Audiology Services
Comprehensive Hearing Evaluations
Hearing Aid Dispensing and Repairs
Hearing Screenings
Central Auditory Processing Evaluations
Cochlear Implant Evaluations and Mapping
Custom Hearing Protection
Captioned Phones, FM and Other Assistive Devices
INTRODUCING TWO NEW DIAGNOSTIC TESTS-VNG and ABR!
Videonystagmography (VNG) testing is performed on patients who are experiencing vertigo, dizziness and balance issues. It can be life altering and cause simply daily tasks to be challenging. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, your doctor may want to refer you for a VNG evaluation.
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) evaluations may be ordered for infants to estimate hearing levels. It is also beneficial for children or adults to access the auditory nerve and the pathways along the brainstem. The test may be requested if you are experiencing difficulty hearing conversational speech, fullness, or ringing in the ears. The results will show if there is an acoustic neuroma or other pathology that could be contributing to hearing loss. Our Audiologist will interpret the ABR results at the end of the evaluation, conclude if results indicate a hearing problem, and provide recommendations if a hearing problem is present.
Speech & Language Therapy Services
Fluency Disorders (Stuttering)
VitalStim Therapy
Over the past few years, we’ve seen many new developments in the field of Neuromuscular Electronic Stimulation for Dysphagia. It is estimated that 15 million Americans have some level of Dysphagia.
People with dysphagia have difficulty swallowing and may even experience pain when swallowing. Some patients may be completely unable to swallow and others may have trouble safely swallowing liquids, foods, or saliva. The challenges associated with this condition often make it difficult to take in enough calories and fluids to nourish the body and can lead to additional serious medical problems.
There are different treatments for various types of Dysphagia. For some people, treatment may involve muscle exercises to strengthen weak facial muscles or to improve coordination. Bristol Regional Speech and Hearing Center is proud to introduce our new VitalStim Therapy. This Neuromuscular Electronic Stimulation or NMES is non-invasive and it uses small electrical currents to stimulate the muscles used for swallowing.
Who is at high risk?
Risk factors for dysphagia
Aging — older adults are more at risk. This is due to general wear and tear on the body over time. Also, certain diseases of old age can cause dysphagia, such as Parkinson’s disease. Neurological conditions — certain nervous system disorders make dysphagia more likely.
Scheduling Services
If you feel that you or someone you know may have a swallowing problem, please call 276.669.6331 to schedule an evaluation with a speech-language pathologist.