Audio Help Hearing Centers has audiologists providing expert hearing aid fittings in New York.
A hearing aid fitting is when an audiologist helps you find the right hearing aids for your ears. They test your hearing to see what sounds you have trouble hearing. Then, they pick hearing aids that will help you hear those sounds better. The audiologist also makes sure the hearing aids fit comfortably in your ears and teaches you how to use them.
Getting a professional hearing aid fitting is important because it helps you hear better and feel more comfortable. An audiologist knows how to pick the right hearing aids for your specific needs. They can adjust the hearing aids to make sure they work perfectly for you. This means you can hear clearly in different places, like at home, school, or in noisy areas. A good fitting also means your hearing aids will be comfortable to wear all day.
At Audio Help Hearing Centers, our objective is to create a comfortable patient experience to maximize your hearing capabilities. You are always our main focus.
We want to get to know you as a person to understand your lifestyle and current hearing condition so we can provide you with the best possible hearing solution. Our initial objective is to determine if you have hearing loss that can be corrected with hearing aids.
What happens during a hearing aid fitting?
A hearing aid fitting is an important step to help you hear better. Here’s what usually happens:
- Hearing test: First, the audiologist will do a hearing test. This test helps them understand how well you hear different sounds and which sounds you might be missing.
- Choosing hearing aids: Based on the test results, the audiologist will recommend hearing aids that are best for you. They will explain how each type works and help you choose the right ones.
- Fitting the hearing aids: The audiologist will place the hearing aids in your ears and make sure they fit comfortably. They might make some adjustments to ensure they don’t hurt or feel too loose.
- Programming the hearing aids: The audiologist will program the hearing aids using a computer. This means they will set the hearing aids to help you hear the sounds you have trouble with. They can adjust the volume and other settings to make sure you hear clearly.
- Teaching you how to use them: The audiologist will show you how to put the hearing aids in and take them out. They will also teach you how to change the batteries, clean the hearing aids, and take care of them.
- Checking how they work: You will try out the hearing aids to see how they work in different situations. The audiologist might ask you to come back for follow-up visits to make sure everything is working well and to make any needed adjustments.
Real Ear Measurement
Real Ear Measurement (REM) is a test that audiologists use to see how well your hearing aids are working in your ears. They put a tiny microphone in your ear canal along with the hearing aid. This microphone measures the sounds that the hearing aid makes in your ear. It helps the audiologist see if the hearing aid is giving you the right amount of sound for your hearing needs.
Why is Real Ear Measurement Important?
Real Ear Measurement is very important for a few reasons:
- Accurate sound levels: REM makes sure that your hearing aids are giving you the correct amount of sound. Everyone’s ears are different, so the same hearing aid might sound different in different people’s ears. REM helps to personalize the settings just for you.
- Better hearing: By using REM, the audiologist can adjust your hearing aids so you can hear speech and other sounds clearly. This helps you understand people better when they talk and makes sounds more natural.
- Comfort: REM helps make sure that the sounds are not too loud or too soft. This means your hearing aids will be more comfortable to wear all day.
- Verification: REM is a way to double-check that your hearing aids are working exactly as they should. It’s like a final check to make sure everything is perfect.
Adjusting to hearing aids
Getting used to hearing aids can take some time, but it’s worth it because they help you hear better.
Here are some tips to help you adjust to your new hearing aids:
- Start slowly: At first, wear your hearing aids for just a few hours each day. Gradually increase the time as you get more comfortable. This helps your ears and brain get used to the new sounds.
- Be patient: It’s normal for things to sound different when you first start using hearing aids. You might hear sounds you haven’t heard in a long time, and it can feel overwhelming. Give yourself time to adjust.
- Practice listening: Spend time in different places and listen to various sounds. Practice having conversations with family and friends. This helps your brain learn to focus on important sounds, like speech, and ignore background noise.
- Follow up with your audiologist: Go to all your follow-up appointments. Your audiologist can make adjustments to your hearing aids to make them more comfortable and improve how well you hear. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or share any problems you’re having.
- Keep your hearing aids clean: Learn how to take care of your hearing aids. Clean them regularly and change the batteries as needed. This helps them work well and last longer.
- Use accessories if needed: There are accessories that can help you hear better in specific situations, like watching TV or talking on the phone. Ask your audiologist about these options.
- Stay positive: Adjusting to hearing aids takes time, but stay positive and keep trying. Remember that they are there to help you hear better and enjoy life more.
Adjustment period
Successful hearing treatment requires consistent assessments. We want to check in with you regularly to ensure your hearing aids are comfortable and operating correctly.
At your appointment, we will:
- Identify device benefits and limitations
- Discuss your overall experience and consider your feedback
- Make adjustments and customize your hearing aid settings
We can prescribe other audiology services and hearing accessories that will help you optimize your hearing aid experience. Those options include devices that wirelessly connect to your television and remote microphones to help you hear in noisy environments.
Hearing Aid Fitting FAQs
Are hearing aid fittings covered by insurance?
Yes, some health insurance companies provide benefits for hearing aids; however, the amount of the benefit varies widely. Our audiologists can help you to determine whether your insurance provides any benefits for hearing aids and if so what the amount will be.
Is there a trade-in value when I get new hearing aids?
At Audio Help Hearing Centers, you are able to donate your old hearing aids to our nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and we can give you a receipt which you can use as a donation when you file your income taxes. As with other donations of merchandise, you will establish the amount of the donation, but our audiologists can help you with suggestions.
How long does it take for a hearing aid to be fitted?
The process of fitting a hearing aid typically takes about one to two hours. During this time, the audiologist will conduct a hearing test to determine the extent of your hearing loss. They will then select and program the appropriate hearing aids based on your specific needs. After the hearing aids are chosen, the audiologist will fit them in your ears, making any necessary adjustments to ensure comfort and proper functionality. They will also take the time to teach you how to use, clean, and maintain your hearing aids. Sometimes, follow-up appointments are needed to fine-tune the settings and make sure the hearing aids are working well for you in different environments. Overall, the initial fitting is a detailed process aimed at providing you with the best hearing experience.
Hearing Aid Fitting in NYC
Understanding your unique needs allows us to recommend the best hearing solution for you. As you get started on your journey to better hearing, we encourage you to express your insight and concerns throughout the assessment and treatment process.
Prior to a hearing aid fitting, we will conduct a hearing test to carefully present hearing solutions to address your specific hearing needs, cosmetic preferences, and budget. If you want custom (hearing aids that are in your ears, not requiring anything behind the ear) hearing aids, we will take impressions of your ears and order your hearing devices.
Audio Help Hearing Centers provides expert hearing aid fittings in various locations in Manhattan (Chelsea Village, Columbus Circle, and Park Avenue) and additional offices in Scarsdale, NY (Westchester County), and Stamford, CT.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!