Audiology / Hearing >>

Audiology services are available at Southern NH Rehabilitation centers in Nashua at the main facility, 460 Amherst Street (call 603-577-8400). and 10 Prospect Street , Suite 401 (call 603-577-3337). Hearing aid services are also available at the Amherst Street clinic.

Hearing Aid services will begin on January 2nd at Audiology, 10 Prospect Street.

The audiologists works with you to identify the nature and degree of your hearing loss, give suggestions on improving communication skills, and determine if amplification (hearing aids) would be beneficial.

We also provide complete hearing aid fittings, explanations of what a hearing aid can and cannot do, and advice on selection of other assistive listening devices. Our audiologists are certified by the American Speech Language Hearing Association. Our state-of-the-art equipment meets national standards. Our complete range of audiology services for infants, children and adults includes:

• Comprehensive hearing evaluations
• Outpatient infant auditory brainstem response screenings and consultation
• Hearing aid selection and fittings
• Hearing aid repairs including: electroacoustical analysis and real-ear measurements
• Free hearing screenings for 55PLUS members
• School consultations
• Testing for middle ear fluid

We offer a selection of the latest technology in hearing aids:

• Digital Hearing Aids
  • 100% automatic - no volume/remote control
  • 100% digital technology
  • Clear and distinct sound reproduction
  • Custom tailored to match individual hearing needs and preferences
  • Computer programmable to maximize flexibility
  • Choice of behind-the-ear, in-the-canal, and open styles
  • Less time needed for response changes

When your child is scheduled for a hearing evaluation:

Audiological test methods to assess hearing in children vary according to the child’s age, cognitive level, attention span and degree of cooperation. As the audiologist is attempting to obtain as much valid and specific information in as short a time period as possible, it is helpful if your child is prepared about this experience prior to the evaluation. The following are some general guidelines provided as suggested activities that may enhance and expedite the test procedure. Also, we hope these may alleviate any apprehension you or your child may have before you arrive.  

Ages 6 months to 2 years: In this test situation the child sits on the parent’s lap in the center of the sound booth. On either side and slightly forward of the child are speakers with animated toys hidden at the top. The stimulus is presented through the speaker. When the child turns toward the sound source s/he is rewarded with the now visible animated toy.  Head turns and other types of consistent attending behaviors are accepted as valid responses. Because the stimulus comes from speakers and not headphones this is called soundfield testing and it essentially evaluates the better ear if one exists. This is a standard test procedure for children too young to wear or accept headphones.

Ages 2 years to 3 years six months: In t his test method some information may be obtained while your child is wearing earphones, if possible. This may entail the child pointing to body parts (e.g., ears, eyes, nose, hair, mouth, teeth, belly/tummy, feet) or pictures of items appropriate to his/her language level. The child will hear the tester’s voice under the earphones asking him/her to point to specific items while varying the level of her voice. The “pointing game” is something that can be practiced at home, particularly pointing to body parts. Earphone testing enables the audiologist to obtain ear-specific information, which can detect a unilateral or asymmetric hearing loss.

Ages 3 years six months to 5 years: In this test method the child will be wearing earphones and is asked to play a listening game. When s/he hears soft beeping sounds (sometimes referred to as “birds” or silly whistle sounds) s/he will drop one block into a plastic bucket. This is done even if the sounds are very soft. The block should only be dropped into the bucket when paired with the beeps. The “listening game” can be practiced at home. It is not necessary to have headphones for practice but for some children it is helpful just to put some type of headset on them to introduce the tactile sensation of having their ears covered and/or a band over their head. Any type of earphones or walkman-type device will suffice. Also, it is likely that the child will be either pointing to pictures, body parts or repeating words verbally. When you play the game at home you will have to simulate the bird sounds or beeps. This can be done by varying the pitch and loudness of your beeps. Encourage your child to throw the block into the bucket as soon as s/he hears the beep. 

Ages 5 years and older:This test method may utilize approaches described above, or standard hand-raising procedures.

It is important to keep in mind that there is a fair amount of overlap between test methods and age groups. The testing is performed in a sound booth and sometimes is conducted with two audiologists in a team-test method.

With young children the parent will accompany the child into the sound booth during the test session. To ensure a quiet environment no one else is allowed into the booth.  If feasible, it is best to bring your child to the appointment without the accompaniment of other siblings or friends. This allows the audiologist and you to focus on your child’s needs and enhances the quality of the testing situation.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact an audiologist at (603) 577-8400.