FMDH Online Application Submission

Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital Audiology Clinic has a audiologist on staff and provides many hearing related services. Sharlene Schmidt, M.S. Audiologist is a native of Canada and practices in Glasgow Montana.

What is an audiologist?

An audiologist must have six years of education ( Master's Degree), four months of closely supervised practical training, and one clinical fellowship year (supervised also). A hearing aid dispenser can have a minimum of a high school diploma and six months of supervised training to work. Ms Schmidt is currently licensed in audiology and hearing aid dispensing. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Disorders and a Master of Science Degree in Audiology. Audiologists must renew their licenses annually after completing annual continuing education credits.

What should I expect at my appointment?

Comprehensive hearing tests in a sound treated booth are performed. After visiting with the patient and considering their thoughts and communication needs I make the best recommendation possible for that individual. Trial periods are available and necessary. It takes time to work with patients to get the best possible results so they can enjoy the benefit of hearing in most environments. After patients are tested and diagnosed with a hearing impairment a hearing aid may be recommended. Sharlene works with all types of hearing aids. She can assess, repair, and clean all types of hearing aids and  works with a variety of hearing aid companies. 

What services are provided?

The services provided by Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital Audiology are hearing tests and screenings for all ages, hearing aid selection and verification. Sharlene provides hearing tests each fall in the schools from Westby to Dodson Montana, testing students in grades Kindergarten through 2nd grade and 9th or 10th grade. Teachers and parents can also request a student be tested if they suspect a problem. Students with known hearing losses are monitored annually and new students are screened also. In the spring, FMDH Audiology participates with the Valley County Health Department to provide community pre-school Child Find screenings. Sharlene travels to Malta Montana, on a monthly basis for provision of services in conjunction with Dr. Bennion to ensure thorough care and prompt accessibility of services in that location. Sharlene has a good working relationship with Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist Dr. Brett Bennion who also holds clinic in Glasgow Montana every two weeks.

Other services provided by FMDH Audiology is construction of custom hearing protection for hunters, pilots, construction workers, farmers, and other people who are around loud noise. Sharlene can provide industrial testing for local businesses who would like to provide that service to their employees. Newborn babies also have their hearing screened. This is an advancement in technology, as babies with identified hearing losses can start using hearing aids as young as six months of age. Early detection of hearing deficits improves likelihood of appropriate speech and language development with the help of aggressive intervention from specialists.

 

"If you have a problem with your hearing aid or if your hearing changes I will be right here to help you. My goal has always been to meet or exceed my patients expectations. I want to give people the best chance to hear things around them. Life is too short to miss out." 

Sharlene Schmidt, M.S. Audiologist

To make an appointment with Sharlene Schmidt at

Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital 

call 800-322-3634 or 406-228-3500 extension 3655.