Audiological Services

• Comprehensive Pediatric Hearing Evaluations
  • Impedance Audiometry (Middle Ear Function)
  • Air & Bone Conduction Testing
  • Visual Reinforcement Audiometry
  • Conditioned Play Audiometry
  • Conventional Audiometry
  • Speech Discrimination (In Quiet and in Noise)
• Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission Screenings
• Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing
• Counseling & Rehabilitation

Hearing Aid Services

• Hearing Aid Evaluations
• Hearing Aid Demonstrations
• Hearing Aid Fitting, Programming & Orientation
• Hearing Aid Verification using Real Ear to Coupler Differences (RECDs) and/or Real Ear Measures
• Equipment Troubleshooting
• Repairs and Reprogramming
• Custom Earmolds
• Aided Evaluations for Continued Monitoring

Cochlear Implant Services

• Cochlear Implant Evaluations
• Cochlear Implant Programming & Mapping
• Equipment Troubleshooting
• Aided Evaluations for Continued Monitoring

Miscellaneous Services

• Custom Swim Molds, Musician Earplugs, & Headphones
• Cerumen Removal
• Assistive Listening Devices
  • Personal FM/DM Systems
  • Infrared and FM Classroom Audio Distribution Systems (i.e., Soundfield Systems)
  • Neckloops and Bluetooth Devices

The goal of Auditory-Verbal Therapy is to maximize children’s potential in listening and spoken language and transition them into mainstream education settings. The core of our practice is family-centered, fun, and targeted to support auditory development from the point a child first has access to sound. Caregivers and families are highly encouraged to be involved and become the primary facilitators of spoken language for their child.

Visit our Blog! https://rsparentinfant.wordpress.com/

The River School’s Parent-Infant Program is run in conjunction with Potomac River Clinic. It is a free resource for families of children diagnosed with hearing loss, ages birth to three. Parents, along with their infants and toddlers, meet each week for an hour and a half. Parents learn about issues relating to hearing loss and share experiences with other families in similar situations, while the children engage in fun, language-stimulating activities. We embrace all communication options and strive to discuss topics that interest and support families.

The Parent-Infant Program provides:

• Family support, networking, and mentoring
• Activities to stimulate language development
• Sensory, language, motor, and social activities
• Information on hearing technology, communication choices, and community resources

The program is facilitated by a transdisciplinary team with training in speech-language pathology, early childhood education and development, deaf education, audiology, and psychology.

Our in person Parent-Infant Program meets weekly on Tuesdays from 1:00-2:30pm at The River School: Parent Infant 2022-23 Calendar

We also have a virtual parent infant session twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 1:00-2:00pm. Families can email us at parentinfant@riverschool.net for the zoom link and reminder emails!

For more information on the program, email: parentinfant@riverschool.net

Dr. Elizabeth Adams Costa and Dr. Dot White specialize in in child development and have expertise in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of children with hearing differences. Services include admissions testing; developmental testing, neuropsychological testing, and psycho-educational assessments. Individual therapy, family therapy, and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) are also provided. PCIT is a specialized intervention where a therapist observes and coaches parents and children as they play together. PCIT promotes child language and behavioral development and fosters positive parent-child relationships. Parents are taught skills they can apply in the home to promote child development, establish a nurturing and secure relationship with their child, increase their child’s pro-social behavior, and decrease negative behavior.

Our educational team offers strategic academic support for the student with hearing loss who is having difficulty in the classroom, complimenting their Individual Student Learning Plan.  As experts on language and learning for students with hearing loss, we support well-rounded learning with a particular focus on reading comprehension, critical thinking,  and oral expression.

Before a hearing aid is recommended for a child, the audiologist at Potomac River Clinic 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 nor their parent or guardian may waive this medical clearance requirement.

Once medical clearance has been obtained, the child will be seen for a Hearing Aid Evaluation. During this appointment, the audiologists at Potomac River Clinic will discuss the child’s hearing loss and its impact on communication with the family or caretaker. 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.

Potomac River Clinic 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. Our Center also offers assistive listening devices 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 depending on the manufacturer and model. Once the hearing aid(s) and earmold(s) are ordered, the devices will arrive in approximately two weeks, and a fitting/orientation appointment is scheduled.

At the time of fitting, the audiologist will discuss several features of the hearing aid including: insertion and removal of the device, changing the batteries, and general cleaning and maintenance. 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. 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 hearing aids for any reason, the caregiver will be refunded the amount paid, minus the cost of services. In the case of behind-the-ear devices, the earmold charge is nonrefundable, as it is custom made.

Potomac River Clinic accepts most major insurance carriers for payment  of hearing aids. Some insurance plans also pay for Hearing Aid Evaluations or services related to hearing aids. It is the caregiver’s responsibility to check with the child’s insurance provider to determine coverage. The Executive Administrator at Potomac River Clinic will work with parents to determine reimbursement for hearing aids and services.