Audiology and Speech Therapy
Aster Hospital Mankhool
Audiology and Speech Therapy
The Best Audiology Hospital In Dubai & Sharjah
Audiology is a medical discipline that focuses on hearing loss and balance disorders. It utilises advanced technology to assess the impact on a patient's communication abilities and provide rehabilitation through hearing devices.
An audiologist specialises in diagnosing and treating hearing, balance, and other neural systems disorders in individuals of all ages. They help prevent hearing loss by recommending hearing aids and educating patients about the effects of sound on hearing.
The Department of Audiology at Aster Hospital offers diagnostics. consultative, and rehabilitative services for patients of all ages. Our team includes licensed audiologists, and technicians, who are dedicated to providing the best treatment for hearing loss and comprehensive care to both outpatients and inpatients.
Aster Hospitals' Department of Audiology treats patients with the following disorders:
- Hearing loss
- Balance disorders
- Tinnitus
- Hyperacusis
- Auditory processing disorders
- Brain stem-related hearing disorders
This includes comprehensive assessments to identify the type, underlying cause, and severity of patients' hearing loss. Our audiologists collaborate with Otolaryngologists and other specialists to ensure quality care.
If you're experiencing ear pain, ear infections, or hearing problems, we recommend you book an appointment with Aster Hospitals to understand and make informed qi decisions about your healthcare.
Audiology Assessment Services At Aster's Department Of Audiology In Dubai & Sharjah
Our skilled audiologists at Aster Hospitals aim to assist patients with hearing problems by employing various testing strategies to evaluate the degree of damage and the affected portions of hearing (low, middle, or high frequencies). These include tests and procedures with unique components, each providing specific details.
Depending on the severity and type of hearing loss, the audiologist recommends the best treatment options that can help improve patients' quality of life. Our audiologists also provide appropriate counselling and medical referrals to ensure patients receive thorough and timely care.
Aster's advanced Department of Audiology offers the following comprehensive hearing assessments, all conducted in an ECKEL sound-proof room under expert supervision:
Pure-Tone Audiometry
This is a behavioural test that measures the hearing sensitivity of central and peripheral auditory systems.
An audiogram is a graph which shows how sensitive a patient's hearing is. Pure-tone thresholds (PTT) disclose the softest noise audible to the patient.
Tympanometry And Acoustic Reflexes
By changing the ear canals ' air pressure, this test evaluates middle-ear functions, including eardrum movement (tympanic membrane) and bone conduction. It helps in audiology diagnosis of hearing loss, especially in young adults.
Acoustic reflexes are the involuntary contraction of the middle ear muscles that occur in response to high-intensity noise stimulation. They help examine the middle ear's protective mechanism.
Speech Audiometry
This test helps determine the type and degree of hearing loss while providing information on word recognition abilities and details of discomfort or tolerance to speech stimuli. It also facilitates audiological rehabilitation management.
Otoacoustic Emissions Testing (OAE)
This test assesses the functioning of the Inner Ear's (Cochlea) hair cells. The movement of the cochlea's sensory hair cells generates sounds in response to external noise. This sound is recorded through a microphone fitted into the ear canal.
Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR)
This is a traditional audiometric testing method used to evaluate children's hearing ability. Conducted under sedation, this test determines the severity, pattern, or frequency-specific information of hearing loss in young children.
Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (ABR/BERA)
This test assesses the auditory brainstem function and hearing sensitivity of patients. Stickers are placed behind the patient's ears and on the forehead to measure the activity of brain centres and the auditory nerve in response to auditory stimuli.
Other Specialised Services At Aster's Department Of Audiology
- Air & Bone Conduction Hearing Tests: This is a complex procedure to assess the hearing level of each ear.
- Free Field Audiometry: This test measures children's response to loud speakers' sound stimuli. It also assesses the hearing aid outcomes.
- Play Audiometry: This test uses behavioural conditioning to manipulate young children to respond to sound stimuli. It measures the hearing sensitivity of children between 2 to 5 years of age.
- Special Tests: This test allows to test pure-tone and speech stimuli without the use of headphone or other on ear transducers. It is also used to assess hearing aid outcomes.These tests distinguish cochlear from retro cochlear pathology. and are used for high-frequency & pseudohypacusis audiometry.
- Speech in Noise Tests: This test involves specific keywords that are played in between background sounds.
- Swimmer's Ear Plugs & Ear Moulds: Custom earplugs are designed based on patients' ear impressions for noise protection and to prevent water from entering the ear canal. This is perfect for patients who work in noisy environments or participate in water sports.
- Hearing Aid Analyzer: This helps in the optimal fitting of a hearing aid by analysing its performance.
- Conventional Audiometry: This test helps assess and manage hearing levels and problems of children above 5 years of age and adults.
- Contralateral & Ipsilateral Stapedial Muscle Reflex: This test measures the reflex reactions of middle ear muscles in response to different sounds.
Effective Audiology Treatment At Aster Hospital
There are several types of hearing loss with different causes. While presbycusis refers to age-related hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is caused by loud noise. Sensorineural hearing loss is often permanent and occurs as individuals grow older.
Children with infections or head injuries may have this type of hearing loss. Some medications can also cause hearing loss which is known as Ototoxicity.
Audiologists may diagnose and treat hearing loss by providing hearing aids or suggesting other hearing assistive technologies. The following solutions may be suggested based on audiology diagnosis:
- Hearing aids: These are sound-amplifying devices placed behind the ear to help individuals with hearing loss improve speech recognition and hearing.
- Cochlear implants: These are electronic devices designed to improve a patient's ability to comprehend speech and hear other sounds.
- Assistive listening devices (ALDs): These provide additional listening support to make the sound more accessible to individuals with varying degrees of hearing loss.
- Aural hearing rehabilitation: These include communication strategies to improve an individual's conversational ability and reduce hearing loss limitations.
- Auditory training programmes: These aim to develop the listening skills of individuals and help them use their residual hearing maximally to improve speech interpretation and sound recognition.
Depending on patients' unique needs, our qualified audiologists provide a personalised hearing solution for improved outcomes. They also provide communication skills counselling to patients and their caretakers, including other family members.
Paediatric Audiology Services
Specialising in the evaluation and rehabilitation of paediatric hearing disorders, our paediatric audiologists are experienced and dedicated to treating complex issues and identifying the impact of hearing loss on the child's overall development.
The earlier the hearing disorder is detected, the higher the chance for standard auditory brain development. Timely diagnosis and treatment can also help in developing the child's communication and language skills.
Aster Hospital's Department of Audiology in Dubai & Sharjah uses cutting-edge equipment to provide the following hearing evaluation and screening for children of all ages:
- Infant/Newborn hearing screening
- Central auditory processing disorder assessment
- Assistive device dispensing and demonstration
With a collaborative, multidisciplinary team approach, our audiologists provide customised treatment plans to meet each child's unique medical and hearing needs. They are committed to providing compassionate, supportive, and positive healthcare experiences to help children hear better and communicate more effectively.
Balance and Vestibular Assessment Services
Vestibular balance disorders such as dizziness and vertigo are major health concerns affecting individuals of any age. At Aster Hospitals, we offer a comprehensive battery of tests to evaluate the balance system of patients. State-of-the-art, computer-based equipment is used to perform videonystagmography procedures that assist in diagnosing and audiology treatment planning for balance and vestibular disorders.
Based on the frequency, type, and severity of the problem, our audiologists may use the following tests:
- Electronystagmography (ENG): In this test, metal disks or electrodes are placed around the patient's eyes to measure their nerve function and record eye movements in dark and light settings.
- Videonystagmography (VNG): In this test, patients wear goggles with a camera inside to record eye movements.
ENG and VNG tests are conducted in different settings to measure the functioning of nerves in the patient's brain, which control hearing, balance, and eye movements. This helps in examining how well the balance system is functioning.
Depending on the underlying cause, our audiologists may recommend appropriate treatment, including rehabilitation, medicine, and lifestyle changes. Surgery may be required when other treatments are unsuccessful.
Tinnitus Assessment And Management Services
Tinnitus is a condition of having a buzzing, clicking, or ringing noise in the ear. The tinnitus evaluation is done by matching the intensity and pitch of the tinnitus by the patient with the help of the Tinnitus Station.
The treatment for this condition depends on its type, severity, and other accompanying issues like hearing loss and tinnitus' impact on everyday life.
Our audiologist may recommend the following treatments for tinnitus management:
- Sound Therapy: Also known as acoustic therapy, this treatment uses sounds to aid the brain in re-focussing and reducing tinnitus' emotional impact.
- Counselling: Psychological interventions, including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, are offered to reduce the impact of tinnitus on patients' social and emotional well-being and day-to-day activities.
- Amplification Devices: Patients with tinnitus who have hearing loss are offered amplification devices to help them communicate better.
Custom Hearing Protection Services
At Aster, we offer effective hearing conservation programmes to preserve and protect patients from hearing disorders due to noise exposure. They help in the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), tinnitus, and temporary hearing loss.
Patients are educated on risk factors and protective measures to prevent hearing loss at school, work, home, and social events. Our audiologists recommend hearing protection devices (HPDs) such as earplugs and earmuffs to ensure proper noise protection.
We provide custom moulded ear plugs that are cast from each patient's ear canals to ensure a personalised fit for every patient. Earmuff is another HPD that prevents noise from reaching the inner ear by creating a seal around the outside of the ear.
Our custom hearing protection services make patients less likely to feel annoyed, and the possibility of stress-related diseases can also be lowered.
What Makes Aster The Best Audiology Hospital In Dubai & Sharjah?
The Department of Audiology at Aster Hospitals is committed to enhancing and optimising patients' ability to hear and minimise the adverse effect of these disorders, improving their quality of life. Known for their compassionate approach and patient-centred care, our skilled audiologists work closely with every patient to help them overcome these challenges.
They also act as counsellors to aid elderly patients in coping with old age deafening and help families raise children with cognitive hearing loss. With industrial and personal safe-hearing programmes coupled with screening programs for infants and schools, our audiologists recommend custom-fitted or special ear moulds and other means to prevent hearing loss.
We also have a dedicated and state-of-the-art hearing aid centre to treat a wide range of hearing-related disorders. Our skilled ear doctors run and manage it and strive to achieve better outcomes.
The following are the different types of hearing aids available at Aster Hospitals:
- BTE – Behind the Ear hearing aid.
- CIC – Completely in the Canal hearing aid.
- DIC – Deep in the Canal hearing aid.
- ITC – In the Canal hearing aid.
- RIC – Receiver in the Canal hearing aid.
The effectiveness of the hearing aid is assessed via separate tests. If you're suffering from hearing disorders, look no further than Aster Hospitals for the best treatment for hearing loss. Book an appointment with us today!
Last updated: 23-02-2025
