Patient Services

The Center for Audiology's services include:

Hearing Assessment

  • Basic hearing assessment

    A basic 30-minute assessment consists of pure tones and speech materials, with specialized hearing tests performed as needed. The audiologists work closely with otolaryngologists at the UPMC Eye & Ear Institute, as well as other health care providers, to determine the best plan of treatment.

  • Free telephone hearing screening

    Call 412-647-2400 for a free telephone hearing screening. Once your call is answered, you will be given instructions for listening to some tones in each ear. Follow the instructions and at the end of the test you will be provided with information about interpreting the hearing screening.

Amplification Solutions

The Center works with each patient to match amplification technology to the patient's hearing results, listening needs, and lifestyle.

Special Testing

  • Brainstem evoked response test

    The brainstem evoked response test (BSER) is a 60-minute exam used to obtain more information about the hearing nerve. While the patient relaxes, a computer measures how the hearing nerve responds to sounds.

  • Distortion product otoacoustic emission testing

    This test tests outer hair cell function and is useful in pinpointing the part of the ear that may be damaged.

  • Imittance test battery consisting of tympanometry and acoustic reflexes

    In imittance testing, pressure in the ear canal is changed, and the movement of the eardrum in response to the change is recorded.

  • Electrocochleography

    In electrocochleography, the ear is stimulated with sound to examine the response of the cochlea and the auditory nerve.

  • Facial electromyography

    Facial electromyography records electrical activity in the facial muscles.

Specialized Services and Programs

  • Cochlear Implant Program

    The Cochlear Implant Program works closely with the ear (otology) surgeon to fit severe to profound hearing-impaired individuals with devices that convert sounds into electrical impulses to stimulate the ear. This program helps those individuals who have too much hearing loss to benefit from hearing aids.

  • Tinnitus Treatment Program

    Many patients suffer from tinnitus. The center uses Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) as a treatment for this condition. TRT educates patients about the causes of tinnitus, and the various strategies and devices that can minimize its annoyance.

  • Musicians' Hearing Center

    The Musicians’ Hearing Center was established to provide the musicians with the hearing protection and information they need to play their music without risking permanent hearing loss.

Occupational, Educational, and Recreational Hearing Effectiveness and Safety

The Center for Audiology provides services for businesses that must meet the requirement of U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). This includes noise surveys of workplaces, hearing health education to workers, baseline and ongoing hearing evaluation with recommendations based on changes in hearing in compliance with OSHA standards. Acoustic environmental evaluations are available for recreational facilities and educational facilities.

Free Educational Sessions on Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids

Understanding hearing loss can be complicated for both the person experiencing hearing loss and their families. In addition, researching and purchasing hearing aids can be time consuming and expensive. The Center for Audiology offers free informational sessions for the public covering various topics.
New hearing aid users are invited to participate in a three week training program (one hour per week) that will assist you in adjusting to amplification and getting the most benefit from your hearing aid. Significant others are encouraged to participate. To sign up for a three week course call 412-647-2030.
Many other sessions are offered at the UPMC Eye & Ear Institute. Each session consists of three hour-long classes. Participants may attend as many classes as they wish.
Class topics include:

  • Understanding Your Hearing Loss

    This class will teach participants how hearing loss can impact their lives. Topics covered include anatomy of the ear, how we hear, types of hearing loss, understanding hearing loss, understanding hearing tests, and communication difficulties associated with hearing loss. Families and friends of those suffering from hearing loss are also welcome to attend.

  • Understanding Hearing Aid Technology

    In this class, participants learn about the different styles and technologies used in hearing aids, as well as where to seek qualified professionals to assist in this process.

  • Telephone Options and Other Assistive Technology

    This class focuses on telephone use with hearing aids and cellular phones, as well as additional alerting and communication devices available to people with hearing loss.
Registration is free but required. For more information or to register, contact us at 412-647-2030. A basic 30-minute assessment consists of pure tones and speech materials, with specialized hearing tests performed as needed. The audiologists work closely with otolaryngologists at the UPMC Eye & Ear Institute, as well as other health care providers, to determine the best plan of treatment.

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