Stefanie Perle, Au.D., an audiologist who has a special interest in auditory processing disorders and cochlear implants is joining The Hearing Center on 11/15/2016, making the full-service audiology center one of the first in New Jersey to offer all related services outside of a hospital setting.

"Dr. Perle understands the importance of service," said Dr. Eric Sandler, Sc.D., of The Hearing Center. "Patients trust her, rely on her, and know that she is fully accessible. It's rare for patients to have good access to their healthcare providers. That's what The Hearing Center provides and what Dr. Perle will continue to do with us."

Perle earned her Doctor of Audiology degree from Salus University in Philadelphia. She worked at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Center, Edison, N.J., and St. Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick, N.J., before transitioning to private family practice.

"Dr. Perle has been practicing for many years, and she brings two specific areas that we haven't offered before: implantable devices and auditory processing evaluations," Sandler said. "She will offer us the ability to further develop our Cochlear Implant and bone-anchored hearing apparatus (BAHA) program."

Perle identifies candidates for the cochlear implant device and BAHA. Instead of amplifying sound like a hearing aid, a cochlear implant sends electrical signals directly to the brain. A surgeon will perform the procedure, and Perle will conduct follow-up visits at The Hearing Center to ensure the implants are working correctly and the user is acclimating to this new way of processing sound.

"It's rare to have a private practice where you can come for cochlear implants," Sandler said. "Now, there are no audiological services that we have to refer patients to other facilities for."

Perle has a special interest in auditory processing disorders. She diagnoses school aged children seven and older, including children who exhibit signs of auditory processing difficulties at school.

"Auditory processing has a great impact on a child's learning," Perle said. "Typically, the student with auditory processing difficulties has normal hearing, but material can seem like it's going in one ear and out the other, and it clicks the subsequent time it's presented. Why is there a delay? It could be because auditory comprehension abilities are impaired."

Perle's hiring comes just a few months after The Hearing Center hired Sarah Azer Elias, Au.D., to support the expanding practice.

"In a family-based practice like The Hearing Center, I have the opportunity to get to know patients," Perle said. "I'm looking forward to working in a collaborative environment, where I can draw from all of my colleagues' strengths and provide services with other professional, doctoral level audiologists who have such a high level of skill and education."

ABOUT THE HEARING CENTER

The Hearing Center is an advanced full-service audiology practice for children and adults with three New Jerseyoffices in Highland Park, Manalapan, and Clark. The state-of-the-art facilities are the first in New Jersey to offer all audiological services outside a hospital setting, including cochlear implants; auditory processing evaluations; hearing aid fittings and verification; tinnitus evaluations; noise protection; and specialized earplugs for musicians. The practice celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. For more information, visit www.thcaudiology.com.