Introduction
The audiology unit of LohGuanLye SPECIALISTS CENTRE provides state-of-the-art technology to detect, diagnose and treat children and adults with hearing, communication and balance disorders.
Audiologists work with people of all ages, from babies to older adults who may need to be screened for suspected hearing loss and fitted with hearing aids or other assistive listening devices.
The audiologists manage hearing and balance problems together with the ENT consultants, auditory-verbal therapists, speech and language pathologists and other allied health professionals.
Newborn hearing screening
Newborn Hearing Screening
Hearing loss is a silent & hidden disability. It could not be seen & babies could not tell us if they are unable to hear well. Approximately 3 babies out of 1000 are born with hearing loss in both ears. Therefore, all babies born in LSC will undergo hearing screening at birth. This is a painless, simple and non-invasive hearing screening procedure which detects possible hearing loss in newborn baby.
Diagnostic hearing test for children
Diagnostic Hearing Test for Children
Comprehensive behavioural hearing assessment such as Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) is accessible for children as young as 6 months of age whereas Play Audiometry is a hearing test for children from 3 to 7 years old. Electrophysiology examinations (computerised hearing test) such as auditory brainstem response (ABR) and auditory steady state response (ASSR) could be administered to children of all ages who could not participate in the behavioural hearing tests mentioned.
Diagnostic Hearing Test for Adults
Various diagnostic tools such as pure tone audiometry, speech test and middle ear analyser are being used to detect hearing problem in the elderly.
Cochlear Implant Programme
Cochlear implant is an electronic device that restores hearing to the deaf. It is surgically implanted in the inner ear and activated by a device worn outside the ear. Unlike a hearing aid, it does not make sound louder but it bypasses damaged parts of the auditory system and directly stimulates the hearing nerve, allowing individuals who are profoundly hearing impaired to receive sound.
Cochlear implant surgery and re/habilitation programme help the deaf population to HEAR & SPEAK again. It provides a sound beginning to the hearing impaired children and a new light of hope for the hearing impaired adults with the latest technology.
Hearing Screening and Conservation Programme
The objective of hearing screening is to provide early detection of hearing problems among the at risk population. Hearing awareness campaigns and educational programmes are conducted throughout the year to create awareness on the importance of hearing among the preschoolers, school children, senior citizens, factory workers, etc. The audiologists will also provide consultation on environmental modifications or usage of hearing protection devices when necessary.
Assessment & Management of Central Auditory Processing Disorders
Some individuals with normal hearing may encounter problems in receiving & processing the speech sounds they hear. This may lead to learning difficulties, poor academic performances and impaired social skills. The audiologists will provide assessments and management services for individuals with these auditory processing difficulties.
Hearing Aids and Assistive Listening Devices
To help patient to hear better (again), custom made or fit-to-go hearing aids are provided for a variety of causes & degrees of hearing loss. These hearing aids are not only fitted on the degree of hearing loss but mainly on the degree of handicap. Individuals become candidates for hearing aids when the hearing loss affects them socially, economically, financially or psychologically. Assisstive listening devices will be recommended when necessary to improve patients' abilities to cope with daily life activities.
Hearing aids fitting & services
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy
The audiologists conduct Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) to help patients experiencing or suffering from tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and/ or hyperacusis (reduced tolerance to loud sound). TRT is a habituation-oriented approach involving counselling and sound therapy.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
The majority of patients afflicted with an acute balance disorder recover spontaneously with only symptomatic treatment from medical professionals. However, due to the poor understanding on the balance disorders, some of these patients develop chronic balance system problems requiring extended evaluation and treatment. Patients suffering from dizziness could undergo a balance function test such as videonystagmography (VNG) to detect the site of lesion. Once the cause of inner ear imbalance is established, vestibular rehabilitation will be conducted to restore the balance.
