Hearing Hub & Cochlear Implant Clinic

Puretone Audiometry

Pure Tone Audiometry is the most basic diagnostic hearing test. An audiologist or audiometric assistant will conduct the test in a sound treated room where signals of different frequency components are presented under headphones, bone vibrators and/or speakers. The objective is to determine the softest level of various sounds that the patient can hear in different modalities. This helps us identify the degree and type of hearing loss. The test usually takes between 15 mins and upto 1 hour in case of children

Speech Audiometry

In this version of audiometry, an individual’s ability to hear and understand speech in different listening situation is determined. This is an extremely essential part of the diagnostic assessment to determine the real-life impact of hearing loss on an individual and for determining appropriate treatment options.

Pediatric Audiometry (BOA, VROA, CPA)

These are different variations of the audiometric test for children of different age groups and typically require longer durations.

  • Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA) is for children 2.5years and above, takes around 20 -30 mins
  • Visual Reinforcement Observation Audiometry (VROA) is for children between 15 months to 3 years, takes about 30 mins to 1 hour
  • Behavioural Response Observation Audiometry (BOA) is for newborns and babies upto 2 years, and takes around 30 mins to 1 hours

Auditory Brainstem Evoked Responses (ABR/BERA)

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) and Steady State Evoked Potential (SSEP) are objective tests of hearing where responses of the auditory nerve to various sound signals presented to the patient is recorded through surface electrodes placed on the patient’s head. This is very important test to confirm and verify behavioral hearing test results and also identify problems related to the auditory nerve. It is especially indispensable while testing newborns and very young children. The test can take between 20 to 30 mins, while the patient preparation which may include sedation in case of young children may take upto 1 hour. Please consult us prior to visiting for an ABR/BERA for proper instructions.

Auditory Cortical Evoked Potentials (LLR, MLR, P300)

Similar to ABR/BERA, these group of tests checks the integrity and function of the central auditory system and auditory areas of the brain.

Oto-acoustic Emissions (DP/TE-OAE)

Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) testing checks the integrity of the sensory cells of hearing in the inner ear or cochlea. This is a highly sensitive test that is able to detect even the slightest damage of the hearing cells and can be used for even newborn babies. The test requires a quiet environment and can be done within 5 mins for both ears.

Middle Ear Immittance Test

This is a test for checking the function of the middle part and eustachian tube of the ear and has two sub-tests: Tympanometry and Acoustic Reflex Threshold (ART) test. A small probe will be placed at the opening of the ear and sound pressure transmission through the external and middle ear will be evaluated. These are automatic tests and will take only a few minutes. Restricted physical movement is desirable for this test.

Hearing Aid fitting and programming

Hearing aids are electronic devices for individuals with hearing loss that amplify and aid in hearing. These are high sophisticated healthcare devices that needs to be customized physically as well as acoustically (process known as ‘programming) for each specific user. We provide a range of hearing aid solutions for different age groups, different degrees and types of hearing losses and different functional hearing needs.

Cochlear Implant (CI) Clinic

Cochlear implants (CI) are prosthetic assistive listening devices that are highly successful in restoring hearing in individuals with very high degrees of hearing loss who cannot benefit from hearing aids. They require surgical fitment into the inner ear by an ENT surgeon and very meticulous adjustment (by a process known as ‘MAPPING’) and verification, routinely by audiologists. We are the only exclusive Cochlear Implant Clinic in Northeast India providing the entire clinical and technical services starting from pre-surgical diagnostic work-up, device counselling, intra-operative support and long-term clinical support post-surgery. Please check-out our Cochlear Implant Program (Insert Cochlear Implant program page link) for more information.

Aided Hearing Assessments/verifications

An important part of hearing rehabilitation using assistive devices like hearing aids or CIs is verifying its optimum fit and benefit for the individual. Aided hearing test is essential for this purpose. The objective is to determine how much real life benefit the user is getting from the hearing aid/CI.

Auditory (Re)habilitation Therapy

Fitting of an assistive listening device typically needs to be followed by auditory (re)habilitation therapy, which supports the user in identifying and understanding what is heard with their device and, in case of children, develop spoken language via listening. There are different modalities of auditory habilitation, like Auditory Verbal Therapy (AVT), Auditory-based intervention, Auditory- visual approach, or multisensory modality. Even an adult who acquired hearing loss post-lingually, still need help in recognizing and adapting to hearing with a cochlear implant through auditory training.

Pratidhwani’s team of experts is actively involved in educating and promoting early detection and identification of childhood hearing loss through routine Newborn Hearing Screening.

1. What is it ?

An initiative to join efforts with neonatal and pediatric centres across the city to implement a comprehensive system of screening and reporting infant hearing status prior to discharge from the hospital or within the first month of life.

2. Why is it needed?

The program aims to reduce the age of detection for hearing loss in neonates so they can get the help they need as soon as possible to help their language, learning and social development.

3. How is it done ?