Schedule a diagnostic hearing evaluation to determine your hearing ability. The evaluation will consist of objective and subjective measures. Testing will also include one’s ability to discriminate speech. The evaluation will determine the type, degree, and configuration of the hearing loss. The results and recommendations will be described to the patient and their family. We evaluate a wide scope of patients ranging from pediatrics to seniors.
Did You Know?
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Approximately 36 million Americans suffer from hearing loss.
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More than half of the people with hearing loss are younger than age 65.
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Untreated hearing loss can affect your ability to understand speech and can negatively impact your social and emotional well-being.
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Hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the United States.
~ American Academy of Audiology
Check out Dr. Laffan’s hearing loss tips during COVID-19.We’re here to help you with
Diagnostic Audiology Evaluations For Adults
Diagnostic hearing evaluations identify hearing loss and give your audiologist important information to help determine the best course of action for treatment. Some types of hearing loss can be treated medically or surgically. Thus, it is important that these types of hearing losses be ruled out before hearing aids or other treatments are considered.
The diagnostic hearing evaluation consists of a variety of tests to determine the unique aspects of your hearing loss, as well as the level at which you can detect and understand speech.
Pediatric Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations
Developmentally appropriate diagnostic audiologic evaluations for children are customized to the child’s individual needs, with developmentally-appropriate behavioral and objective measures.
Custom Musician's Hearing Protection
Musicians need to enjoy the sound of their voice and instrument while still protecting their hearing. Musicians face nearly four times greater risk of developing hearing loss and are 57% more likely to develop tinnitus due to noise exposure. Hearing damage occurs due to exposure to loud sounds over a long period of time. The use of custom products, such as musician ear protection or in-the-ear monitors, offers excellent sound quality, comfort, and protection.
| Musical Example | Typical Loudness Range (in Decibels) | Recommended Exposure Time Range |
|---|---|---|
| Piano | 60 dB to 95 dB | 47 minutes to 25+ hours |
| Chamber music in small auditorium | 75 dB to 85 dB | 8 hours to 25+ hours |
| Violin | 84 dB to 103 dB | 7 minutes to 10 hours 5 minutes |
| Cello | 82 dB to 92dB | 1 hours 35 minutes to 16 hours |
| Oboe | 90dB to 94dB | 1 hour to 2 hours 31 minutes |
| Flute | 85dB to 111dB | 1 minute to 8 hours |
| Piccolo | 95 dB to 112dB | 1 minute to 47 minutes |
| Clarinet | 92 dB to 103dB | 7 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes |
| French Horn | 90dB to 106dB | 3 minutes to 2 hours 31 minutes |
| Trombone | 85 dB to 114 dB | less than 1 minute to 8 hours |
| Timpani & bass drum rolls | 106 dB | 3 minutes |
| Symphonic music peak | up to 137 dB | less than 1 minute |
| Amplified rock music, 4 to 6 feet away | 120dB to 150dB | less than 1 minute |
Hearing Screenings
Hearing screenings may be vital in identifying hearing loss. Undiagnosed hearing loss will affect speech and language development, interfere with academic performance, or indicate a medical condition (e.g., middle or inner ear disorder). Northeastern provides complimentary, community-based hearing screenings to various school programs. If interested in receiving our support, please contact us at 617-373-2492 for further information.
Hearing Aid Fittings, Repairs, & Programming
If you experience hearing difficulty, start by participating in a hearing evaluation. The results will be explained, and communication strategies will be discussed. The audiologist will offer a recommendation for amplification based on your listening challenges, lifestyle, dexterity, cosmetic preferences, financial concerns, and comfort with technology.
If you decide to purchase amplification, ear impressions and measurements may be taken to make custom hearing aids/molds. The devices will be ordered and you will return roughly 2 weeks later to be fit with the new amplification. During that fitting appointment, you will provide feedback regarding your sound preferences, practice insertion/removal, learn general maintenance/care, and leave with the new amplification. Roughly 2 weeks after the fitting appointment, you will return for a follow-up appointment to have questions answered and hearing aid adjustments made if needed.
Central Auditory Processing (CAP) Evaluations
Our Center is one of the few facilities in Massachusetts to offer CAP evaluations. Following the evaluation, results and recommendations are provided to the family and school. If one is diagnosed with Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), therapeutic services and hearing assistive technology (HAT) may be provided through our Center.
Scheduling Appointments
Please call the Speech-Language and Hearing Center at 617-373-3698 or email Claudia Lywood at [email protected] to schedule an appointment.
More information about hearing and communication disorders:
- Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- American Academy of Audiology
- My Baby’s Hearing
- Self Help for Hard of Hearing People, Inc.
- Association of Late Deafened Adults
- Hearing Health Foundation
- Hearing Loss Association of America
- NIOSH
- National Hearing Conservation Association