CCH May 2017 Department Discovery: CCMG Audiology Clinic

The Campbell County Health May 2017 Department Discovery shines a light on Campbell County Medical Group’s Audiology Clinic.

Staffed by Audiologist Kathryn Schmidt-Miller, MS, CCC, and Office Coordinator Mary Christopherson, CCMG Audiology is committed to providing quality hearing health care so patients have the quality of life they deserve.

Did you know that about 48 million Americans suffer from some hearing loss? That equates to roughly one in every six people. In fact, it’s a myth that hearing loss affects only “old people” and is just a sign of aging—hearing loss affects all age groups.

For those who don’t know, an audiologist evaluates, diagnoses, treats, and manages hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders in newborn, children, and adults. Audiologists can also help patients get help with other medical specialists including speech-language therapists. Kathy is also a member and has served on the board of the National Hearing Conservation Association.

CCMG Audiology provides identification, assessment and rehabilitation of hearing loss. The Clinic offers many custom options, as well as over-the-counter recommendations. The Clinic also works with Captioncall to get amplified phones to people who would benefit from this free service.

“If you want amplification, hearing devices are available through our office. In fact, we can help you download an app on your smart phone that can serve as a remote control for devices and the app has GPS capabilities that allow you locate devices if lost,” says Kathy.

Kathy recommends that hearing should be on everyone’s list of “know your numbers.” In fact, you can have your hearing screened when you participate in a CCH Wellness screening—no referral is required to have a diagnostic hearing test at the Clinic.

Hearing tests are painless and non-invasive. Typically, a hearing test will take place in a quiet, sound-treated room (booth) that is designed to keep out any other noises that could affect the hearing exam scores. Patients will be asked to wear ​headphones with wires connected to an audiometer, an instrument used to conduct the test. Once in the booth, a hearing care professional will communicate with you and provide instructions through your headphones. You will be asked to listen to tones at different pitches and volumes and push a button when you hear them. You might also be asked to repeat back words as well.

A big round of applause to Kathy and Mary with CCMG Audiology! Thank you for all that you do in keeping our community healthy.

May is Better Speech and Hearing Month. If you would like to know more about your hearing, CCMG Audiology is here to meet your needs. Hearing preservation, hearing evaluation and hearing rehabilitation—CCMG Audiology is here to help you hear. Learn more at www.cchwyo.org/hear.