Services
At our Hearing Conservation Center, we use a variety of acoustic, computer and genetic equipment to help advance the field. NIU students, staff and faculty are free to use our equipment for personal hearing health, education and research.
Hearing tests can be scheduled through our appointment page, and use of all other services can be arranged by contacting the director, Charles Pudrith at cpudrith@niu.edu.
On-site
Hearing Tests in 314 Wirtz Hall
Hearing tests and outer and middle ear screens are provided. Following the tests, we will immediately go over the results with you and provide recommendations. We will also forward your results to your doctor or audiologist if requested. All services are supervised by a licensed audiologist.
Virtual Reality Anatomy in 314 Wirtz Hall and 1015 Wellness and Literacy Center
We use the program Organon 3D and the Oculus 2 to provide students with an interactive virtual cadaver with all major organs and systems that that can manipulate, simulate scans and filter. All activity can be cast to a computer screen so that students can work in groups. Students can also see how the body moves on the skeletal muscular level. Faculty are encouraged to contact the director to learn how they can integrate this device into their curriculum.
Speaker Array in 1015 Wellness and Literacy Center
An eight-speaker array is controlled by Adobe Audition. Students and faculty can use this setup to measure how manipulating the acoustic environment affects auditory perception.
DNA Isolation in 312 Wirtz Hall
We have the laboratory equipment necessary to isolate genomic DNA from cheek cells of humans. We also have a PCR to grow up desired amplicons. All DNA prepared in our lab would be sent out for final sequencing.
Over-the-counter Hearing Aid Consultation in 314 Wirtz
If you recently purchased an OTC hearing aid and would like to learn more about your new device, feel free to bring it in and we can try to improve the settings and discuss the advanced features of the device. Just sign up for a hearing test using the ‘Appointments’ tab above and we will change the appointment to an OTC hearing aid consultation once you come in.
Local
Noise Dosimetry
A Sound Level Meter and Dosimeters are used for measuring noise volume over time. The Sound Level Meter is a larger device that can report 3600 measurements a second, whereas the Dosimeter is a wearable device that reports sound levels each second. Both devices can be used to assess the hazard levels of noise in an environment.
Hearing Conservation Presentation
We are happy to provide tailored presentations to individuals in fields with high levels of noise exposure or health care fields outside of audiology interested in learning how they can help patients with hearing loss. NIU faculty, students, and staff are encouraged to reach out to the director to discuss setting up a visit.
Remote
Hearing Self-Assessment
Individuals interested in learning if they may have hearing loss are encouraged to click on this link [Link to hearing self-assessment site] and answer the questions provided. Alternatively, you may download the Mimi app and run a self-diagnostic test from your smartphone. The app can be accessed from the same link.
Introduction to the Audiometry Game
Instructors teaching basic audiometry to students may use the files attached as a learning activity. These files will ask students to identify the appropriate presentation levels using the modified Hughson-Westlake technique.
Contact Us
Hearing Conservation CenterWirtz Hall, Room 314
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-6246
hcc@niu.edu
Hours
Fall Semester
Tuesdays: 2-4:30 p.m.
Fridays: 9-11:30 a.m.
Spring Semester
Tuesdays: 9-11:30 a.m.
Fridays: 9-11:30 a.m.
Summer Semester
Closed