The Science of Precision in Hearing Aid Fittings

If your audiologist has recommended hearing aids after having your ears tested, you might be wondering what comes next. Your audiologist will provide you with a hearing aid evaluation, which starts with an assessment of your needs. This will help guide your audiologist into recommending what kind of hearing aids will suit you. You will also be invited to attend follow-up visits to check in and make any changes if necessary.

Your Preferences and Expectations

The first thing your audiologist will want to do is conduct an in-depth consultation with you to find out more about your lifestyle, your personal preferences, your expectations when it comes to wearing hearing aids and also answer any questions you may have. This happens so they can suggest types of hearing aids that are more likely to suit you. Three types they may suggest are:

• Behind the ear (BTE): These sit on top and behind of the outer ear, with a tube that connects to an earmold that sits in the ear canal. BTE hearing aids are suitable for mild-to-profound hearing loss.
• In the ear (ITE): These sit in the outer ear bowl, and because of their size they are often recommended to patients with mild-to-moderately-severe hearing loss.
• In the canal (ITC): ITC hearing aids fit directly in your ear canal offering a discreet loss. They are recommended to individuals with mild and moderate hearing loss.

However, the type of hearing aid you prefer will depend on the severity of your hearing loss alongside your lifestyle and preferences.

Fitting the Hearing Aid

Everyone has differently sized and shaped ears, and that’s why it’s important to have your hearing aids fitted by your audiologist. Fitting your hearing aids is a crucial process that involves precise adjustments to ensure they align with your unique hearing needs. These adjustments are typically made by your audiologist tailoring the device settings for optimal sound clarity and comfort.

Real Ear Measurements (REM)

Real ear measurements are tests taken out by your audiologist to take the size and shape of your ears into account before fitting your heading aids. You’ll be required to sit while your audiologist places a headset onto your head, with thin tubes into your ear canal. Your audiologist will then play a series of sounds while making adjustments to your heading aids.

Once this test has been carried out and the audiologist is happy the hearing aids are set up correctly, they will then talk you through how the hearing aid works, how to put it in and safely remove it. They will also ask you to practice while you’re there to ensure you’re doing it properly. Finally, your audiologist will explain what to expect while you’re getting used to your new hearing aids. You’ll also be given a chance to ask any questions before you leave.

Making sure your hearing aids fit correctly will give you a better quality of life. Going through the fitting process and attending all appointments will ensure you can regain as much hearing as possible.