Audiology
The River School provides outstanding pediatric and adult audiological services through its interdisciplinary clinic, River REACH. The fully-equipped audiology suite has advanced instrumentation to evaluate hearing, fit and repair hearing aids, program/troubleshoot cochlear implants,and test for central auditory processing disorders.
Audiological Services
- Pediatric and adult hearing evaluations
- Immittance testing (middle ear function)
- Distortion product otoacoustic emission screenings
- Auditory processing testing (ADP/CAPD)
- Parent counseling regarding hearing loss
Hearing Aids Sales and Services
- Hearing aid evaluations
- Fitting of digital aids
- Equipment troubleshooting and repairs
- Custom earmolds, swim molds, musician earplugs, and iPod molds
Cochlear Implant Sales and Services
- Cochlear implant evaluations
- Mapping/programming sound processors
- Equipment troubleshooting
Assistive Listening Device Sales
- FM systems (personal and classroom)
- Infrared amplification systems (personal and classroom)
- Amplified phones
- Visual alarms
- Neckloops and bluetooth devices
Clients
Children diagnosed with a hearing loss and children with hearing loss risk factors can be referred to RiverREACH’s audiology clinic for a comprehensive evaluation.
CONTACT
Julie Verhoff, AuD, CCC/A
Director of Audiology
(202) 337-3554
Hearing Aid Dispensing Policy
Before a hearing aid is recommend for a child, the audiologist at River REACH will request medical clearance from a physician, preferably an otolaryngologist or otologist, to rule out any medical condition(s) that preclude the use of amplification. The medical clearance must have occurred in the last six months. Neither the child or their parent or guardian may waive this medical clearance requirement.
Hearing AId Evaluation
Once medical clearance has been obtained, the child will be seen for a Hearing Aid Evaluation. During this appointment, the audiologists River REACH will discuss the child's hearing loss and its impact on communication with the parent(s) or guardian(s). Various types of hearing aids and appropriate options such as circuitry, one versus two devices, and style will be discussed. Most parents or guardians have many questions that will be addressed. One hour is devoted for the initial hearing aid evaluation. The cost of the Hearing Aid Evaluation appointment is approximately $250.00, depending on the age of the child and the tests performed to determine appropriate amplification.
River REACH works with several hearing aid manufacturers (e.g., Phonak, Oticon, GN Resound, and Widex) and offers digital hearing aids in a variety of styles and sizes. River REACH also offers assistive listening devices (i.e. telephone amplifiers/amplified telephones, TV Ears, etc.) and hearing aid accessories (devices to connect via Bluetooth to cell phones, televisions, etc.) according to patient needs and lifestyle. The cost of a hearing aid varies from approximately $800 to $300 for each aid, based on circuitry and features. Once the hearing aid(s) and earmold(s) are ordered, the aid and earmold will arrive in approximately two weeks, for which a second appointment is scheduled.
Hearing Aid Fitting
At the hearing aid fitting, the audiologist at River REACH will discuss several features of the aid including: how to insert and remove the aid from the ear, change the batteries, clean and maintain the aids, etc. The child will have an adjustment period of 30 days with the hearing aids. This adjustment period allows for any necessary fine-tuning of the aids. If, at the end of this period, the caregiver decides to return the aids for any reason, the caregiver will be refunded the amount paid, minus a $150.00 dispensing fee per hearing aid. In the case of behind-the-ear devices, the earmold charge is nonrefundable, as it is custom made. The purchase price of the hearing aid includes a two- or three-year warranty depending on the manufacturer and if an extended warranty plan is purchased.
Insurance and Hearing Aids
River REACH does not accept any insurance contracts for payment of hearing aids. If you are aware of any coverage for hearing aids by your insurance, you will be responsible for obtaining reimbursement.
