A hearing aid fitting performed by an audiologist requires more than just one session of fitting and adjustments. The initial hearing aid fitting in addition to subsequent follow up visits play an integral step in hearing aid success. It is essential to have a hearing aid that both fits properly, and achieves the correct amount of amplification through customization and real ear measurement.
What happens during a hearing aid fitting?
Our audiologist will perform a hearing test to begin the hearing aid fitting process. This examination assists in regulating the volume of your hearing aids so that they function optimally for you. A small tube is placed near the eardrum which measures the sensitivity of your eardrum to both soft and loud sounds. The same examination is then administered with hearing aids in place. This enables us to regulate the degree of amplification so that you can hear speech and sounds of varying intensities clearly and comfortably.
Role of real ear measurement in hearing aid fitting
For the most accurate hearing aid fitting, real ear measurement (REM) is considered to be the standard. REM refers to the process of measuring the volume of sound in a patient’s ear canal, allowing audiologists to make more accurate adjustments based on your specific ear anatomy and the clarity of sound achieved while the hearing aid is in place.
Not all audiologists utilize real ear measurements. At Audiology and Speech Solutions, we conform to best practices so that we can give you the best hearing care available. Real-ear verification is one of our standard operating protocols for fitting hearing aids.
Why is real ear measurement important?
Real ear measurement is necessary for a successful hearing aid fitting. Even the most expensive hearing devices may not be enjoyed fully without exact verification and genuine ear measurement.
Due to the fact that each hearing loss is unique, there is no standard hearing aid configuration that can match the precision of a real ear measurement taken during a hearing aid fitting.
Keep in mind that not all audiologists and hearing care providers use real ear measurements. Audiologists at Audiology and Speech Solutions practice real ear measurement as part of our goal to give you the best and most accurate hearing care possible.
After configuring and fitting the hearing aids, we will discuss basic device cleaning and maintenance procedures. This includes the replacement/charging of batteries, cleaning, storage, and practicing insertion/removal.
Adjusting to a new hearing aid
It may take weeks or months to adjust to your new hearing aid. It’s normal to notice slight improvements at the beginning. Managing your expectations is important. Don’t expect that you’ll immediately have “normal hearing” when you put on your new devices. It is crucial to be patient and embrace the acclimatization process with a positive mindset.
Please try to wear your hearing devices as close to all-waking hours as possible. Early on, it may feel odd wearing something in your ear as you adjust to the physical fit of the devices. Getting adjusted to your new hearing aid may take some time, but you will eventually adapt to the changes. Hearing aids should never cause pain or discomfort, so please contact us if you notice this.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any help or support, or have any queries related to your hearing aid usage. Our team at Audiology and Speech Solutions is ready to assist you in every step of your hearing aid journey.
Hearing Aid Fitting at Rye, NY
Managing hearing loss involves more than acquiring a hearing aid. A successful hearing journey is made possible through efficient hearing aid fitting and relies on an audiologist’s skills and expertise.
Audiology and Speech Solutions is an authorized provider of hearing aids from the industry’s leading manufacturers, including Phonak, Unitron, ReSound, Starkey, Signia, and Widex. We take great satisfaction in offering superior hearing healthcare to our patients in Rye, NY. We are simply a phone call away if you have any queries or concerns.
Contact us today to arrange a consultation!