After you take a hearing aid test and choose the hearing aids you want to wear, you will need to go through a hearing aid fitting. A hearing aid fitting is all about ensuring you choose the right hearing aids, fit them properly, and understand how to use them.
Hearing loss is a prevalent condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can significantly impact your quality of life, making communicating with your loved ones, participating in social activities, and performing daily tasks challenging.
Hearing aids can help you regain your hearing ability and improve your overall well-being. That is why at The Hearing Professionals, we offer an hour-long hearing aid fitting after you choose your hearing aids to ensure they fit properly and you understand how to use them.
A comprehensive hearing test is a crucial step in the hearing aid fitting process. It involves a series of tests that measure your hearing abilities, including the type and severity of your hearing loss.
The results of the hearing test are essential in determining the right hearing aid for you. At The Hearing Professionals, we use the information gathered during your hearing test to help you choose the right hearing aids and customize them to your specific needs.
During your appointment with our licensed hearing instrument specialist, Ken Pruyn, you will undergo a comprehensive hearing test to determine the softest sounds you can hear at different pitches and the level of sound that is uncomfortably loud for you. This evaluation will help your licensed hearing instrument specialist determine the amount of amplification your hearing aid requires.
Additionally, Ken may inquire about how much your hearing loss affects your daily life, when you first noticed symptoms, and if you experience tinnitus. It is also essential to inform him about your lifestyle, as it will affect the selection of the right hearing aid for you.
For example, if you frequently make phone calls or enjoy dining in loud restaurants, your hearing aid needs will differ.
After the hearing evaluation, your licensed hearing instrument professional will have a better understanding of the severity and particularities of your hearing loss.
Choosing the right hearing aid is a crucial part of the hearing aid evaluation process. There are many factors to consider when selecting a hearing aid, including style, technology, and control.
Firstly, you will need to consider the style of the hearing aid. There are several different styles to choose from, including:
- Behind-the-ear (BTE)
- In-the-ear (ITE)
- Completely-in-canal (CIC)
BTE hearing aids are the largest and most visible, but they are also the most powerful and can provide the most amplification. ITE and CIC hearing aids are smaller and less visible, but they may not be as powerful as BTE hearing aids.
Next, you will need to consider the technology in the hearing aid. Digital hearing aids are the most common and are designed to provide clearer sound and better noise reduction. Some hearing aids may also have additional features, such as Bluetooth connectivity, directional microphones, or rechargeable batteries.
Lastly, you will need to consider the control of the hearing aid. Some hearing aids have manual controls, while others can be controlled through a smartphone app. It is important to choose a hearing aid that you are comfortable operating and that meets your specific needs.
Ultimately, the goal of choosing a hearing aid is to find one that will add significant value to your life and that you will be comfortable using every day. By considering your preferences and working closely with a licensed hearing instrument specialist, you can find the perfect hearing aid to improve your hearing and overall quality of life.
Taking ear impressions is an important step in the process of getting hearing aids. Your licensed hearing instrument specialist will take a mold of your ear canal to create a custom fit for your hearing aid. This applies to custom hearing aids or when indicated custom molds for narrow canals or canals having significant bends which makes insertion very difficult.
This ensures that the hearing aid is comfortable to wear and provides the best possible sound quality. The specialist will use a soft material to make an impression of your ear, which will harden in a few minutes. The finished mold will be sent to the manufacturer to create a custom hearing aid that fits your ear perfectly.
It is important to work with a licensed hearing instrument specialist to ensure that the ear impressions are taken correctly and that your hearing aids fit comfortably.
After your hearing aids arrive, your licensed hearing instrument specialist will program your hearing aids to fit your unique needs. You'll then need to return for a fitting appointment to test them out.
If your new hearing aid feels uncomfortable or sounds strange, be sure to communicate this with your specialist. They can quickly adjust your hearing aid to improve your experience. We have programmed thousands of hearing aids during the last 14 years, our experience results in the best programming for your loss at delivery.
It's common to need some education on how to use and care for your hearing aid.
Don't hesitate to contact your specialist if you have any questions about using or maintaining your hearing device. At delivery we take all the time you need to fully understand how to use and maintain your hearing Instruments.
You will also need to learn how to replace the batteries and clean your hearing device. Remember, your licensed hearing instrument specialist is here to help you improve your quality of life through better hearing.
Wearing a hearing aid for the first time can be a life-changing experience. A licensed hearing instrument specialist can help you get the perfect fit and program your hearing aid to meet your unique needs. You might be amazed at how much you can hear with the right hearing aid.
Take a stroll outside and listen to the sounds of nature, attend a concert or a movie without needing subtitles, and engage in conversations with ease. The Hearing Professional is here to help you improve your quality of life through better hearing.