State-of-the-Art Hearing and Balance Care Available in Elkins Park
Elkins Park, PA -On November 19, 2004, the School of Audiology at The Pennsylvania College of Optometry will dedicate its new clinical facility, the Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI). The dedication, scheduled for noon, will be held at the College's Elkins Park campus. The community is encouraged to attend this event and learn more about the wide range of audiology, hearing, and balance services offered at the facility. Since PEI began seeing patients in July 2004, the Schools audiologists have provided quality hearing care to many area infants, children, adults and senior citizens with hearing and balance problems.
About PEI
PEI is the clinical arm of the School of Audiology at PCO. The School of Audiology provides students with a solid, scientific education 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 and extensive clinical experience. The Institute is outfitted with the most modern and 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 allpatients. PEI also offers the latest computerized methods of evaluating the performance of hearing aids 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 have balance problems. Hearing and balance 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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that one in eight children ages 6-19 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 problem, interpret the results and recommend a course of treatment. Audiologists are also trained to program cochlear and middle ear implants and provide necessary rehabilitation.
The Pennyslvania Ear Institute is a wonderful 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, it is one of the area's only complete diagnostic and rehabilitation balance centers.
PEI extends an invitation to the community, media and public officials to take part in the dedication ceremony, tour the facility and join the staff for a buffet lunch.
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 call 215.886.8660 (Voice) or 215.886.8147 (TTY). If you plan to attend the November 19 Dedication, please R.S.V.P. to 215.780.1416 by November 15th.
