The Importance of Your Hearing Aid Fitting
Hearing aids are a vital tool for people with hearing loss. They help to improve communication and overall quality of life. However, for hearing aids to be effective, they must be properly fitted. A proper hearing aid fitting ensures that the device is effectively tailored to the individual’s specific needs and is comfortable to wear.
Why Is The Hearing Aid Fitting So Important?
Hearing aid fittings are essential to making sure that your investment into better hearing provides great value and frustration-free operation. We regularly see new clients who have come to see us to solve problems with their hearing aids – these problems can range from their hearing aids falling out of ears, feedback (whistling noises), or simply they are not able to functionally hear better in most situations.
The hearing aid fitting is the last step before finalising the fitting process before programming the hearing aids to your specific hearing loss. Determine the type of hearing loss you have, is critical in determining what sort of fitting would be the best for you in terms of levels of amplification and the acoustic seal in your ears needed to ensure proper operation of the hearing aids.
The fitting process involves taking an in-depth look at your hearing loss and using it to select the right hearing aid and the right acoustic coupling in your ear canal. During the fitting process, your hearing care professional will make sure that your new device fits your ear properly and that its settings are adjusted correctly.
A well-fitted hearing aid will significantly improve communication skills, reduce stress and improve the overall quality of life.
Your Ears are Unique
You might be thinking, “My ear is unique. What does that mean?” Well, it means your ear canal is like a fingerprint—no two are alike. This means the hearing aids you choose will fit your ears differently than someone else’s. You can have the same brand and model of hearing aid as someone else, but the way that device fits in your ear and its settings will be unique to you!
So why does this matter? Because if your ears and ultimately your brain aren’t getting enough sound input from the hearing aids, you will feel like your hearing aids don’t work as well as they could. The result? You’ll miss out on sounds you want to hear (like conversations) and may even struggle with sounds you don’t want to hear (like background noise), or worse yet, you won’t wear your hearing aids at all.
If those sound like problems worth avoiding, then you should contact your hearing care professional for a hearing aid consultation and hearing aid re-fitting.
Main Steps of Hearing Aid Fitting
- Hearing Evaluation: The first step in the fitting process is a thorough hearing evaluation. This will determine the type and degree of hearing loss, as well as any specific needs that the individual may have. We consider the individuals ability of dexterity, vision and lifestyle. The hearing care professional will then use this information to select the appropriate hearing aid and make any necessary adjustments.
- Fitting: Once the hearing aid has been selected, the hearing care professional will fit it into the individual’s ear. This includes adjusting the size and shape of the earmold, as well as adjusting the volume and settings on the hearing aid itself. It’s important to ensure that the hearing aid is comfortable to wear and that it does not cause any pain or discomfort.
- Instructions: After the initial fitting, the hearing care professional will also provide instructions on how to use and care for the hearing aid. This includes information on how to change the batteries, how to clean the device, and how to troubleshoot any problems that may arise. You are surely welcome to ask questions at any point of the process.
- Follow-ups: It’s also important to note that regular follow-up appointments are needed to ensure that the hearing aid is working properly and that any necessary adjustments are made. This can include fine-tuning the settings yearly, adjusting the fit of the earmold, or even upgrading to a newer model of hearing aids. We encourage people who wear hearing aids to reach out to their hearing care professional whenever something doesn’t seem right with their hearing aids.
The Primary Benefits of Proper Hearing Aid Fittings
The many benefits of a proper hearing aid fitting include the following.
- Improved Communication: One of the most significant benefits of a proper hearing aid fitting is higher perceived value. With the right hearing aid, people with hearing loss can better hear and understand speech, making it easier to communicate with friends, family, and colleagues.
- Increased Confidence: A proper hearing aid fitting can also help to increase confidence. When people can use their hearing aids without concern of proper insertion and potentially losing it, they will likely wear it more frequently. They will be able to hear and understand what is being said, they are more likely to participate in social and professional situations.
- Better Quality of Life: A proper hearing aid fitting can also lead to an overall improvement in quality of life. With the ability to hear and communicate more effectively, people will likely participate with more frequency and enjoy activities that they may have avoided due to hearing loss.
- Comfort and Convenience: A proper fitting ensures that the hearing aid is comfortable to wear and that it does not cause any pain or discomfort. This is important for long-term use, as well as for ensuring that the device is worn consistently. Additionally, the hearing aid is adjusted to the individual’s specific needs, making it more convenient to use.
- Cost-effective: A proper fitting reduces the need for adjustments, repairs and replacement of hearing aid, which can save money in the long run.
- Regular Follow-up: Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to ensure that the hearing aid is working effectively and that any necessary optimization adjustments are made.
Proper hearing aid fittings are essential for the effective use of hearing aids. It ensures that the device is tailored to the individual’s specific needs, that it is comfortable to wear, and that it is working properly. Regular follow-up appointments are also necessary to ensure that the hearing aid is working effectively and that any necessary adjustments are made. If you or someone you know is in need of a hearing aid, make sure to choose a reliable hearing aid provider and schedule an appointment with a hearing care professional for a proper fitting.