Caitlin Rivet AuD, CCC-A
Caitlin Rivet graduated summa cum laude from Emerson College in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Communication Sciences & Disorders with a minor in Psychology. She went on to earn her clinical doctorate in Audiology from the University of Connecticut in 2010. Caitlin is a member of the American Academy of Audiology and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She specializes in the assessment and non-medical treatment of hearing and balance disorders.
Audiology Services
Approximately 30 million people living in the US have a hearing disorder. Our audiologist performs comprehensive hearing evaluations in a sound-treated booth in order to determine the type and degree of someone's hearing loss. Non-invasive test procedures include otoscopy, tympanometry, pure tone testing via air and bone conduction, and speech testing. Once hearing loss is properly identified, the audiologist provides non-medical treatment such as hearing aids/assistive listening devices, tinnitus management and communication strategies to specially address one's hearing needs and concerns.
If the physician requires additional testing to assess someone's hearing or balance problem, the audiologist is also able to perform advanced diagnostic exams such as auditory brain-stem response (ABR) and electronystagmography (ENG) testing.
Hearing Aid Services
Untreated hearing loss may lead to depression, social isolation, and cognitive impairment. Our audiologist works with an array of hearing aid styles and technologies in order to improve patients' hearing and listening abilities, resulting in better quality of life. The hearing aid process is as follows:
Hearing Aid Consultation
When the audiologist reviews your hearing test and ask questions in order to recommend the best hearing solution for your needs and lifestyle. She will discuss features, capabilities and pricing of appropriate aids. The total cost includes the audiologist's professional services as well as a 2 or 3 year manufacturer's repair warranty, with one-time loss and damage coverage. If you choose to purchase hearing devices, an appointment for the fitting is typically scheduled within 1-2 weeks.
Hearing Aid Fitting
When the audiologist reviews the components and maintenance of the devices. She will also discuss common experiences to expect as you acclimate to using the aids. Payment is due at this appointment, and patients receive a 30-day trial to ensure that the aids are well-suited to them.
Hearing Aid Follow-up
When the audiologist meets with you over the trial period to address any questions and make adjustments to device settings if necessary.
Our audiologist also offers customized hearing protection and musician's earplugs.
Electronystagmography (ENG) Instructions
Please follow all instructions at least two days before your test
1. Do not take medications for dizziness, tranquilizers, antihistamines or sleeping pills for up to 48 hours before your appointment.
2. If you are on medication for heart problems, diabetes, blood pressure or seizure disorders you must continue your daily dosage. Please let your audiologist know that you are on these medications the day of your test.
If you have been on a medication for a prolonged period of time, including tranquilizers and antidepressants, PLEASE CALL THE PRESCRIBING PHYSICIAN PRIOR TO DISCONTINUING USE.
3. Please eat lightly before your appointment (i.e. have a small breakfast or lunch). If you are diabetic, eat as you would normally and bring food, such as as orange juice, with you to your appointment.
4. Do not have anything with caffeine in it on the day of your appointment.
5. Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours prior to testing.
6. Please do not wear facial make-up or apply sun block or moisturizer to your face at least one or two hours prior to your appointment.
7. Please allow yourself 1 hour for an ENG. If you are having other tests the same day this time will be extended depending on the type and number of other test(s).
8. While most people are able to drive themselves home after the test, we recommend that you make arrangements for someone else to pick you up following the testing.