While there are options available for purchasing and fitting hearing aids online, it is important to note that this approach may come with various drawbacks. These include the potential for ill-fitting devices that become uncomfortable over time, hearing aids that are not properly calibrated or adjusted to provide the necessary amplification and a lack of comprehensive servicing, warranty and support. In contrast, seeking customized hearing aid fittings through professional audiologists offers a more reliable solution, ensuring that you can avoid these issues while enjoying the numerous benefits they provide. Audiologists provide ongoing support throughout your journey with hearing loss, ensuring proper treatment and optimizing the performance of your hearing aids.
What Is a Customized Hearing Aid Fitting?
A customized hearing aid fitting is a comprehensive service that matches your specific type of hearing loss to a suitable device. Trained audiologists perform a range of tests to select a model suitable for your anatomy and cosmetic preferences. Then, they program the hearing aid settings to match your profile, personalizing the sound quality and comfort level. These customized hearing aids are fitted to the shape and size of your ears making sure that are comfortable and snug fit. There will not be any gaps to where you feel like your hearing aid will fall out.
Customized hearing aid fittings are an ongoing process. The first appointment is often just the first step to a better hearing aid experience. Returning to your audiologist regularly improves the likelihood of outcome since they can adjust settings according to your experience and preferences.
Get The Right Hearing Aids for You
First, customized hearing aid fittings can help you find the correct devices for your need. Not all hearing aids are the same. Some are suitable for profound hearing loss, while others are better for milder forms of the condition. If you have minimal hearing loss, you may benefit from in-the-ear (ITE) or in-the-canal (ITC) devices. These are discreet and fit inside the ear canal with zero or minimal exterior parts. If you prefer a device that is almost invisible to the eye ITE or ITC hearing aids may be right for you.
By contrast, if you have a more substantial hearing loss, then you might benefit from behind-the-ear (BTE) devices. These have external components and a battery compartment, letting them provide additional amplification and features.
Improved Hearing Compared to Do-it-Yourself (DIY) Methods
Customized hearing aid fittings help improve your hearing loss. Proper calibration of your hearing aids can improve the quality of your life. These can include:
- Improve the naturalness of incoming sounds and will provide maximum comfort.
- Enhance incoming sound quality and clarity, making it easier to concentrate on what people are saying.
- Reduce interference and feedback from the microphone.
- Reduce the need for adjustment and repairs.
- Enhance personal satisfaction.
In general, customized hearing aid fittings let you get the most out of your hearing aids. Many people who go down the DIY route wind up feeling disappointed when their hearing aids don’t perform the way they hoped or expected. But those who choose to see an audiologist wind up being able to hear sounds they couldn’t before.
Enhanced Comfort and Fit
Another significant benefit of customized hearing aid fittings is enhanced comfort and fit. Professional audiologists ensure that the earmold fits your ear canal snugly, stopping it from causing soreness. By contrast, fitting hearing aids yourself is risky. Generic molds don’t conform to your ear’s shape and can cause significant rubbing, incentivizing you to wear your devices less.
Greater Satisfaction and Confidence
Lastly, a customized hearing aid fitting can significantly enhance your satisfaction and confidence. These appointments provide plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn how to use your devices correctly. Audiologists explain settings, how to fit devices and how to take care of them, letting you take more control. They can also give you various tips and strategies to use them more effectively in different situations, such as answering the telephone or talking in a bar.
For example, they can show you how to:
- Change the battery.
- Clean your hearing aids.
- Store your devices at night.
- Adjust the settings and perform proper calibration.
- Reduce feedback from the microphone.
- Insert or remove the device.
Customized hearing aid fittings are the first step to getting the most out of your new devices. Audiologist carefully calibrate units to ensure they suit your particular type of hearing loss and personal preferences. Multiple models are available, including discreet versions that sit entirely within the ear canal. If you want to schedule a customized hearing aid fitting at Kirsch Audiology, call us today at 310-586-5533. Our team can help you find the perfect model for your lifestyle and circumstances.
