Elkins Park, PA -- On November 19, 2004, the School of Audiology at The Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) dedicated its first clinical facility, the Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI). The dedication, which drew participants from the College and the community, was held at PEI on the College's Elkins Park campus. PEI's audiologists have provided quality hearing care to infants, children, adults and senior citizens since July 2004.
About PEI
PEI is the clinical arm of the School of Audiology at PCO. The School of Audiology provides students with a solid, scientific understanding of hearing and balance disorders while developing their clinical skills for practice. Graduates of the program earn a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree and receive rigorous training under the supervision of professional audiologists. The Institute is outfitted with the most modern and technologically sophisticated equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance problems. Several levels of quality digital hearing instruments are available to accommodate the amplification needs of patients of all ages. PEI also offers the latest computerized methods of evaluating the performance of hearing aids, while being worn, and provides state-of-the-art assistive listening device technology and audiologic rehabilitation techniques.
Hearing Loss - A Growing Problem
Over 28 million Americans have hearing impairments. A greater number experience balance problems. Hearing problems afflict all members of our society - from infants to older adults. In fact, 33 babies with significant hearing loss are born each day in the United States. Even among children ages 6-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that one in eight suffer from a measurable hearing loss. Sometimes people with hearing loss may not even be aware that their hearing has diminished especially when the loss occurs gradually. When a hearing problem is left untreated, its victims may suffer from depression, worry, anxiety and paranoia. But hearing loss can be treated. Audiologists are the primary specialists in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of people with hearing, balance and dizziness problems. They conduct a wide variety of tests to determine the exact nature of a person's hearing or balance problems, interpret the results and recommend a course of treatment. Audiologists are also trained to program cochlear and middle ear implants and provide necessary rehabilitative treatment.
PEI is a welcome addition to the community. Not only is it one of the few facilities in the region that offers comprehensive hearing evaluations for infants and young children, but also, offers one of the area's only complete diagnostic and rehabilitation balance centers.
The Pennsylvania Ear Institute is located on the first floor of the North Building on the PCO Elkins Park campus. The address is Suite 110 B, 8380 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 215.886.8660 (Voice) or 215.886.8147 (TTY).
