At Prairieland Audiology we are dedicated to help people improve their lives by improving their hearing.
We offer a professional and relaxed environment for patients to feel comfortable learning about hearing loss and finding solutions for their individual needs. We provide comprehensive hearing healthcare services including hearing assessments and rehabilitation, education, counseling and hearing aid sales and service.
Bio:
Dr. Pastell, audiologist and owner of Prairieland Audiology LLC has been involved in the hearing healthcare field for over 20 years. She received her doctoral degree from the University of Florida. In addition she received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Minnesota.
Karen Pastell, Au.D.
Dr. Pastell has worked for a non-profit speech and hearing clinic in Seattle, WA and for a private practice in Anchorage, Alaska. Since moving to Illinois she provided technical support for a hearing instrument manufacturer in the hearing aid and FM divisions which has kept her on the cutting edge of the most advanced hearing healthcare technology. She opened Prairieland Audiology in 2007.
Dr. Pastell is board certified by the American Board of Audiology and a member of the American Academy of Audiology, Academy of Doctors of Audiology, American Speech, Language and Hearing Association and the Illinois Academy of Audiology.
Dr. Pastell is involved in the community both personally and professionally. She is a member of the Joliet Chamber of Commerce, the Council for Working Women, the Shorewood Chamber of Commerce and the Joliet Zontas.
What is an audiologist?
An audiologist is a professional with a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited university with special training in the prevention, identification, assessment and non-medical treatment of hearing disorders. Audiologists are the most qualified individuals to perform hearing tests, refer patients for medical treatment and provide hearing rehabilitation services.
How do I know if I need a hearing aid?
Early signs of hearing loss include having difficulty in background noise, asking people to repeat and turning the TV or radio up louder than before. A hearing test is the first step to determine if you have hearing loss and if it can be medically treated. The audiologist will discuss your particular listening situations and difficulties, personal preferences in hearing aid styles, and budget to determine the best hearing aids for you.
Do I need 2 hearing aids?
Typically if there is hearing loss in both ears, people do best with two hearing aids. Binaural amplification generally improves hearing in noise and localization. But since everyone’s hearing and situation is different you can discuss this with the audiologist to determine what is best for you.
What determines what style of hearing aid I should wear?
There are four primary styles of hearing aids: Behind-the-ear (BTE), In-the-ear (ITE) In-the-canal (ITC) and Completely-in-the-canal (CIC). Your hearing loss is the most important factor in what style you need but other factors include: the shape of your ear, dexterity, listening situations and personal preferences.
Does insurance cover hearing aids?
Some insurances will cover the hearing test, some cover a portion of the hearing aids and some do not cover anything at all. It is always a good idea to call your insurance company to see what your benefits are. Medicare does not cover anything toward hearing aids. Medicare will cover a diagnostic hearing test but not routine testing or for purposes of getting hearing aids.
Contact:
Karen Pastell, Au.D.
Prairieland Audiology LLC
2121 Oneida St. Suite 303
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 744-5661
www.prairielandaudiology.com
prairielandaud@att.net
Hours: M-TH 9AM-5PM
Friday: 10AM-5PM
Saturday and evening hours available by special appointment
