 AUDIOLOGY & VESTIBULAR SERVICES The Audiology department at Berks ENT Surgical Associates offers a full range of hearing and vestibular testing. Since we have an Audiology department within the office, patients can usually have their hearing tested on the same day they see one of our physicians. Berks ENT offers state of the art hearing evaluation capabilities. Our full time audiologist Robert Gance performs complete hearing assessments and hearing aid evaluations. Our audiologists can also guide patients through the hearing aid fitting process. They are very accessible for service issues for patients who already wear hearing aids. AUDIOLOGISTS: Robert A. Gance, Au.D., F.A.A.A. – Dr. Gance graduated with a Master of Arts Degree in Audiology from Western Michigan University in 1971. He received his Clinical Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.) from the School of Audiology at Pennsylvania College of Optometry, and is licensed in Pennsylvania. Dr. Gance has been the Director of Audiology at the Berks E.N.T. Surgical Associates, Inc. since 1985. He has a strong interest in fitting advanced technology hearing aids. He has personally worn hearing aids for over 30 years. Dr. Gance is a fellow member of the American Academy of Audiology and the Pennsylvania Academy of Audiology.
Leslie H. Sonday, M.S., C.C.C./A – Ms. Sonday graduated with a Master of Science Degree in Audiology from The Pennsylvania State University in 1992. She received the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology from the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association, and is licensed in Pennsylvania. Ms. Sonday joined Berks E.N.T. Surgical Associates, Inc. in 1999. She is dedicated to providing the most advanced methods of vestibular testing and rehabilitation, as well as fitting advanced technology hearing aids. Ms. Sonday is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Pennsylvania Academy of Audiology.
Francis “Scott” Caruano, M.S., C.C.C./A – Mr. Caruano graduated with a Master of Science Degree in Audiology from Bloomsburg University in 2001. He received the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology from the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association, and is licensed in Pennsylvania. Mr. Carauno joined Berks E.N.T. Surgical Associates, Inc. in 2001. He is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Pennsylvania Academy of Audiology. We offer the following specialized tests: AUDIOMETRY AND TYMPANOMETRY - These 2 tests constitute the basic hearing assessment. EVOKED RESPONSE AUDIOMETRY - This test is used to evaluate the higher levels of hearing and the ability of the brain to conduct the impulses sounds generate. ELECTRONYSTAGMOGRAPHY - This test is used to evaluate patients who are dizzy. Patients who are dizzy may have an inner ear abnormality. This test, combined with an examination by one of our physicians, may help identify the source of certain types of dizziness. OTOACOUSTIC EMMISSIONS - This test is useful in screening newborn babies for hearing loss. It may also be useful for testing adults in certain situations. This test detects damage to the inner ear. Other services available include: HEARING AID EVALUATION AND FITTING SERVICES - Patients can spend time with our Audiologists discussing what they can expect from a hearing aid, and also which device is best for them. Our Audiologists have particular expertise in fitting DIGITAL, programmable, and other technologically advanced hearing aids. The state of the art DIGITAL hearing aids can be fine-tuned precisely for a specific patient's hearing problem. Some of these devices are able to selectively discriminate between speech and certain types of noise. They also can be made with directional microphones, which further reduce background noise, potentially enhancing the ability to understand speech better in a noisy environment. Hearing aids are available in all styles, ranging from traditional behind the ear models to the cosmetically discrete, completely in the ear canal devices. The Berks ENT Surgical Associates are proud to offer products from the following hearing aid manufacturers: CUSTOM HEARING PROTECTIVE DEVICES - Custom made ear plugs for noise reduction, including selectively filtered musicians plugs are available. Musicians ear plugs can be helpful for those who need to reduce their exposure to loud noise, while still retaining enough hearing to allow for communication. VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION - Patients who experience dizziness related to inner ear disease can often be rehabilitated. Maneuvers can be performed, and exercises can be taught which may help patients overcome certain types of inner ear related dizziness. |