Services

Brant Audiology & Tinnitus offers services that assess, diagnose, and treat hearing-related issues. We offer hearing tests and specialized tinnitus evaluations in Wyoming. Our audiologists are equipped to address various concerns related to hearing health.

Hearing Services in Wyoming

We provide detailed hearing exams and create a specialized hearing care plan just for you. We can help you understand your hearing loss and make it better. If you have trouble hearing, hear ringing or other sounds, or want to protect your ears, our team is here to help you hear better.

Audiology Best Practices

As the largest comprehensive audiology clinic in Wyoming, we are passionate about improving quality of life through better hearing. Our audiologists pride themselves on their ability to form genuine, meaningful connections with every patient.

Hearing Tests

By getting regular hearing tests, you can keep an eye on your ear health and fix any problems quickly. Our tests check how well you hear and find any issues early. Trust our expert audiologists to do thorough tests and give you advice that fits your needs.

When it comes to finding out which hearing test is the best, it’s important to know that our doctors of audiology  can recommend the best one for you. An audiologist is a special doctor who knows all about ears and hearing. 

 

There are different types of hearing tests. Some tests check how well you hear different sounds, some look at how your ear works inside, and others might even see how you react to different noises. But the best test for you depends on your specific needs and any problems you might be having with your hearing.

 

If you or someone you know is having trouble hearing, it’s a good idea to see an audiologist. They can look at your ears, ask you some questions, and then decide which hearing test will give the best information. This way, they can help you hear better and find the right solution for your ears. Remember, everyone’s hearing is different, so it’s important to get the right test for you!

Some online hearing tests and smartphone apps are available, but they don’t fully check your hearing health. These tests might give you some idea about your hearing, but they can’t replace a professional check-up by an audiologist.

Professional hearing tests by audiologists use special equipment and methods to measure your hearing at different sound levels. Audiologists are experts who can understand the test results and give you advice based on your needs.

If you are worried about your hearing, it’s best to see an audiologist for a full check-up. They can help you with any hearing problems you might have. Finding hearing issues early is important, so don’t wait to get help if you think you have hearing problems.

Online hearing tests can give you some basic information about your hearing, but they aren’t as good as tests done by audiologists. These online tests are usually just quick checks and might not find all types of hearing problems or other issues.

One big problem with online hearing tests is that you can’t control the testing conditions well. Things like background noise, the quality of your headphones, and how your device is set up can make the results less accurate. Online tests also can’t check other important parts of hearing health, like how well your middle ear works or how you understand speech in noisy places.

While online tests are easy to use and can give you a quick idea about your hearing, they shouldn’t replace a professional check-up by an audiologist. An audiologist can do a full hearing evaluation to get a correct diagnosis, give you personalized advice, and help manage your hearing health.

If you’re worried about your hearing, it’s best to see an audiologist. They can give you expert help, answer any questions you have, and suggest the right treatments to help you hear better.

Tinnitus Evaluation

Tinnitus is when you hear ringing, humming, swishing, or buzzing in your ears. 

Our trained audiologists will perform a tinnitus evaluation to check your hearing and how you experience tinnitus. We will check how often, how loud, and how long you hear the noise. We will also look at any other symptoms or things that might make your tinnitus worse. Sometimes, we may do tests to make sure nothing else is causing your tinnitus.

Yes, you should go to an audiologist if you have tinnitus. Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sound in your ears that only you can hear. An audiologist is a hearing doctor who can help find out why you have tinnitus and suggest ways to make it better. They can check your hearing, give you advice, and offer treatments to help you feel more comfortable. It’s important to see an expert so they can help you take care of your ears and hearing.

Tinnitus is not primarily a brain problem but a symptom resulting from various underlying auditory system issues. It is commonly associated with hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, ear injuries, excessive cerumen (ear wax)or ear infections.

When the auditory system is damaged or disrupted somehow, it can lead to abnormal neural activity, including the perception of sound when no external sound is present—this is what we experience as tinnitus. While the perception of tinnitus occurs in the brain, the root cause typically lies within the auditory system, such as the cochlea (inner ear) or auditory nerve.

However, it’s important to note that factors beyond the auditory system can influence tinnitus. Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms, and the brain’s response to tinnitus can play a role in how bothersome it becomes.

While tinnitus involves brain processing, it is primarily a result of dysfunction or damage within the auditory system. Treatment and management strategies for tinnitus often focus on addressing underlying auditory issues, managing associated psychological factors, and providing coping strategies to improve quality of life.

If tinnitus is not treated, it can cause more problems. You might find it harder to sleep because the ringing in your ears keeps you awake. It can also make it difficult to focus on tasks at school or work. This can lead to feeling stressed or anxious. Sometimes, untreated tinnitus can make you feel sad or depressed because it doesn’t go away. Your relationships with friends and family might also suffer because you may feel irritable or upset more often. Treating tinnitus can help you feel better and im

Ear Wax Removal

Ear wax helps protect your ears, but too much of it can cause problems like discomfort, tinnitus or trouble hearing. Our skilled audiologists can gently and safely remove the extra ear wax to keep your ears healthy and comfortable.

If you feel like your ears are full, itchy, or you can’t hear as well, our team is here to help. We will make sure your ears feel better, and you can hear clearly again.

The best way to remove ear wax depends on the person and how much wax there is. Here are some common methods for getting rid of ear wax:

  • Ear Irrigation: This method uses a gentle stream of water to flush out the ear wax. A healthcare professional usually does this with special equipment to make sure it’s safe and works well.
  • Manual Removal: A healthcare provider might use special tools, like a small scoop or a suction device, to take out ear wax. They usually do this while looking into your ear with a lighted instrument called an otoscope.
  • Over-the-counter drops: Some ear drops you can buy at the store have ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, saline, or glycerin. These can help soften ear wax so it comes out naturally. It’s important to follow the instructions and not use these drops if you have ear problems or had recent ear surgery.
  • Warm Water and Bulb Syringe: At home, you can soften ear wax with warm water and use a bulb syringe to gently rinse the ear canal. Be sure to use lukewarm water and not too much force to avoid hurting your ear.

No, ear candles do not work, and they can be dangerous. Ear candles are long, hollow cones made of fabric soaked in wax. People use them by sticking the narrow end into their ear and lighting the other end on fire. The idea is that the heat will create suction to pull out earwax. 

However, doctors say ear candles do not remove earwax. Instead, they can push wax deeper into the ear. They can also cause burns, ear infections, and even punctured eardrums. If you need to clean your ears, it’s best to use safer methods like ear drops or see a doctor. 

So, it’s better to avoid using ear candles to clean your ears.

Ear wax can look different for different people. It can change because of age, what you eat, and how you clean your ears. Usually, ear wax can be from light yellow to dark brown. The color by itself doesn’t mean you are sick.

Dark brown ear wax is usually normal and not a problem. But it’s important to notice if the color, thickness, or amount of ear wax changes. If your ear hurts, itches, you can’t hear well, or something is coming out of your ear, you should see a doctor. They can check if something is wrong, like too much ear wax or an infection, and give you the right treatment.

Real Ear Measurement

Real ear measurement is a way to make sure your hearing aids work just right for you. When you get new hearing aids, your audiologist wants to make sure you hear well. One of the best ways to do this is by using real ear measurement.

Here’s how it works. First, you sit in a quiet room. The audiologist places a tiny microphone in your ear. This microphone measures the sounds near your eardrum. Then, your hearing aids are turned on. The audiologist plays some sounds through a speaker and checks how loud these sounds are inside your ear.

The reason for doing this is because everyone’s ears are different. Some people have bigger ear canals, while others have smaller ones. This can change how sounds travel through the ear. By using the tiny microphone, the audiologist can see exactly how sounds are reaching your eardrum.

After measuring, the audiologist adjusts your hearing aids. They make sure that the hearing aids give you the right amount of sound. Not too loud, and not too soft. This helps you hear speech and other sounds clearly and comfortably.

 

Real ear measurement is important because it makes sure your hearing aids are set just for you. It can make a big difference in how well you hear. When your hearing aids are set correctly, you can enjoy conversations, listen to music, and hear the sounds around you much better.

So, real ear measurement is like a special test for your hearing aids. It helps the audiologist make sure everything is working perfectly, so you can hear your best.

Real-ear measurements (REM) are very important when fitting hearing aids for several reasons:

  • Customization: REM makes sure the hearing aid is set just right for each person’s unique ear and hearing needs. This helps the hearing aid work its best for that person.
  • Accuracy: REM measures the sound levels reaching the eardrum with the hearing aid on. This ensures the hearing aid gives the right amount of sound to help with the person’s hearing loss.
  • Verification: REM checks if the hearing aid is working as it should and giving the right amount of sound. It helps audiologists adjust the hearing aid in real-time for the best performance and comfort.
  • Better Results: Studies show that using REM when fitting hearing aids helps people understand speech better and feel more comfortable. It makes people

Real Ear Measurement (REM) can take different amounts of time based on a few things. These include how complicated the person’s hearing loss is, the kind of hearing aid being used, and how skilled the audiologist is with the REM tools. Usually, a REM session takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

Hearing Aid Fitting

Hearing aid fitting is a process where an audiologist helps you find and adjust the right hearing aid for your ears. It’s like getting glasses but for your ears instead of your eyes. A good hearing aid fitting can make a big difference in your life.

Audiologists at Brant Audiology & Tinnitus are experts in hearing aid fitting and use best practices such as real ear measurement.

A hearing aid fitting appointment can take different amounts of time. It depends on how serious the person’s hearing loss is, the type of hearing aid, and what the patient needs and likes. Usually, these appointments last between 30 to 45 minutes.

No, you usually can’t get a hearing aid without a test. Hearing aids are special devices that help people hear better. To make sure you get the right hearing aid, an audiologist needs to check your hearing first. This test helps them understand how much help your ears need. After the test, the audiologist will help you choose the best hearing aid for you. So, getting a hearing aid without a test is not a good idea because it might not work well for your ears.

Hearing Aid Batteries

At Brant Audiology & Tinnitus, we have different batteries for all kinds of hearing aids. Our friendly audiologists can help you pick the right batteries for your hearing aids. They can also show you how to store and use them so they last longer.

A hearing aid battery usually lasts between 3 to 7 days. The exact time depends on how often you use the hearing aid and the type of hearing aid you have. Some smaller batteries might need to be changed more often, while bigger ones can last a bit longer. If you find that your batteries are running out quickly, it’s a good idea to keep extra ones handy so you can always hear well.

Rechargeable hearing aid batteries can last a full day after being charged. You usually charge them at night while you sleep. This means you don’t have to change the batteries every few days like with regular batteries. Most rechargeable hearing aids come with a special charging case or station. Just place the hearing aids in the charger before bed, and they will be ready to use in the morning. This makes it easy and convenient to keep your hearing aids powered up and ready to go.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss Treatment

Brant Audiology & Tinnitus provides sensorineural hearing evaluation and personalized treatment plans to improve hearing function. From advanced hearing aid technology to cochlear implants and auditory rehabilitation, we offer personalized solutions to help you regain sound clarity and quality.

While sensorineural hearing loss cannot typically be fully corrected, appropriate treatment and management strategies can significantly improve hearing function and quality of life for individuals affected by this type of hearing loss. Working closely with a qualified audiologist or hearing healthcare provider is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment options based on individual needs and preferences.

Yes, sensorineural hearing loss can get worse over time. This type of hearing loss happens when there is damage to the inner ear or the nerve pathways from the ear to the brain. It’s often caused by things like aging, loud noises, or certain illnesses. Since the damage is usually permanent, the hearing loss can slowly become worse as you get older or are exposed to more loud sounds. It’s important to protect your ears and get regular check-ups with a doctor to help manage and slow down the hearing loss.

To prevent more sensorineural hearing loss, follow these simple steps:

  1. Avoid Loud Noises: Stay away from very loud sounds, like loud music or power tools. If you can’t avoid them, use ear protection like earplugs or earmuffs.
  2. Lower the Volume: When listening to music or watching TV, keep the volume at a safe level. If others can hear your music through your headphones, it’s too loud.
  3. Take Breaks: Give your ears a rest from loud noises. If you’ve been in a noisy place, like a concert, take quiet breaks to help your ears recover.
  4. Use Ear Protection: Wear ear protection in noisy environments, like at concerts, while mowing the lawn, shooting firearms, or working with loud machinery.
  5. Avoid Ear Damage: Be gentle with your ears. Don’t stick things like cotton swabs into your ears, as it can cause damage.
  6. Regular Check-Ups: Visit your doctor or audiologist regularly to check your hearing. They can give you tips and help if there are any problems.
  7. Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise, and avoid smoking. A healthy body helps keep your ears healthy, too.

Meniere’s Disease Treatment

Brant Audiology & Tinnitus offers tailored solutions to help you manage Meniere’s disease and improve your quality of life.

The best treatment for Meniere’s disease can depend on how bad your symptoms are. Here are some common ways to help:

  1. Diet Changes: Eating less salt can help reduce dizziness. Avoiding caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol might also help.
  2. Medications: Doctors can give you medicine to help with dizziness and nausea. Sometimes, they give medicines to reduce fluid in your body.
  3. Therapy: Physical therapy can help with balance problems. Some people also try relaxation techniques to reduce stress, which can make symptoms worse.
  4. Hearing Aids: If you have hearing loss, a hearing aid can help you hear better.
  5. Injections: In some cases, doctors might inject medicine into your ear to help with dizziness.
  6. Surgery: If other treatments don’t work, surgery might be an option to help with severe symptoms.

Meniere’s attacks can be triggered by several things. Here are some common triggers:

  1. Stress: Feeling very stressed or anxious can sometimes bring on an attack.
  2. Diet: Eating too much salt, caffeine, or alcohol can trigger an attack. It’s important to watch what you eat and drink.
  3. Allergies: Allergies can also trigger attacks for some people.
  4. Illness: Getting sick with a cold or the flu can make an attack more likely.
  5. Tiredness: Not getting enough sleep or feeling very tired can be a trigger.
  6. Weather Changes: Sudden changes in weather, like going from sunny to stormy, can sometimes trigger an attack.

It’s important for people with Meniere’s disease to pay attention to these triggers and try to avoid them when possible.

The diagnosis of Meniere’s disease is primarily based on a combination of medical history, symptoms, and specific diagnostic tests. While there is no single definitive test for Meniere’s disease, healthcare providers typically rely on the following assessments to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other possible causes of symptoms:

  • Medical History and Physical Examination: The healthcare provider will conduct a thorough medical history review and physical examination to assess the patient’s symptoms, including episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness. A detailed history of symptom onset, frequency, duration, and associated factors is essential for accurate diagnosis.
  • Audiological Evaluation: Audiological tests, such as pure-tone audiometry, tympanometry, and speech discrimination testing, are commonly performed to assess hearing function and detect hearing loss or abnormalities. Individuals with Meniere’s disease typically exhibit sensorineural hearing loss, often with fluctuations in hearing levels during and between vertigo attacks.
  • Electronystagmography (ENG) or Videonystagmography (VNG): ENG or VNG testing evaluates the function of the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation. These tests measure eye movements in response to various stimuli, helping to identify abnormalities indicative of vestibular dysfunction, such as nystagmus (involuntary eye movements) during positional changes or caloric stimulation.
  • Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP): VEMP testing assesses the function of the otolithic organs in the inner ear, which contribute to balance and spatial orientation. Abnormal VEMP responses may indicate dysfunction of the vestibular system, supporting the diagnosis of Meniere’s disease.
  • Imaging Studies: While imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans are not typically used to diagnose Meniere’s disease, they may be performed to rule out other potential causes of symptoms, such as acoustic neuroma or other structural abnormalities of the inner ear or brain.
  • Other Laboratory Tests: Additional laboratory tests, such as blood tests or allergy testing, may be ordered to rule out underlying medical conditions or contributing factors that could mimic or exacerbate symptoms of Meniere’s disease.

The diagnosis of Meniere’s disease is typically made based on the presence of characteristic symptoms supported by findings from audiometric and vestibular testing. Since Meniere’s disease shares symptoms with other vestibular and auditory disorders, a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider, typically an otolaryngologist or neurotologist, is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.