Why choose Geisinger for audiology?
Managing hearing loss can do more than improve your hearing. It can bring back conversations, music, laughter and the moments you've been missing.
The cause and type of your hearing loss shape your treatment, which is why an accurate evaluation matters so much. Your audiologist will use a comprehensive range of hearing tests that look beyond the type and degree of hearing loss to check your middle ear function, hearing nerve and inner-ear hair cells.
And depending on your diagnosis, you’ll have access to a team of specialists, including ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors, audiologists, speech and language pathologists and social workers, supporting you and your family along the way.
Plus you'll find it all nearby, with locations in central and northeastern Pennsylvania, so your appointments are close and convenient. It just takes a referral from your doctor to get started.
Treatments and services we offer
Conditions we manage
FAQs
What causes hearing loss?
Hearing loss can be a natural part of aging, and it often starts after age 40. Causes can include:
- Certain medications
- Exposure to loud noises
- Genetics
- Illness
- Traumatic head injury
- Tumors in the head and neck region
What are the levels of hearing loss?
There are 6 levels of hearing loss:
- Slight
- Mild
- Moderate
- Moderately severe
- Severe
- Profound
What are the signs and symptoms of hearing loss?
Signs and symptoms often come on gradually, and sometimes a loved one notices before you do. They may include:
- Asking people to repeat themselves or speak louder
- Avoiding social settings
- Difficulty understanding words, especially when there’s background noise
- Listening to the TV or radio loudly
- Muffled sounds
- Trouble hearing consonants
What are the risk factors for hearing loss?
Certain behaviors, genetics and other factors can raise your chances of hearing loss:
- Age: Hearing naturally declines over time, typically after age 40.
- Exposure to loud noise: Short- or long-term exposure to loud noises can damage the cells in your inner ear.
- Family history: Having a family member with hearing loss may raise your risk.
- Other factors: Certain medications or illnesses can also affect hearing.
How do you diagnose hearing loss?
Your audiologist will work with you to evaluate the type and degree of your hearing loss and build a management plan around your needs. Tests may include:
- Physical exam: Your doctor looks inside your ear for signs of inflammation, infection and ear wax.
- Audiometric tests: This noninvasive test measures your ability to hear different frequencies.
Does Geisinger treat balance/vestibular problems?
We treat some of these problems. Your vestibular system, made up of parts of your inner ear and brain, controls your balance. When it's damaged, you may feel unsteady or dizzy and have blurred vision, falls and nausea. Our Vestibular and Balance Center team includes otologists, vestibular physical therapists and audiologists who'll work toward finding the cause and recommend medical or rehabilitative treatment.
What treatments do you offer for hearing loss?
Depending on the type, cause and degree of your hearing loss, management may include hearing aids, cochlear implants or ear surgery, speech and language therapy or other surgery.
Audiology services at Geisinger
When something changes with your hearing, the right team makes all the difference. Here's what you'll find at Geisinger:
- A personalized approach: No matter what type of management you choose, from hearing aids to cochlear implants, you'll work closely with your audiologist to make sure you’re comfortable with your choice, from diagnosis on.
- A comprehensive range of hearing tests: Your audiologist won't just identify the type and degree of hearing loss. They'll also check your middle ear function, hearing nerve and inner-ear hair cells for a complete picture.
- Care close to home: With locations in central and northeastern Pennsylvania, you'll have access to consultations and comprehensive hearing care without traveling far.