Prescription hearing aids are life-changing devices that come in many different shapes and sizes. Once hearing aids have been selected, they must be properly fitted, programmed, and maintained to ensure optimal performance. Hearing aid fitting involves customizing the device to fit comfortably in the ear and provide the best possible sound quality. Programming is also crucial, as it involves adjusting the device’s settings to match the individual’s unique hearing needs.
Regular hearing aid maintenance and repairs are also important to keep the device functioning at its best. This may include cleaning the device, changing batteries, or repairing any damage. Working with the team at HEARINC ensures that your hearing aids are fitted, programmed and maintained correctly, providing the best possible hearing experience.
Hearing Aid Fitting
After the hearing aid evaluation, you have to set up the hearing aid fitting appointment. The evaluation ends with the audiologist sending the device off with the suggested prescription. The time between the evaluation and the fitting is an important part of the treatment. Patients should take the opportunity to put together questions for the next appointment.
The appointment can go on for an hour or more, so come prepared. It begins with a sound test to measure your reactions to soft and loud sounds. During the tests, the audiologist will also show concern about the comfort and fit of the device. An audiologist will need proper feedback from the patient so that they can make these necessary changes.
Hearing Aid Programming
Accuracy and clarity of sound are some of the biggest strengths of hearing technology. That is why the programming portion of the appointment has a strong focus on optimization. An individual will wear their hearing aids in environments with completely different sounds. The voices that they listen to will change every day, and the level of noise exposure will go up and down. How well you experience these changes on the fly has a lot to do with how the audiologist programs the hearing device.
A hearing aid’s job is to compensate for hearing loss by enhancing sound. How this task is handled differs based on the model of hearing aid chosen. But the processing of sound is done on the fly, and without the need for user intervention. When programming, an audiologist is checking to see how you respond to these rapid changes in sounds. It is a simulation that does a good job of measuring the performance of the current prescription.
Live Speech Mapping
Real-ear measurements are used to check the performance of a hearing aid. This helps the audiologist gain an understanding of what the device is doing inside the ear canal. Live speech mapping is the same as a real-ear measurement, but modernized. It allows the audiologist to do optimizations while seeing the changes in real time. They can fully visualize how you hear, and that makes a dramatic difference in the prescription of a hearing aid. Live speech mapping is the best verification method for programming a new hearing device.
Hearing Aid Repairs
Hearing aids are sophisticated electronic devices that can significantly enhance an individual’s hearing ability. However, like any device, hearing aids may require repairs from time to time to ensure optimal functionality. While many hearing aids come with a warranty that covers repairs, it’s important to visit our team for in-office diagnosis. Depending on the extent of the damage, repairs can range from a simple battery replacement to sending the device to the manufacturer for service. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the hearing aid can also help prevent the need for repairs and prolong the device’s lifespan.