Why Hearing Aid Fittings are Crucial

If you’ve ever spoken with someone who tried to order sound amplifiers online or buy them as-is “off the shelf,” you probably have heard some lengthy stories about how “hearing aids just don’t work.” That’s really not the case! Don’t make the mistake of thinking that hearing aids and sound amplifiers are alike. The biggest difference involves how these devices assist in improving your hearing and one major aspect of that difference is the hearing aid fitting process. Let’s examine why hearing aid fittings are crucial.

Amplifiers vs. hearing aids

The products you see in big box stores and online usually are hearing amplifiers. Those items are not the same as hearing aids. Amplifiers increase or magnify sound. They are of similar size to hearing aids and sit similarly in the ear. Hearing aids are calibrated and programmed according to your unique hearing issues and improve your hearing in specific frequencies.

Amplifiers, by their very nature, increase all sounds so many people find background noise is just as loud as other sounds. Additionally, amplifiers are not precisely designed to fit your ear, so some people find them uncomfortable after several hours of wear. Hearing aids provide a custom, comfortable fit that creates a much better sound.

Steps to a proper fit

After your hearing test, your hearing care provider will discuss the various styles of hearing aids with you to determine which works best for your hearing loss, your budget and your lifestyle. The next step is to take custom earmolds of your ears so that your units are manufactured to fit snugly and comfortably in your ear. Your hearing aids fit you and only you because the shape of your ear is unique. To ensure proper programming, your hearing specialist performs a real ear measurement test. It measures loud and soft sound specific to your hearing. This simple test uses a thin tube with a microphone. It’s inserted in your ear canal to measure the eardrum’s response to loud and soft sounds. Then, with a hearing aid in place, the test is performed again to set a balanced volume.

Evaluating the differences

When you see a hearing healthcare professional, you are getting a professional examination and evaluation of your hearing by someone who has studied all issues of hearing and not only fits hearing aids, but also can diagnose various hearing and ear problems. How does that compare to the amplifier salesman at the big box store? Your hearing aids are made just for you and programmed to improve your hearing in the ways you need it most, via pitch and volume. Amplifiers make all sounds louder which may not improve your hearing.

Hearing aid fittings are crucial for several reasons. Providing the best quality of sound tops the list, followed by comfort and wear. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that making sound louder will improve your hearing. For most people with hearing issues, hearing aids far outperform a one-size-fits-all amplifier.