Audiology

It can happen at any time--to anyone--regardless of age, culture, gender or social economic status. It's hearing loss, and it affects more than your ability to hear--it affects every aspect of your life, from the relationships you have to the activities you plan.

Over 20 million Americans suffer from hearing loss--ranging from very mild to profound loss--and at least a third of them are 65 or older, suffering from presbycusis or hearing loss from aging. If the comments listed below are familiar, you or your loved one may be one of the 10 million Americans who have untreated presbycusis. Even mild hearing loss may be causing you to miss out on life's everyday enjoyments.

"Turn the TV up!"
You can't hear people 10 feet or more away from you or you turn the TV volume up higher than others prefer.

"Look at me!"
Watching people closely when they talk seems to make it easier to understand what they are saying.

"I heard you--really"
You guess at what people have said and pretend to have understood them when you haven't.

"I don't want to go."
Avoiding or withdrawing from social activities, or perhaps attending and monopolizing the conversation so you know what's being discussed.

Hear For Life!
It doesn't have to be that way. The Audiology Staff at OSF Saint James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center can help people of all ages with hearing loss. A licensed clinical audiologist is on staff and a complete range of amplification devices are available. OSF Saint James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center is "hear" for life!

Take the Test
The first step to determining whether a problem exists is to take the test. At OSF Saint James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center, an audiologist evaluates people of all ages, from infants to seniors. For older children and adults, the audiologist will begin by asking about your hearing health history and then perform a series of diagnostic testing. Finally, the results will be compiled and the audiologist will assess the extent of hearing loss, if any, as well as balance and related disorders.

The Perfect Fit
If the audiologist determines you are experiencing a hearing loss, a treatment will be recommended. As a hospital employee, the audiologist is committed to identifying the most appropriate treatment, which is not always a hearing aid. However, if necessary, OSF Saint James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center offers a complete range of amplification devices-and works with you and your family to ensure a perfect fit. Complete orientation and follow-up care are part of getting an amplification device through OSF Saint James. The audiologist will show you how to use and care for your amplification device.

Family counseling
By working with you and your family, the audiologist can help you all communicate better by understanding communication strategies.

30-day trial period
You don't have to invest in your amplification device until the 30-day trial period is completed. If at that time you no longer want the device, you simply return it with no charge.

In addition to hearing aids, OSF Saint James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center offers a full line of assistive devices such as amplified phone handsets, TV listening devices, telephone volume maximizers and much more, including batteries and battery testers, hearing aid dehumidifiers, cleaning tools, ear plugs and other related items.