Being hard of hearing can create many setbacks in life. Fortunately, there is a way to improve your hearing so that you don't miss out on the experiences that this sense provides. Hearing aids have provided relief and normalcy for many people who struggle with impaired hearing.
There are several types of hearing aid devices, including behind-the-ear, on-the-ear and in-the-ear hearing aids. Whichever type of hearing aid you are interested in getting, you may be wondering what the process of getting fitted with these devices is like.
To prepare yourself, here's a look at what you can expect when getting fitted with your hearing aid devices.
The Hearing Exam
The first part of being fitted with hearing aids involves a hearing exam. An audiologist will assess your hearing using a series of tests. These tests will measure the lightest sound you can hear at different pitches. The results of these tests will allow the audiologist to determine how much gain your hearing aids will need to provide in order to amplify sounds and improve your hearing.
In addition to testing your hearing, the audiologist will also discuss your lifestyle with you, including the types of sounds you are typically exposed to. The features of different types of hearing aids will be reviewed so that you can determine which type of device is right for your needs.
Measuring Your Ears
Once you decide on the type of hearing aids you would like, your audiologist will measure your ears by taking earmold impressions. These impressions will enable your hearing aids to be properly developed so that they fit the unique shape and size of your ears.
The Fitting
Once your hearing aids are created, you will have a hearing aid fitting appointment. During this appointment, your audiologist will conduct a Real Ear Measurement assessment. This assessment tests your hearing while wearing the devices in order to determine how loud sounds are in your ear canal.
During this assessment, a thin tube will be placed inside your ear canal without the hearing aids in place. The tube is connected to a microphone, which measures the volume of sound near your eardrum. The same assessment will then be conducted while wearing your hearing aids to determine if the devices are providing the proper amplification. If any adjustments need to be made, the devices will be modified until they provide the proper amplification of sound.
The process of getting fitted with hearing aids is precise. With the right devices, you will experience improved hearing and an increased quality of life. For more information, talk to a professional like Sound Care Hearing Group.
Share7 January 2015
When my mother fell at home and broke her hip, we all thought that we were going to have no choice to put her in a nursing home when she got out of the hospital. My mother had always asked us kids to avoid putting her in any kind of home, but we didn’t know what else we could do. None of us were capable of giving her the kind of rehabilitation and care that she needed. Then her doctor suggested that we find out if her insurance covered in-home care. I didn’t even know that that was an option. I was pleased to discover that in-home care was covered by her plan. Now she gets great care from nurses and nurse assistants that come right to her in her home, where she wants to be. It’s a great option, and I’m so glad we have it.
