Our Services

The state of Arkansas requires that anyone dispensing hearing aids allow a 30 day trial. This does not have to be free - some manufacturers charge a fee for making the instruments and earmolds also cost the dispenser. Always ask for a trial period. Always ask for a contract that puts everything in writing. If a dispenser refuses to allow you a trial period, do not purchase your aids from them. Balanced Ear usually charges for the trial, although this fee can be waived under certain circumstances. You may even ask for a longer trial period. If you feel that you are not benefiting from the aids you originally chose - please ask to try a different size of instrument or different technology, the trial fee is advanced to the new aids you choose.

Auditory brainstem response (ABR) is a diagnostic test which is similar to an electroencephalogram (EEG). This procedure involves the use of clicking sounds to stimulate the auditory nerve, which produces an electical response. Electrodes placed on the patient's face and ears pick up the electical activity of the nerve, and a computer displays the results for the audiologist to interpret. Also known as BERA, BAER.

We carry amplified phones, amplified wireless phones, TV Ears, the Direct Ear - Personal Listening System, for TV, and Williams Sound Pocket Talkers. We also provide information of amplified stethescopes and special fittings to use these with hearing aids, for local physicians.

The audiometric evaluation (audio) consists of testing with both speech and pure tones. Testing with pure tones is done to determine the amount of hearing loss for volume. Speech discrimination scores are obtained to estimate the loss of hearing pertaining to the fine-tunig ability of the ear. Impedance measures are diagnostic in nature.

Videonystagmography is provided as a diagnostic service when ordered by your physician. Your physician will want to rule out various causes of vertigo before referring you for testing.

Other objective test procedures are available to help diagnose what is causing the dizziness.

The inner ear is responsible for both hearing and balance. Electronystagmography (that's why we call it ENG - it's shorter) is a battery of tests designed to evaluate part of the inner ear balance system, as well as more "central" components that work together to keep you on an even keel.

Canalith Reposition Procedures (CRP)help patients with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)the most common peripheral vestibular problem.

Cerumen removal is provided only for established patients. There is a minimal fee.

Counseling sessions are available, private or peer group sessions.

Custom made earmolds are made from impressions taken in the office. These are to fit behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. We also make custom hearing protection earmolds in the office. Also available are custom electronic protection devices that are preferred by competition marksmen. We provide custom swim plugs in all colors including neon colors and swirl colors. These have a handle for easy removal and may also include a cord. These swim plugs are flotable.

Private consults are available upon request and at no cost. This involves a short questionnaire and a brief pure tone test. This only tells you if you are a candidate for hearing aids. A comprehensive audiological evaluation is recommended if you decide to purchase hearing aids and there is a fee that is usually covered by most medical insurances. With your physician's medical clearance, there is no sales tax on hearing aids.

Private consults are available upon request and at no cost. This involves a short questionnaire and a brief pure tone test. This only tells you if you are a candidate for hearing aids. A comprehensive audiological evaluation is recommended if you decide to purchase hearing aids and there is a fee that is usually covered by most medical insurances. With your physician's medical clearance, there is no sales tax on hearing aids.

Most hearing aids come with a one year warranty for parts and labor and a one year loss and damage warranty. Medium level, digital hearing aids have a two year parts and labor with a one year loss and damage warranty. The most advanced digital products have a three year parts and labor warranty and a 1 year loss and damage warranty. Most manufacturers allow you to add on parts and labor warranties at the time of purchase. For hearing aids that are out of loss and damage warranty, we provide forms from Midwest Hearing Industries to insure your aids.

Appropriate candidates will be referred. Dorothy Mellon, MD has recently opened her practice in Bentonville. She is an experienced and skilled surgeon. Referrals Only.

Your ear is not just a passive sound receptor. Your ear actually responds to sound by sending sound back out into the ear canal. This only happens when the outer hair cells of the cochlea are healthy. Newborns are screened in the hospital with a brief form of this test. This test is also useful for monitoring patients on ototoxic medications (some IV antibiotics and cancer drugs). This test is capable of identifying hearing loss before a person is aware that the hearing is failing. It is also useful in diagnosing patients with Meniere's disease.

If you are shopping around, be sure that you obtain comprehensive testing first. The cost for this should not be rolled into the cost of the aids and should be performed only by an audiologist who is licensed and preferable by a Doctor of Audiology. Be sure that you compare "like" hearing aids. If you are wanting conventional technology. ask for Class D circuitry. If you need a telecoil - make sure that is included in the cost that you are comparing. If you want digital technology - find out if the digital has only one setting or if there are programs for different listening situations, if it has a volume control, if there is feedback cancellation, if there is noise suppression. There are many variables of what fits inside the size shell you choose. Some hearing aids can be used acoustically with the phone while others require a telecoil and a special phone. Ask lots of questions and ask for a quote and a brochure. The only "stupid" question is the one you don't ask. Do not be discouraged by the terminology - if you do not know what to ask, ask the dispenser to start with the basics.

A small tube attached to a microphone is inserted into the ear along with the hearing aid, and the output of the aid, as modified by the ear canal, can be measured to assure adequate amplification when setting or programming the aid.

What causes it? Many people experience ringing or other noise in the ear or head. We will evaluate the nature of this noise, make appropriate medical referrals, and discuss possibilities in management, such as tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT).

We have just begun to help tinnitus patients with the Siemens Serenity Tinnitus device. More information on this soon.

Tympanometry involved sealing the outer ear canal with a special probe tip then changing the pressure in the ear canal to determine if the tympanic membrane (eardrum) is mobile and capable of transmitting sound to the middle ear and on into the inner ear. Acoustic Reflexes are taken following tympanometry.

Video-Otoscopy is provided by request or if visible cerumen is observed. By request only.