"Audiology" is the study of hearing and hearing related disorders. An Audiologist is a "hearing health care professional" who identifies and assesses individuals with auditory (hearing) and/or balance concerns, problems or disorders. Rehabilitation of hearing loss can be administered by an Audiologist through fitting of hearing aids and/or Assistive Listening Devices (ALD's).

Audiologists can assist the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) physician in identifying certain pathologies of the ear and auditory system but Audiologists cannot diagnose the individual's cause of hearing impairment.

Appointments are available based on priority otherwise are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Our services are Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) funded and supported by Caritas Health Group therefore appointments are available without a physician's referral for those with a valid Alberta Personal Health Number.

Basic Services are available (Monday to Thursday 9-4pm, phone 735-2768) for:
• Hearing assessments for children over the age of 6 months
• Auditory Processing (AP) evaluations for those aged 7+  years
• Hearing assessments for adults

Priorities are scheduled accordingly but may involve a waiting time. Those appointments considered a priority include:
• Speech and language delays in children
• Failed hearing screening
• Children identified as "high risk" of having hearing impairment
• Sudden onset of hearing loss (in the absence of an ear infection)
• Administration of medication deemed potentially harmful to the ear/hearing
• Recent skull fracture
• Etcetera…

All other appointments shall be considered less of a priority and will involve a more extensive wait time. Community audiologists are also employed at various sites in Edmonton and surrounding areas.

Grey Nuns Community Hospital, Sturgeon Community Hospital and Health Centre, Northeast Community Health Centre, Leduc Community Hospital and Health Centre, Strathcona County Public Health Centre (for those over 3 years of age) and Westview Health Centre (Stony Plain).

Please call your health unit if your home address is outside of Region 10 (Edmonton) for a location in your region that is closest to you. In the event that an individual chooses not to wait, private audiology services are available for a fee. Please look under the "Audiologists" listing in the yellow pages of your phone book.

School aged children requiring a hearing check can have "screening" services performed at their family's health unit or through their school (on request).

Specialized audiological services are only available at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital (GRH) and the University of Alberta Hospital (UAH). These services require a physician's referral prior to scheduling an appointment for:

• Electronystagmography (ENG) or balance testing (at GRH only)
• Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) assessments
• Electrocochleography (EcochG)
• Cochlear Implants (children and adult)
• Otoacoustic emissions (OAE's)
• Hearing assessment for infants under 12 months (including 0-6 month)
• Hearing aid evaluation for infants and preschoolers