Top Reasons to Take Your Loved One to a Hearing Professional
If you’re noticing that your loved one is struggling to hear
What to Expect at a Hearing Aid Fitting Appointment
The first step to treating hearing loss is, of course, a full hearing evaluation. This is where it will be determined if you will benefit from hearing aids based on the softest sounds you can hear across a range of pitches. If the hearing instrument specialist recommends a hearing aid evaluation, you will begin the device selection process and then have a hearing aid fitting.
The Hearing Aid Evaluation
A hearing aid evaluation appointment is the prime opportunity to communicate with your hearing instrument specialist about your expectations and preferences in a hearing aid with regards to features, technology, style and costs. At the end of the appointment, you want to feel confident that you’ve communicated clearly and the hearing aid you order is the best possible option for you.
Based on the results of your hearing exam, the hearing instrument specialist will already know the gain levels you’ll need and will provide recommendations on which types and styles of hearing aids are best for your type and degree of hearing loss. Depending on the range of amplification required, they may recommend a certain type, whether a smaller in-the-ear hearing aid, larger behind-the-ear model, or something between the two. They’ll also take into consideration your typical listening environments and daily activities to fit you with a hearing aid that best meets the demands of your lifestyle
If you decide on a hearing aid that requires an earmold, the hearing instrument specialist will take an impression of your ear so it can be customizes for a perfect fit – an important step, since a poor fit is one of the most common sources of hearing aid problems.
The Fitting Process
After your hearing aid is ordered, it will typically arrive at the office within a few weeks, but you won’t simply pick it up and leave. The hearing aid fitting appointment is an extremely important step of the process of making sure your hearing aid is fit and functioning properly. In addition to the hearing aid’s physical fit in your ear, it’s important to make sure the amplification levels are programmed and adjusted so soft sounds are amplified sufficiently and loud sounds aren’t amplified to the point of discomfort. To do this, the hearing instrument specialist will perform another test referred to as Real Ear Measures. It includes the following steps:
- A thin tube connected to a microphone is inserted in your ear canal to first measure the volume of sounds near your eardrum before your hearing aid is inserted.
- Next, your hearing aid will be inserted, and sounds played at different volumes to determine your hearing aid’s exact amplification.
- The hearing instrument specialist will make any necessary adjustments to the hearing aid’s volume and programming so you’re able to hear as clearly and comfortably as possible.
Care Review and Practice
Once everything is fitted and fine-tuned to perfection, the hearing instrument specialist will walk you through daily care of your hearing aids, from simple tasks like removing and re-inserting batteries, to cleaning procedures and basic troubleshooting.
The hearing aid evaluation and fitting appointments are some of the most important steps after you hearing exam because they can make the difference between optimal hearing and continued difficulties. Even after your hearing aid fitting, don’t hesitate to return for further adjustments that can maximize your comfort and hearing needs.
