Is a Hearing Aid Fitting Necessary?

Absolutely. Every year, hearing aids are sold to more than 3.5 million Americans. Almost every one of those hearing aids has some level of customization. A hearing aid fitting is a specialized session where these calibrations take place. 

During a hearing aid fitting, the individual user will have their new hearing aids custom-tuned to their individual needs. The vast majority of modern hearing aids can be customized in many ways. So, there will be a large amount of personalization that a new hearing aid owner will be able to select from.

How Is A Hearing Aid Fitting Conducted?

When you’re at a hearing aid fitting, your specialist will do more than just physically fit the device to the shape of your ears. While undergoing a hearing aid fitting, we will do a number of diagnostic tests aimed at ensuring that your hearing aids are functioning at optimal capacity.

We will meet with you a number of times before your fitting to get you ready for your new pair of hearing aids. We will discuss your capabilities and needs during a detailed pre-fitting conversation. Talking points will include things like what settings you’re likely to use your hearing aid in, and what type of device you may be considering. 

Here are a few other things you can expect while at a pre-fitting meeting:

  • We will perform a complete hearing test. This test will provide baseline hearing aid settings.
  • If earmold impressions have to be taken, it will usually be done a couple of weeks before the fitting. This will help ensure a comfortable fit.
We will schedule an appointment for your fitting once we finish the pre-fitting meetings. A normal hearing aid fitting will include:
  • Real Ear Measurement: In order to ensure that your device has the right level of amplification, a Real Ear test will be done.
  • Device Adjustment: We will make sure your hearing aid is functioning at peak performance by completing any necessary final adjustments.
  • Maintenance Review: Basic maintenance and upkeep will be discussed, like changing batteries, cleaning schedules, and how to use Bluetooth functions.

Depending on exactly how things go, the duration of your fitting will vary. Usually, however, you can expect your fitting to last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half.

Real Ear Measurement - What Exactly Is It?

A Real Ear measurement is a specialized tool used to determine the accurate volume level of a hearing aid.
Here’s how a Real Ear measurement will work:

  • A very small microphone is attached to a thin tube which is inserted directly into the canal of the ear.
  • The hearing aid is then put into place.
  • The volume level coming from the hearing aid is then measured after several diagnostic sounds are played back. These sounds will start extremely quiet and then range up to very loud.
  • The hearing aid's output will then be precisely tuned by a hearing specialist.

In order to make sure that a hearing aid is working correctly, a Real Ear test is crucial. This diagnostic helps us take advantage of the customization features of contemporary hearing aids and make sure they’re fine-tuned for the individual hearing requirements of the user. It’s important to make sure the hearing aids are tuned to the frequency and volume needs of the user, and a Real Ear test is the best way to determine those variables. 

A great deal of the subjectivity that would otherwise be involved in a hearing aid fitting will be removed by a Real Ear test, and for people getting fitted for their first hearing aids, this can be particularly helpful.

The Importance Of A Hearing Aid Fitting

In order to effectively treat hearing loss, a correctly performed fitting is essential. You will get the greatest advantage from your hearing aids when they are set up for proper function. Here are some reasons why hearing aid fittings are so important:

People won't use hearing aids that are uncomfortable

It's not uncommon for people to dismiss their hearing aids as ineffective just because they don't fit properly in the ear. However, when a hearing aid fits correctly, the user can have effective hearing loss management all of the time.

Hearing aids that aren't calibrated can result in discomfort

When a hearing aid is too loud, it can be uncomfortable and can cause further damage. If a hearing aid is too quiet, it won't be effective. In both situations, the user may become disillusioned and quit wearing their hearing aids, and that can be a real problem for their hearing health.

Some of the more advanced features need proper setup

Our hearing aid experts can help you create custom settings tailored to your common environments. We'll also show you how to take advantage of wireless connectivity. This will help you get the most out of your hearing aids and improve your overall quality of life.

Maximizing the potential of any pair of hearing aids is the goal of a fitting. Ultimately, every pair of hearing aids is unique. Every user will need personalized settings and features. That’s why hearing aids that are custom fit to the user’s individual needs will be the best devices for them.

Schedule an appointment for a fitting today and get the maximum effectiveness from your hearing aids.