Welcome to the audiology services at the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC). Here, we provide caring and responsible consultations under the supervision of board-certified audiologists and trained speech therapists to help patients achieve the very best quality, auditory, and vestibular healthcare.

Using state-of-the-art equipment and technology, our highly-experienced staff identify and assess all types of hearing, balance disorders, and speech pathologies in a compassionate setting.

We also counsel on selecting amplification systems, such as hearing aids and assistive listening devices that utilize cutting-edge technologies. Patients are advised on the prevention of hearing loss, and we can also fit protective devices (earplugs or earmuffs).

What Makes Us Unique?
Our senior audiologist holds board certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), and is licensed to practice audiology. Our speech therapist and senior audiology assistants all hold recognized diplomas and have many years of experience. All our staff are active in research and teaching activities and constantly stay abreast of current developments in their field through continuing education.

Our Diagnostic Services
Using specialized equipment, the audiology team is able to obtain accurate results about hearing loss and vestibular function. Diagnostic tests include:

• Pure Tone and Speech Audiometry
  Behavioral tests that determine a patient’s type and degree of hearing loss. Speech tests determine communication deficits and assist with amplification selection.
   
• Balance and Vestibular Assessment
  Battery of tests that evaluate vertigo, dizziness, and disequilibrium due to central and peripheral, vestibular disorders using videonystagmography (VNG).
   
• Immitance Testing
  Battery of tests that evaluate middle-ear and stapedius muscle function using air pressure variations and acoustic signals.
   
• Auditory Evoked Potentials
  Non-invasive, objective tests that estimate hearing or assist in the differential diagnosis of various, peripheral and central, audiological pathologies.
   
• Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)
  Objective tests that assess cochlear, outer-hair, cell function. OAE testing is useful for screening hearing in the pediatric population and assessing cochlear function in patients with sudden hearing loss, exposure to ototoxic medications, acoustic trauma, or Meniere’s Disease.
   
• Cochlear Implant Assessment
  A variety of audiological tests used to determine if a patient is suitable for cochlear implantation and to monitor post-operative progress.
  
  
• Hearing Rehabilitative Services
  American board-certified professionals (CCC-A) assist patients in choosing hearing aids or assistive, listening devices to get the best possible hearing result. After a thorough assessment has been carried out, and the technology/style requirements have been discussed, we help the patient select the appropriate hearing aid for her/his educational, professional, or social needs.

Speech Therapy
Our qualified speech and language therapist works closely with individuals of all ages who have speech, language, and swallowing disorders to achieve their maximum communication potential. Typically, patients begin with a baseline assessment of their functional abilities using formal tests and computer tools. Based on the evaluation results, the therapist develops a customized therapy program for each patient to suit her/his individual condition. Therapy is delivered during regular sessions which are held individually or in a group. For young patients, therapy includes working with the patient’s caretakers to promote a family-centered approach to patient care.

Rehabilitation After Cochlear Implantation
As part of our Cochlear Implant Program, we offer vital support in the rehabilitation phase after cochlear implantation. To ensure the patient obtains the maximum benefit from the implant, competent professionals offer educational advice and support, speech and language therapy, speech processor programming, and regular, medical check-ups. The team of professionals is always available for help, advice, and support.

• Community Outreach Activities:
  We participate, with community groups, in activities designed to help build hearing-loss awareness and prevention.
  
  
• Screening Programs:
  We provide hearing screenings for schools, hospitals, industry, and the community.
  
  
• Training Services:
  We develop workshops for patients, audiologists, otolaryngologists, and other healthcare providers and provide lectures for medical students and residents.
  
  
• Educational Planning:
  We assist and direct parents and teachers with educational planning.
  
  
• Hearing Conservation Programs:
  We offer special services to the community and industry, such as employee education, safety training, noise surveys, and noise management planning.

• Staff
  • Kim S. Abouchacra, PhD, CCC-A, Associate Professor and Director of Audiology
  • George M. Zaytoun, MD, Clinical Professor and Director of Cochlear Implant Program
  • Hala Bikhazi, MBA, MPH, Cochlear Implant Coordinator
  • Nora Jeranian, Departmental Secretary, Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
  • Reem Kteish, Clerk, Audiology Services
  • Cynthia Abi-Habib, MA, CCC-A, Senior Audiologist
  • Suzan Atallah, B.Sc, Senior Audiology Assistant
  • Majida Nimeh, B.Sc, Senior Audiology Assistant
  • Dollen Tabri, M.Sc, Speech Language Therapist
     
• Location
  Audiology services, including speech therapy and the Hearing Aid Rehabilitation Center, are located on the sixth floor in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, AUBMC, Beirut, Lebanon.
  
  
• Appointments
  • To schedule an appointment, kindly call 00961-1-340460, 350000 or 374444, ext. 5749.
  • For speech therapy appointments, kindly contact Ms. Tabri directly on ext. 5478 or leave a message on ext. 5749.
  • To coordinate your audiology appointment via e-mail, kindly write to haarc@aub.edu.lb
    
    
• Working Hours
  Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm