The Science behind Advanced Hearing Aid Fittings

There’s a common misconception that hearing aids can only amplify sound. The truth is today’s hearing aids are so advanced that they can do far more than that. The sophisticated and advanced technology of current hearing aids allows the user to have the best hearing experience possible. So, what do you need to know about advanced hearing aids and fittings with an audiologist? Take a look below.

The Components of a Hearing Aid

There are several components that make up advanced hearing aids. Along with an amplifier, a hearing aid also comes with a microphone, speaker, battery and computer processor. The computer processor allows your audiologist to program the hearing aid according to your specific needs.

How is Sound Processed?

You may be interested in learning how sound is processed through a modern hearing aid. The hearing first picks up on any nearby sounds. The sounds are then analyzed and adjusted to suit your hearing needs. Once the sounds have been processed, they are sent to the amplifier.

The sounds are transferred from the amplifier to the speaker and are then transmitted to the inner ear. This can be done with an earmold and tubing in the ear canal or a thin wire connected to a receiver in your ear. The sounds are received in electrical impulses which are picked up by the brain. All audiologists know that the brain is responsible for understanding sounds, not just the ear, so all hearing devices are designed with this in mind.

What to Expect from Your Fitting

If you have reached your hearing aid fitting appointment, you’ve already had a hearing test with your audiologist. Your audiologist will discuss the results of your test and begin your hearing aid fitting. You may be asked some further questions to ensure you leave with the right hearing device for you.

An audiologist will use a small handheld device called an otoscope to examine your ear canal. If an earmold is the best option for you, your audiologist will check if the mold fits well. If your hearing aid is to be fitted on an open ear fit configuration, your audiologist will measure your ear canal to determine the right size for you.

In order for your audiologist to program your hearing aid for you, you’ll need to go through a series of tests. A thin, soft tube will be inserted in your ear canal. This is for your audiologist to measure a variety of sounds in your ear. At this point it’s important for you to communicate to your audiologist which sounds are clear and which are not. When you’ve reached a point where you’re happy with the sound quality from your hearing aid, your audiologist will show you how to use your hearing aid and keep it clean.

If you have been experiencing symptoms of hearing loss or you’d like to learn more about hearing aid technology, contact your local audiologist to schedule an appointment.