Irving - Las Colinas Office Hours:
8:30am-5:00pm Monday-Thursday
8:00am-2:00pm Friday
Allergy Injection Hours:
Monday
2:00pm - 6:00pm
Tuesday
9:00am -11:30pm
Wednesday
9:00am - 12:00pm
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Thursday
Closed
Friday
7:00am - 2:00pm
Audiology and Hearing Aid Services
Las Colinas ENT and Allergy is a “full-service” Audiology facility. This means that we are trained to recognize and diagnose the causes of hearing loss for pediatric through geriatric age groups, and we can help you by offering a wide range of hearing aid services.
Many people have a difficult time accepting that they have problems with their hearing. This is because hearing loss often occurs gradually and, therefore, is not always noticeable at first. The following questions may help you decide whether you should have your hearing tested:
Do you frequently ask people to repeat themselves?
Do you turn up the television or radio louder than others prefer?
Do you have ringing in your ears?
Do you have trouble hearing on the telephone?
Do you have a hard time following a conversation in a noisy environment such as a restaurant?
Is it easier for you to understand men’s voices?
Does difficulty hearing cause you to visit friends or relatives less often than you would like?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have a hearing problem and it may be time to have your hearing tested.
Types of Hearing Loss
Sensorineural loss is the most common type of hearing loss. It occurs when the nerve endings in the inner ear are not transmitting sound properly. This is caused by damage to the hair cells in the cochlea which can happen due to exposure to loud noises, or a natural deterioration of the cells that come with age. This type of hearing loss cannot be cured with medical intervention, but can usually be improved with the use of hearing instruments.
Conductive loss occurs when sounds are not being transmitted properly to the inner ear due to a “mechanical” problem. This is often the result of blockage or damage in the middle or outer ear (i.e., ear infections and excessive wax) and in most cases can be corrected medically.
Hearing Aids
Hearing Aid Size Options
At Las Colinas ENT & Allergy, we offer a wide range of hearing instruments to assist you with your hearing needs. The hearing aids we offer are digital instruments. Currently this is the most advanced technology available. Digital hearing aids use a computer chip inside the instrument to design a prescription specifically suited to your listening needs. This circuit is programmed through a computer and usually has at least two channels that can be programmed to optimize hearing in a variety of listening environments. This circuit has fine tuning ability to match individual hearing requirements and filter out certain unwanted sounds. The sounds are processed digitally, which should result in a clearer signal. Digital circuits analyze surrounding sounds to maximize soft speech-like sounds, while minimizing louder and more constant noises, such as traffic or wind.
We offer a full range of Assistive Listening Devices such as amplified telephones/cellphones, alerting devices, TV amplifiers, both wired and wireless.
There are several styles of hearing aids available including:
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids. These aids are worn placed over the ear and are connected to a custom fit earpiece by a piece of tubing. The circuitry and electronics in a BTE aid are housed in the plastic casing that sits behind the wearer’s ear. BTE aids can fit a wide range of hearing losses and can provide more amplification and flexibility than the smaller hearing aids due to a stronger amplifier and larger battery.
In-the-Ear (ITE)/Half Shell hearing aids. These custom designed aids fill up the bowl of the ear and fit inside the ear canal. They can fit a wide range of hearing losses.
In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing aids. These aids are smaller and fit into the ear canal. This is a good choice for the cosmetically conscious consumer as the aid is small and fits almost completely into the ear canal. ITC aids are custom designed to fit the wearer’s ear comfortably.
Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) hearing aids. These are our least visible option. They fit completely inside the ear canal and are also custom designed for each patient. These aids are restricted to individuals that have ear canals that are large enough to accomodate the aid and all its circuitry.
The size of hearing aid that will work best is dependent on each individual, their amount of hearing loss, lifestyle, listening situations, shape of the ear and ear canal as well as dexterity of the hands.
HEARING AID POLICIES
When you choose to try a hearing aid, our office offers complete hearing aid services. Following the hearing aid fitting you will have a 30 day evaluation period.
When you decide to be fitted with a hearing instrument, it will require an average of three visits to our office.
HEARING AID CONSULTATION
The first visit is the hearing aid consultation, which is a process used to select the most appropriate hearing aid(s) for you. You will be counseled regarding the advantages and expectations of hearing aid use. The different styles of hearing aids will also be discussed. An impression of your ear(s) will be made for ordering the hearing aids.
HEARING AID FITTING
At the second visit, you will be fitted with your new hearing aid(s). Time will be spent explaining the use and care of the instruments and preparing you for your adjustment period. Payment for the hearing aids is due at the time of the second appointment.
HEARING AID FOLLOW UP
The third visit will be scheduled one to two weeks following your initial fitting. Your hearing will be tested with the hearing aids and adjustments will be made according to test findings and the experiences you have had during your first week(s). You are encouraged to call anytime with any concerns or problems.
CHARGES
You are responsible for all hearing aid charges and medical examination fees. Medicare and most insurance policies DO NOT cover any part of the hearing aid; however, the cost may be tax deductible.
AUDIOLOGICAL EVALUATION
There will be a fee of $100 for the hearing evaluation if it was not completed at the time of the otological examination. If an otologic examination is completed at the time of the hearing evaluation, your hearing evaluation can be billed through your insurance. However, coverage will vary depending on your benefit policy. If aids are purchased at the time of the hearing evaluation, the fee for the evaluation will be waived.
HEARING AIDS
We work with a variety of hearing aid companies offering a full scope of models and makes. The price of the hearing aid(s) includes the cost of the instrument, follow-up appointments, fit/dispense fees, and a minimum of one (1) year repair, loss, and damage warranty.
EVALUATION PERIOD
All hearing aids are fit on a thirty (30) day evaluation basis. The purchase price of the hearing aid(s) includes a $150.00 fit and dispense fee per ear which is non-refundable. If you do not wish to keep the hearing aids, you will be refunded the purchase price less the fit/dispense fee.
There is no charge for follow up visits or quarterly hearing aid checks and cleanings with the audiologist. We encourage you to call our office with any concerns.
Las Colinas Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy
If you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
J. Byron Mullins, MD 7449 Las Colinas Blvd, Ste 100, Irving, TX 75063 Ph: 972-432-8282 Fax 972-432-0552
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