ear’s response to pure tone sounds as well as checking to see how your ear processes sounds. The evaluation can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)

This test is frequently referred to as an ABR. It is a specialized hearing test that can check for problems with the hearing organ itself or for problems in getting the hearing signal on up to the brain. We do this by sending clicking sounds into the ears and then using pasted-on electrodes to detect the brain waves that result. Since it is so sensitive, we need people to lie very still during the 30 to 45 minute test. We will talk to you about the best way to accomplish this.

Otoacoustic Emmission (OAE)

This specialized hearing test takes about 10 to 15 minutes and gives information about the hearing organ itself. We let you listen to several different sounds and then measure the reflection of those sounds from your inner ear. Further information on this test can be located under Audiology Screening Tests.

Electronystagmograph (ENG)

This test is also called an ENG and is used on patients who are having problems with dizziness, balance or disequilibrium. It is typically completed on adults and takes 90 to 120 minutes. We will talk with you ahead of time about medications to stop and food to eat before the test. During the test we will have you stand in various positions to test your overall balance. Then observe eye movements while stimulating the balance organ by putting warm and cool air in your ear and having you follow simple light patterns with your eyes. This testing can give a short-term sensation of motion or spinning for some people.

Audiology Screening Tests Available

Pure Tone

Pure tone screening tests are completed on all ages; these may be completed for school purposes, job requirements, or industrial needs. The test consists of wearing insert earphones (small earplugs in each ear) and listening for tones (or beeps) and signaling when each tone is heard.

Otoacoustic Emmission (OAE)

This test is commonly called an OAE and is most typically completed on newborns or those newborns that may have failed a screening at birth while in the hospital. The test is brief in duration, generally 5 to 10 minutes for the actual test. A small probe is inserted into each ear canal independently, and tones are introduced into the ear canal. A microphone in the probe will then measure if there is an "echo" produced. The patient needs to remain quiet and still for the test. This test can also be performed on individuals who may be difficult to test in the traditional manner.

Audiology Accessories

We have many items that can enhance and protect your hearing health. Please contact us for cost information and further questions.

Batteries

We sell all sizes of batteries: #5, #10, #312, #13, and #675, as well as batteries for remotes.

Wax Loops/Brushes

These are used to clean wax from the receiver port of in-the-ear style hearing aids or from earmolds, or to brush debris from microphones and switches.

Dri-Aid Kits

Various styles of Dri-Aid kits are available. These devises help remove moisture build-up, which can shorten the life of your hearing aid.

Earplugs

We sell several earplug styles that are used in noisy areas. These are either foam or plastic and inserted whenever in a high noise area.

Pro-Plugs

These plugs are available in various sizes and can be used to help keep significant amounts of water from getting into the ear canal.

Custom Ear Plugs

Custom earplugs can be used for both noise protection and water protection. Ear impressions are taken of the ear for these to be ordered. Costs depend on the style needed.

Hearing Aids

Brands

The audiologists dispense hearing aids from a variety of manufacturers. A few of the manufacturers that we use include: Phonak, Oticon, and Resound.

Styles

There are a variety of hearing aid style options from Completely-in-the-canal to mini-behind-the-ear styles. The particular style appropriate for each individual will be dependent on may factors, including needs, the ear size, dexterity, hearing loss, etcetera.

Costs

Cost of the hearing aids depends on the level of technology in the hearing aid and the options it has in addition to the patient needs.

Accessories

Hearing aid accessories may include remotes and batteries. Batteries are needed in all hearing aids and remotes are compatible with some aids.

Repairs

We repair hearing aids in our office if able and if not they can be sent either back to the manufacturer or to all make repair lab. Our office will deal with all makes and models of hearing aids. Repair cost is dependent on the age of the aid and if it is currently under a warranty.

Trial Period

All new hearing aids are fit on a trial period or an adjustment period. This is a 30-day time period where patients are scheduled to be fit with new devices, then follow up appointments are scheduled as needed during the 30 days.