4 Factors in a Successful Hearing Aid Fitting
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with hearing loss, your audiologist likely recommended buying hearing aids to help you communicate better. Your audiologist will work with you to find the best possible solution for your specific needs, whether you want something small and discreet, or something large and feature filled.
When you go for a hearing aid fitting, there are a wide variety of things to consider. From the personal to the professional, as well as the environmental, you want to ensure you not only have the right device, but that it’s also tailored to your hearing loss needs. Here are four factors that will result in a successful hearing aid fitting.
The level of your hearing loss
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to fitting the perfect hearing aid, and likewise, everybody experiences hearing loss in a different way. You may experience subtle hearing loss where you are unable to hear mid-to-high range frequencies. On the other hand, you may experience more profound hearing loss, which can distort sound and impact your life significantly more.
As your brain needs to work harder to process the sound, you may notice feeling more fatigued or foggy, depending on the level of your hearing loss. The greater your hearing loss, the more sophisticated the device should be, which will result in a far better quality of life.
The type of hearing aid for your needs
It's not just about the hearing aid that comes with the latest gadgets, but it's about making sure that the hearing aid is suitable for every aspect of your life. There is a wide variety of hearing aids available that come with sophisticated technology. Most come with Bluetooth, but newer hearing aids will have tinnitus masking features, artificial intelligence, are compatible with apps, binaural processing, and digital noise reduction to name but a few.
But you should consider what really is suitable for your life, as well as your budget. You will always get what you pay for, but you have to balance that with the quality and your budget. High-quality products will require more of an investment, but you have to ask yourself what will be most beneficial to your everyday life.
Are you working with the right audiologist?
You need to feel comfortable that the person you are working with has your needs at heart. An audiologist will not just diagnose your hearing condition, but they will have your interests at heart. The right audiologist will work with several brands and ensure that you have the best hearing aids for what is important in your life.
When you are going through a hearing test, the right audiologist will cover every base. They will ask you questions and they will make sure that at the end of the process you have the best hearing aid for you, and nobody else.
It is important that you trust the audiologist because they will be asking you specific questions to determine how the device is working in your ear and how you are actually hearing sounds with it.
How do you feel wearing a hearing aid?
The most important factor in having a successful hearing aid fitting is you. Wearing hearing aids is an adjustment, but it will benefit you in the long run. With hearing aids, you will be able to more readily participate in conversations with family, friends and even coworkers.
Many people feel self-conscious because they have to wear something to help their hearing, but you have to remember that it is going to impact your life in so many different ways, and all for the best. With improved hearing comes a greater quality of life. But it's important to remember that you may feel self-conscious because you've got an idea of hearing aids being big devices. Many are discreet and can blend in with your look.
If you are worried about individuals noticing your hearing aids, consider the following styles and factors that can help make your technology subtler:
Opt for an in-the-canal (ITC) style of hearing aid if you’re looking for something small and incredibly private.
Consider the mini version of the behind-the-ear model to have the comfort of an open-fit with more privacy.
Select hearing aids in skin or hair tones to help them more easily blend in with your look.
Getting a hearing aid fitted is a pathway to a happier life. Getting the right hearing aid is essential for many different parts of your life. These four factors are worth thinking about. If you want to learn more or book an appointment with an audiologist, contact Adirondack Audiology at 800-273-9536.
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