Ask The Experts
Q&A from the most trusted names in audiology.
Probe-Mic Measures for CROS and BICROS Fittings
March 6, 2006
I would like a step-by-step guide to performing probe-mic measurements on a patient being fitted with a) CROS aid and b) BICROS aid. Which ear(s) should the probe be in for both types of hearing aid,... Read More
Hearing Aids - Adults
Adhesive Left on Battery from Tab
March 6, 2006
Sometimes when patients pull the tabs off the back of the hearing aid battery, it's sticky and hard to remove. Is this normal? Read More
Why Do Some Batteries in the Same Package Last Longer Than others?
February 27, 2006
Why do some batteries in the same package last longer than others? Read More
Hair Cell Regeneration
February 27, 2006
Could you please comment on auditory hair cell regeneration? Or perhaps, could you refer me to some recent studies on this topic? Submitted by an internist, father of a 4 year old girl with bilateral... Read More
Medical and Surgical Hearing and Hearing Loss
Ordering Hearing Aid Batteries
February 20, 2006
Are Rayovac batteries available from hearing aid manufacturers or only directly from Rayovac? Sometimes it's more convenient to order from my hearing aid manufacturer while purchasing other things. Read More
Headband Options for Bone Conduction Aids
February 20, 2006
I would like to enquire as to what is currently accepted as the most useful with soft headbands for bone conduction hearing aids? Is it best to buy a fabric headband, and attach the bone conduction ai... Read More
Bone Conduction Implants and Middle Ear Devices Hearing Aids - Children Pediatrics
Billing for Failed OAE Screening
February 20, 2006
What is the appropriate code for a baby who fails an OAE screening in the nursery? We have an ongoing battle with our coders concerning this. They want us to use V72.1. The problem is that when we see... Read More
Practice Management and Professional Issues
Obtaining LDLs
February 13, 2006
I obtain LDL measurements (loud but ok) using both speech and pure tones. The instructions are the same for both procedures. More often than not the patient has an LDL of 100 dB or so for pure tones b... Read More
Hearing Aids - Adults
Corrosion in Hearing Aid Batteries
February 13, 2006
Is corrosion a problem for hearing aid batteries? A patient returned a package of hearing aid batteries because he dropped it in the sink. He retrieved it right away, but it was covered with corrosion... Read More
What is Considered a Standard Threshold Shift?
February 6, 2006
Do we have documentation of what is considered a significant shift in hearing? They're using 15dB or more in at least two different frequencies, but not sure if that is a good guideline or not. Read More
Hearing Conservation and NIHL
Hearing Aid Batteries Only Lasting 4 Hours
February 6, 2006
From time to time, my batteries only last about 4 hours and I have to change them. These are fresh Rayovac batteries. Any suggestions? Read More
Definition of CPT Code 92557
February 6, 2006
If I bill 92557, is there a specification for "traditional" audiometry? When I bill 92557, I have typically tested at 9 frequencies (.125, .25, .5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 kHz). I have also seen persons who... Read More
Practice Management and Professional Issues
Voltage of Zinc Air Batteries
January 30, 2006
Every package of RAYOVAC L13ZA-8 batteries that I open shows maximum voltage of 1.38 volts instead of 1.4 volts as listed on the package. Why is this? Why don't the batteries read 1.4 volts? My hearin... Read More
Vestibular Referrals from Physical Therapy
January 30, 2006
If Physical Therapy (PT) wanted to refer a patient to Audiology for Vestibular testing and the patient was originally referred to PT by a Primary Care physician for another concern and issue, can the... Read More
Practice Management and Professional Issues Vestibular Issues and Balance Disorders
Sticky Film on Hearing Aid Case from Battery
January 30, 2006
What would create a sticky film to migrate into hearing aid cases from the battery? Read More
Rayovac ProLine Difference
January 23, 2006
How does ProLine differ from other retail batteries, even though they are both "Rayovac"? Read More
Listening Complaint v. Auditory Impairment
January 23, 2006
I am working with 2 members of a family who on one level appear to have an auditory processing disorder. However, when their auditory and language skills were evaluated independently they did not test... Read More
Aural Rehabilitation and Counseling - Adults Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) Hearing and Hearing Loss
What is the Difference Between CPT and ICD-9 Codes?
January 16, 2006
What is the difference between CPT and ICD-9 codes? Read More
Practice Management and Professional Issues
Life Expectancy of Unused Batteries
January 16, 2006
What is the life of an unused battery post year 1, 2, 3, and 4? Do thinner components being used have a greater risk of perforation? Read More
Fistula Testing with Posturography?
January 16, 2006
Is it possible to do a Fistula test using computerized dynamic posturography and your office tympanometer? I know there are some manufacturers with specific equipment designed to be an addition to you... Read More
Vestibular Issues and Balance Disorders Medical and Surgical
