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More than 28 million Americans have some type of hearing problem. Hearing difficulties are often unrecognized by the person involved. Children and teenagers seldom complain about the symptoms of hearing loss, and adults may lose their hearing so gradually that they do not realize it is happening. The first step in the treatment of a hearing problem is a hearing evaluation by an audiologist. An audiologist is a professional who specializes in evaluating and treating people with hearing loss. Audiologists have extensive training and the skills required to evaluate the hearing of adults, infants, and children of all ages. The Audiology Department of William Newton Hospital was established in 1992, and is currently staffed by one full time audiologist - April McCaslin. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Friday, by appointment. The Audiology Department is located across the street from the Hospital in the Winfield Healthcare Center. If you have questions about your hearing or would like to schedule an appointment, call 620-221-2900 or you can call 620-221-2300 ext. 500.
April McCaslin is the director of the Audiology Department of William Newton Hospital. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders a Doctorate of Audiology, both from Wichita State University. April is licensed by the state of Kansas in the practice of Audiology, and to fit and dispense hearing aids. She holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is a Fellow of American Academy of Audiology. Whether the need is newborn hearing screening, occupational evaluation, custom hearing protection, tinnitus management or hearing aids, the WNH Audiology Department is the leader in hearing services in southcentral Kansas.
Hearing loss is one of the most common chronic conditions afflicting Americans today. More than 9 million Americans over the age of 65 have some type of hearing loss, and the incidence of hearing loss is on the rise for younger people as well. Often hearing loss goes undiagnosed and untreated. Studies have shown that the majority of middle-aged and elderly individuals with hearing loss do not use hearing aids.  When hearing loss goes untreated, the hearing impaired individual, as well as the whole family, suffers needlessly. The difficulties arising from hearing loss can be minimized by being aware of some common-sense guidelines. Here is some sound advice about your hearing. Hearing loss is not only a condition of the elderly. Hearing loss can occur at any age, and is not a sign of senility or frailty. Nearly 8 million people between the ages of 18 and 44 have some degree of hearing impairment. People of all ages should be alert for signs of hearing loss. Be alert for signs of depression. Recent studies by the National Council on Aging have uncovered a strong connection between untreated hearing loss and depression in the elderly. Older persons with hearing loss who do not obtain treatment for their hearing loss are more likely to report feelings of sadness and depression, worry and anxiety, paranoia, withdrawal from social activities, and more emotional turmoil and insecurity. In contrast, elderly persons whose hearing loss has been treated with hearing aids report better relationships with their families, better feelings about themselves, improved mental health, and greater independence and security. Communication helps. If someone in the family appears to have a hearing loss, frank discussion can lead to early detection and treatment. Families are often the first to notice a hearing problem. Hearing assessment should be part of your routine medical checkup. Your doctor may be able to give you a simple hearing test or recommend a location for a more comprehensive exam. This is especially important if there is a history of hearing loss in your family. Learn your treatment options, and understand their limitations. Hearing aids are not always the only treatment for a hearing loss. However, if hearing aids are the best option for you, it is important to remember that they do not cure hearing problems, they simply help you to hear better. Successful hearing aid use requires patience, practice, and effort on the part of the person using them. Protect your hearing. Hearing loss from noise exposure is 100% preventable. When you are in a noisy place, always protect your hearing by using ear plugs or other appropriate hearing protectors. Know where to go. If you think you or a family member may have a hearing loss, you should check with your doctor to be sure there is no underlying medical reason for the loss. An audiologist can then administer appropriate tests and fit you with a hearing aid if needed. Living with hearing aids may be much easier than living with hearing loss. If you suspect you have a hearing loss, see an audiologist for a complete hearing evaluation and some sound advice about your hearing.
(Please click on the links below to see the brief description of the test)  Pure Tone Air & Bone Conduction AudiometrySpeech AudiometryTympanometry, including Acoustic Reflex, Reflex Testing, & Eustachian Tube FunctionCentral Auditory Processing EvaluationNewborn Hearing ScreeningAural RehabilitationHearing Conservation IMPORTANT: Your insurance may or may not cover audiological services. You should check with your insurance provider prior to your appointment to confirm coverage and the need for a referral from your physician. Medicare and Blue Cross/ Blue Shield Plan 65 do not cover audiology services which are related solely to loss of hearing due to aging or the evaluation of hearing aid candidacy.
Hearing Aid InformationHearing Aid Product LinesUseful Links
Winfield Healthcare Center 1305 East 5th Winfield, KS 67156 Phone: (620) 221-2900, or call 620-221-2300 ext. 500 Email: audio@wnmh.org |
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| 1300 East Fifth Avenue, Winfield, Kansas 67156, (620) 221-2300 | ||||||||||
