Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital - Audiology

“Mary Horsch has been amazing to work with and has gone above and beyond for my daughter with hearing loss. ”

“My evaluation was for balance issues over the past 3 months. The Audiology Clinic was booked 3 months ahead. Dena Hall was the audiologist. At the time of testing, there was also a student there to assist. Basically she ran the testing. Before any testing would start, the Office Manager came in to ensure I was aware of the $265 co-pay for the testing. Once I said I understand that, testing started. Not all testing was done as was indicated to me. There was no hearing test as I understood there would be. No explanation as to why hearing test was not done. I could not lay flat with my head off the side of the bed. So more testing was not done. No effort from the student or the audiologist to do much for accommodations. The testing was difficult for me. I felt disoriented and uncomfortable throughout the whole. As Dena said, "we are not hear to make you comfortable." After the testing was completed, I was told I was "normal" for people in my age group. My head was still feeling heavy and my balance was worse than when I arrived for the testing. I thought if I was normal feeling unsteady and off balance, there were a lot of people "my age" wondering around Wichita that were not feeling or were unstable and off balance. I asked how long before the unbalanced feeling would last and was told my the student it should wear off in a couple of hours. My question was if it didn't wear off, what then. "Oh, it will." Again I asked what if it didn't, what then. Dena said, "I don't know." What a comfort! NOT! One or two conditions were ruled out. When I suggested to the audiologist that I was not dizzy (as she continually said) and the way my head felt was inside my head, would an MRI be helpful. She said after my suggestion perhaps seeing a neurologist for evaluation might be helpful. No suggestion or referral made as to who. I feel I wasted my time and my money for this testing. There was no consideration of my diagnosis of ataxia or bone spurs in my neck. Very disappointing. It is sad to think this is the only type clinic where this testing is done in Kansas. ”