Oro Valley Audiology is an authorized provider of high-quality and name-brand hearing aids in Tucson, AZ. Our audiologists in Tucson, AZ, are trained to assist you in hearing aid selection and fitting.
Many patients have come to our office disappointed by a device they purchased from a large retailer or from a discounted service their insurance provided. Many times, patients do not familiarize themselves with the seller and this leads them to trust products that may not be best for them.
Read the steps below to learn why buying hearing aids from a trusted source is so important.
Hearing Aid Selection and Fitting: What To Expect
1. Hearing Aid Consultation
Half-shell, full-shell, in-the-ear, behind-the-ear, bone-anchored—there are so many types of hearing aids available! Each one is specifically designed for a certain type of hearing loss, and it would be impossible to know which one you need without the help of a professional.
As an audiologist, before we prescribe any hearing devices, we first look at the type of hearing loss you have. We check your word understanding in noise and also check Most Comfortable and Uncomfortable limits to your hearing. The last thing we want is for you to spend money on a device that will not properly fit your current or future needs.
We also consider the different types of listening environments you are exposed to. Since hearing aids come equipped with many features, sometimes the most expensive types of hearing aids are not suited for your needs.
At Oro Valley Audiology, we are often complimented about our pressure-free environment.
Oro Valley Audiology audiologists in Tucson, AZ, want you to be comfortable with the decision you are making, and the only way to achieve that comfort is by educating you on all your options.
2. Hearing Aid Fitting
Making a successful hearing aid purchase involves more than just selecting the device. Because patients have different forms of hearing loss, their hearing aids need to be properly fitted and adjusted for the right amount of amplification.
This process is called verification or Real Ear Measurement. This type of verification allows us to adjust your hearing aids to give you amplification at the frequencies you need it most. During the verification, you will hear different volumes of sound ranging from soft to very loud to verify that all sounds are set at a comfortable level.
Once the hearing aids are specifically adjusted to your hearing loss, we also discuss proper expectations such as inserting the hearing aids, using filters and batteries, and caring for the hearing aids.
3. Follow-up Appointments
My patients act surprised at the end of the hearing aid consultation when we ask them to schedule for a one- to two-week follow-up appointment. We smile and say, “It’s a noisy world out there. We want to make sure that you don’t come across any questions or concerns after you get home and start wearing them every day.”
Follow-up appointments give us valuable feedback from patients about experiences with their hearing aids. The conversations help us devise communication strategies and unique program ideas for the future.
I hope this article has helped you better understand what a proper hearing aid fitting should be like. If you’re interested in learning more about this process, click the links below.
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Audiologists and Hearing Aids in Tucson, AZ
If you have concerns about your hearing aid fitting and whether you are using your hearing aids to their full potential, please don’t hesitate to call for us to see you sooner!
Is it time for your next hearing test? Call us at 520-825-4770 to set up an appointment or send us an interested email!
