Hearing Aid Fitting/Orientation
Here’s what a fitting typically involves:
- Initial Fitting: When you first receive your hearing aids, the audiologist will fit them to your ears and make initial adjustments based on your audiogram (hearing test results). This ensures that the devices are set to amplify sounds appropriately for your level of hearing loss.
- Real-Ear Measurement: This test measures the sound levels in your ear canal to ensure the hearing aids are delivering the correct amount of amplification. A small probe microphone is placed in the ear canal along with the hearing aid to measure the sound output.
- Programming: Using specialized software, the audiologist will program the hearing aids to match your specific hearing needs. This includes adjusting the volume, frequency response, and other settings to optimize sound quality.
- Feedback Management: The audiologist will check for any feedback (whistling sounds) and adjust the hearing aids to minimize it. Modern hearing aids have advanced feedback cancellation features that can be fine-tuned during this process.
- Comfort and Fit: The physical fit of the hearing aids is also important. The audiologist will ensure that the devices are comfortable to wear and make any necessary adjustments to the earmolds or domes.
- Environmental Adjustments: Hearing aids can be adjusted for different listening environments, such as quiet rooms, noisy places, or outdoor settings. The audiologist will help you set up different programs or modes that you can switch between depending on your surroundings.
- User Training: You’ll receive guidance on how to use and care for your hearing aids, including how to change batteries, clean the devices, and switch between different programs.
- Follow-Up Appointments: After the initial fitting, follow-up appointments are essential to fine-tune the hearing aids based on your experiences. You can discuss any issues or discomfort, and the audiologist can make further adjustments to improve performance.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Regular check-ups and maintenance are important to keep your hearing aids functioning well. This includes cleaning, checking for wear and tear, and making any necessary repairs or adjustments.
This process ensures that your hearing aids are tailored to your specific hearing needs and lifestyle, providing you with the best possible hearing experience. If you have any concerns or notice changes in your hearing, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your audiologist for further adjustments.