Step-by-Step: What to Expect During Your Hearing Aid Fitting Appointment

The journey to better hearing begins with a crucial step: hearing aid fittings. At Family Hearing Center, we recognize that this process can be daunting, particularly for individuals who are new to the world of audiology. Our mission is to create a warm and supportive environment where you feel comfortable and well-informed at every stage. From the initial assessment to the personalized follow-up care, we'll be with you every step of the way. Let's explore the hearing aid fitting appointment in detail, from the initial evaluation to the ongoing support you can expect from our team.

Initial Assessment: The Foundation of Your Hearing Journey

When you come in for a hearing aid fitting, we'll start by taking a close look at your hearing. This step is important because it helps us understand your unique hearing needs and create a solution that works for you and your lifestyle.

Lifestyle Discussion

We first take some time to chat about your lifestyle and what you're looking for in a hearing aid. We'll ask you questions about your daily activities, your work environment, and your hobbies. This information will help us recommend the best hearing aid options for you.

Hearing Tests

We use hearing tests to measure how well you can hear sounds at different pitches and volumes. This will help us create a detailed audiogram, which is a picture of your hearing loss. If a hearing loss is detected, the audiogram would visualize your abilities by ear. Several different hearing tests can be used to assess hearing loss, including:

• Pure-tone audiometry: This is the most common type of hearing test. It measures how well you can hear sounds at different pitches and volumes.
• Speech audiometry: This test measures how well you can understand speech in noise.
• Tympanometry: This test measures the function of the eardrum and middle ear.
• Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs): This test measures the function of the inner ear.
• Auditory brainstem response (ABR): This test measures how well the brainstem responds to sound.

The type of hearing test that is used will depend on your individual needs and symptoms.

Hearing Aid Selection: Finding the Perfect Match

We understand that choosing the right hearing aids is a big decision. That's why we take the time to get to know your hearing loss profile and lifestyle needs. With this information in mind, we can help you select the hearing aids that are right for you. Our audiologists will work with you to find a hearing aid that fits your needs and budget. We'll also discuss financing options if necessary. We want you to be able to afford the hearing aids that you need to improve your quality of life.

We offer a wide range of hearing aids, each with unique features and benefits. Our audiologists will explain the different types of hearing aids available, including In-the-Ear (ITE), Behind-the-Ear (BTE), Mini BTE, In-the-Canal (ITC), Completely in Canal (CIC), and Invisible in Canal (IIC) devices. We will also discuss the features of modern hearing aids, such as Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable batteries, directional microphones, and noise reduction technology. Together, you can decide which features are most important for your lifestyle.

The Fitting Appointment: Customizing Your Hearing Experience

Once you've selected your hearing aids, the fitting appointment is where the magic happens. The hearing aid fitting process ensures that your devices are comfortable and function optimally.

Earmold Fitting

For in-canal and in-ear hearing aids, getting the earmold right is essential. Our audiologists will take precise measurements of your ear to create a custom earmold. This ensures a snug fit that is both comfortable and effective in delivering sound.

Hearing Aid Programming

Our audiologists will program your hearing aids to match your specific hearing loss profile. This involves fine-tuning the devices to amplify soft sounds to an audible level and compress louder sounds to a comfortable level. We also use real ear measures to ensure the hearing aids are providing the correct amount of amplification. This involves placing a thin tube in your ear, connected to a microphone, to measure the sound levels near your eardrum.

Real Ear Measurements (REM)

REM is an audiology best practice used to verify hearing aid fittings and ensure optimal hearing outcomes. We will insert a microphone in the ear canal to measure the sound output of the hearing aid as it sits in the patient's ear. This allows us to assess the accuracy of the hearing aid's prescription and make any necessary adjustments to improve the patient's hearing experience.

It's one thing to be fitted in our quiet office, and it's another to use those same devices out in the world. REM is important for hearing aids that are worn without earmolds, like receiver-in-canal (RIC) and completely-in-canal (CIC) devices. This lets us check how well the hearing aid works in your ears in real-life sound environments and make the necessary adjustments to ensure optimal hearing aid performance.

Initial Sound Check

After programming, you'll have the chance to test your hearing aids. Our audiologists will make real-time adjustments based on your feedback to ensure you're hearing comfortably and clearly.

Post-Fitting Guidance: Empowering You for Success

The fitting appointment doesn't end with programming the devices. At Family Hearing Center, we believe in empowering our patients with the knowledge and skills needed to handle their hearing aids effectively.

Device Demonstration

We'll show you how to operate your hearing aids, including how to adjust the volume, switch between different programs, insert and remove the device, and clean and maintain it. This hands-on demonstration is essential for building your confidence in using your new hearing aids.

Usage Schedule

Adapting to hearing aids can take time. Our audiologists will design a phased usage schedule for you, starting with a few hours a day in quiet environments and gradually increasing the duration and introducing noisier settings. This gradual approach helps your brain adjust to the new sounds and reduces the risk of auditory overload.

Follow-Up Appointments: Continuous Support for Optimal Hearing

Our commitment to your hearing health doesn't end with the fitting appointment. Follow-up care is a crucial part of ensuring your hearing aids continue to perform optimally.

Adjustment Sessions

We schedule follow-up appointments to check your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your hearing aids. As you become accustomed to the devices, your audiologist may fine-tune the settings to further enhance your hearing experience.

Ongoing Support

We encourage our patients to reach out anytime they have questions or concerns. Whether it's a minor adjustment or a technical issue, our team is here to provide the support you need. We also offer regular maintenance services to keep your hearing aids in top condition.

Your Partner in Better Hearing

At Family Hearing Center, we are dedicated to providing personalized hearing care that meets your unique needs. Our comprehensive hearing aid fitting process ensures that you receive the best possible solution for your hearing loss. From the initial assessment to ongoing support, we are your trusted partner in the journey to better hearing. If you're ready to improve your hearing and enhance your quality of life, schedule an appointment with us today. Let us help you rediscover the world of sound with confidence and clarity.