FAQs

How do you test newborns and infants?

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing measures the hearing nerve's response to sounds. The same testing and equipment is used that you would see at a children’s hospital or specialty clinic. Four sticker electrodes will be placed on the baby’s head. Earbuds placed in the ears will play soft sounds, and the electrodes will measure how the nerve responds to those sounds. Babies and children must be quiet and still during testing for accurate results.

What type of earmolds do you provide, and how are they they made?

Custom earmold impressions are traditionally used to create swimmer ear plugs, hearing aid earmolds, in-ear monitors, hearing protection, musician ear plugs, earbud sleeves and more. A soft piece of foam is gently placed in the ear before a syringe is used to fill the ear with a soft putty. Once set, the earmold is easily removed and sent to the manufacturer to be made into your earmold. Though this occasionally may cause discomfort with having something in your ear canal, there is typically no pain involved with impressions.

My child did not pass the screening or was diagnosed with hearing loss- what’s next?

The next step after a referred screening or diagnosis of hearing loss is to determine the cause. There are many reasons why your child may not pass their screening, and there are several types of hearing loss- some temporary and some that require further management. I promise to guide you through the test results and refer you to trusted providers who can manage and treat childhood hearing loss.

How do you perform ear wax removal?

I perform manual removal of ear wax using a lighted curette for many reasons. Most importantly, it is safe with fewer risks compared to other methods of removal such as suction or irrigation. There are things you can try to soften the wax prior to removal that may decrease any potential discomfort. Please call to discuss ways to prepare for this visit.