Our Services
We deal with a variety of ear issues in different ways
Hearing loss which can be sensorineural, conductive or a mixture of both. Pure Tone Audiometry is used to assess the level of hearing loss, this involves firstly using headphones to determine air conduction thresholds and then using a bone conductor on the mastoid bone to determine the bone conduction thresholds. With these thresholds we can diagnose the hearing loss and manage accordingly. Hearing assessments are free when purchasing hearing aids.
Tympanometry
Tympanometry is used to determine how well the eardrum is moving which may indicate issues within the middle ear. This is particularily useful when assessing children for glue ear.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) testing is used to determine the cochlear function of the patient. This is a very simple and effective test that proves hearing/cochlear function in the inner ear of the patient. A sound is sent into the ear and when it reaches the hair cells in the cochlea it is reflected back and this reflected sound is recorded as an OAE, proving the hearing system is intact. Newborn screening involves testing OAEs in newborns.
Video Otoscopy
Video Otoscopy involves using a video otoscope to inspect the ear canal and eardrum and display on screen.
Hearing Aid
Hearing aid fitting involves programming hearing aids to a set prescription against the hearing assessment outlined above. The cost of these aids depend on whatever technology level that is most suitable to your hearing loss, this cost can be helped with a PRSI grant of €1000 (depending on PRSI status).Some patients may require Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA) or Cochlear Implants and we can advise regarding same.
Tinnitus Consultation
Tinnitus, which is a totally subjective condition, where you can hear a noise in your ears and noboby else can. This can be very delibitating and requires expert management. The majority of tinnitus patients have an associated hearing loss which requires hearing aid amplification and this amplification can act as a sound therapy which can alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus. We can advise on management strategies
Microsuction of Earwax
As GP`s are moving away from ear wax removal, we provide ear wax removal using microsuction.