At Victory Hearing Care, you can trust that our hearing instrument specialists will provide expert care. After your hearing test is completed, our team will collaborate with you to find the ideal solution for your hearing needs. Since hearing aids must be tailored to each individual’s unique hearing loss, we will customize the device to match your specific level of loss and personal preferences. The fitting and programming appointment ensures the accuracy of your initial hearing results. Once your hearing aid settings are perfected, you will experience a new world of sound.
Understanding Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are advanced electronic devices that amplify sound in both ears. Each device consists of an amplifier, microphone, speaker and battery. The amplifier boosts sound while the microphone picks up sound. Together, these features are a powerful part of the hearing aid experience. Modern hearing aids improve on this setup both in the hardware and software categories. That means longer lasting batteries, smaller sizes and better software compatibility with other devices. Hearing aids are always improving so that the wearer can focus on the things that matter the most. When wearers forget that they have something in their ears, that is a sign that hearing aids are doing a good job.
Fitting and Programming
The fitting and programming appointment is set up after the hearing aid evaluation. At the appointment, the chosen hearing devices from the previous meeting are optimized to meet the specific needs of the user. On arrival, the prescription is already set up for the equipment. During the fitting and programming appointment, final adjustments are made using Real ear measurement (REM) techniques. Live speech mapping is one of those techniques, and is considered a successor to traditional REM.
Live Speech Mapping
Live speech mapping is a live representation of what the patient can hear. By visualizing hearing, a hearing instrument specialist can make real-time and accurate adjustments to the device. This is an essential tool during the fitting process since it can measure the hearing aid’s output directly in the patient’s ear. It is a good representation of how the device will perform in multiple environments.
Using Your Devices
Your hearing aid fitting appointment is designed not only to ensure your device is perfectly customized but also to teach you how to use it effectively. During this session, the hearing instrument specialist will guide you through the process of properly inserting and removing your hearing aids. You’ll learn the correct technique to place the device comfortably and securely in your ear, as well as how to safely remove it without causing any damage.
In addition to mastering insertion and removal, you will be instructed on how to clean your hearing aids. Proper maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of your devices, so the specialist will show you the best practices for cleaning and caring for them. This includes how to handle the devices delicately, which cleaning tools to use, and how to keep them free from earwax and moisture.
You will also receive comprehensive training on how to operate your hearing aids. This involves adjusting the volume, changing batteries or recharging the devices, and using any special features they may have, such as Bluetooth connectivity or different listening modes. The goal is to ensure you feel confident and comfortable using your hearing aids in all aspects of daily life. By the end of your fitting appointment, you’ll have the knowledge and skills needed to use your hearing aids effectively, ensuring you can fully benefit from your new world of improved sound.
Follow-up Appointments
Follow-up appointments are a critical part of the treatment plan. At the fitting and programming meeting, the only progress that can be tracked is the initial response and adjustments. With follow-ups, a hearing instrument specialist can use real time data to make further optimizations to the hearing device. Top performance from the equipment is a big part of long-term hearing health and getting the most out of each appointment.