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Audiology Services
1501 N Campbell Ave, 5th Floor
Tucson, AZ 85724
(520) 694-6144
The University Physicians Healthcare-University Medical Center
The Audiology Department at University Medical Center provides comprehensive one-on-one evaluations, treatment, and management of hearing and balance disorders.
The Audiology staff works with many physicians and hospital areas, including, Newborn Nursery, Newborn Intensive Care Unit, Pediatrics, Ear, Nose & Throat, Oncology, and Internal Medicine. Four audiologists see both in-patients and outpatients and are committed to providing the highest quality of care.
"UMC audiologists identify and treat hearing disorders in all age groups, from newborn infants to older adults. We also see many specialized populations including newborns who are at risk for hearing loss and cancer patients who have received chemotherapy that may have adversely affected their hearing and balance," said Christy Maré, Au.D., Audiology Supervisor.
Newborn Hearing Screening
Nurses perform a hearing screening on every baby born at UMC. Studies have proven that early identification and intervention make a significant difference in every area of a hearing-impaired child's life. The goal is to identify hearing loss by the age of three months and no later than six months. If a hearing loss is confirmed, the child is fit with hearing aids. Most hearing loss is permanent and the children will need hearing aids for the rest of their life. These children are evaluated every 3 to 6 months during the pre-school years to monitor stability of the hearing loss and optimize rehabilitation efforts.
Tinnitus Therapy Overcomes Ringing in the Ears
Audiologists at UMC offer Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), which is an effective way to neutralize ringing in the ears, without side effects that may occur with medication or surgery. The treatment includes:
- An audiology evaluation, which is often covered by insurance.
- Patient education about tinnitus and the hearing system.
- Wearing ear-level sound generators that emit a low-level, broad-band noise. The goal is to retrain the auditory pathway to shut out the tinnitus. Instead patients train themselves to hear a neutral signal, much like the background noise of a refrigerator motor—a sound they are not normally aware of and when they hear it, it is not bothersome.
Total treatment typically takes 19-24 months, although many patients begin to experience relief after three months.
Insurance companies do not cover TRT and the training costs range from $4,000 to $6,000.
Balance Tests
For patients complaining of dizziness or unsteadiness, a test for balance indicates whether the inner ear is contributing to the problem. The test involves making the patient temporarily dizzy by putting warm and cool water in their ears, and the patient is also asked to perform several visual tasks. Eye movements are recorded and analyzed for any abnormality.
Full Hearing Aid Services
With the introduction of digital technology, people who use hearing aids are happier than ever. Hearing aids now provide better fidelity and flexibility than in the past. No more adjusting the volume-the new hearing aids automatically adjust to the surrounding environment.
An audiogram (hearing test), lasting 30 minutes to 1 hour, determines the type and degree of hearing loss and whether the person would benefit from a hearing aid. Most health insurance companies do not cover the cost of hearing aids. Hearing aids range from approximately $950 to $3,000 per ear and come with a 45-day trial period with comprehensive warranties. Hearing aids last from 5 to 7 years. Hearing aid services include re-programming, repairs and service.
Other Specialized Services
- TV or telephone sound enhancers
- Customized plugs for swimmers
- Protective earplugs for loud environments
- Musician's earplugs that attenuate without affecting the quality of the music
For more information, and to schedule an appointment, call (520) 694-6144.
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