Audiology

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.

The audiology staff at OSF Saint James can help people of all ages with hearing loss. Licensed clinical audiologists are on staff to provide hearing and balance assessments and a complete range of amplification devices are available to patients.

Introducing Siemens Aquaris™

Whether you are covered in sweat or dust, working with your hands or working in the fields, you should have a hearing aid that can keep up with all that you do. OSF Saint James audiology services now offers the amazing Aquaris hearing aid from Siemens.

This awesome piece of technology is built tough, designed to impress, and engineered to perfection. Equipped with BestSound™ Technology for sound clarity and comfort, Aquaris is waterproof, dustproof, sweatproof, and shock-resistant.

For more information or to schedule your hearing consultation today, please call us at (815) 842-4584.

Our Services

Testing
At OSF Saint James, 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 tests including a balance assessment. The results will be compiled and the audiologist will assess the extent of hearing loss, if any, as well as balance and related disorders.

If the audiologist determines you are experiencing hearing loss or balance disorder, treatment will be recommended. Our audiology staff is committed to identifying the most appropriate treatment, which may not always be a hearing aid.

Hearing Devices
OSF Saint James offers a complete range of amplification devices and our staff will work with you and your family to ensure you receive the right device. In addition, our staff will show you how to use and care for your amplification device.

Trial Period
Hearing aids are dispensed with a six-week trial period. Your audiologist will work with you to help maximize your communication with your hearing aids. Returned hearing aids are eligible for refunds if you are not satisfied.

Working With Your Physician
Our audiologists will communicate diagnostic test results to your primary health care provider and other specialists to help facilitate management of your hearing and balance treatment.

OSF Balance & Dizziness Center

OSF Saint James audiologists are integral members of the OSF Balance & Dizziness Center team.  Our staff works closely with specially trained physical therapists, neurologists, and otolaryngologists to diagnose and treat all types of balance and dizziness disorders.

Our Staff

David Schmidt, AuD, CCC-A, FAAA
David Schmidt grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, but has spent most of his life in central Illinois. He has been a professional audiologist for over 20 years and completed his Doctor of Audiology degree in 2005. In addition to his clinical duties, David also teaches American Sign Language at Illinois State University.

He enjoys serving a small community like Pontiac because, as he says, "I love the quieter, gentler way of living. I love getting to see patients around town." David and his wife of over 25 years have two sons. David is very involved in his church and has traveled around the world on mission tours including Tanzania, Malta, and Argentina.

When asked what he appreciates about working for OSF, David says, "I work here because of the Mission of OSF. I am glad to be able to come to work each day and provide great hearing health care in an environment that encourages Christian values and a true love for our patients."

Suzanne Suss, AuD, CCC-A
Suzanne Suss received her Masters in Audiology from the University of Illinois and her clinical Doctorate from the University of Florida at Gainesville.

When she talks about living in the Pontiac community, Suzanne responds, "Pontiac is a very friendly town! I like living in an area where I can enjoy the beauty of the country and the convenience of area businesses." In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking, sewing, gardening, and cooking.

When asked why she loves working for OSF, she says, "Working for OSF HealthCare means working for an entity that is truly committed to the care and well-being of its patients and their community. OSF Saint James is a 'small hospital with big bones.'"

"I feel we have many services for our patients and state-of-the-art equipment, but that everything is still very accessible for both clinicians and patients. It is of great benefit to my patients that I can work closely with their medical care providers to facilitate treatment."

Patient Resources

To learn more about what audiology can do for you, please visit these helpful websites.

• American Academy of Audiology
• American Speech Language Hearing Association
• American Tinnitus Association

Contact Us

OSF Saint James audiologists are available 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

If you are interested in learning more about audiology services at OSF Saint James or wish to schedule an appointment with us, please call (815) 842-4584 today.