Understanding Evidence-Based Practices in Modern Hearing Care

Evidence-based practice means using the best available research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to guide hearing care decisions. At Kleckner Audiology, we base our treatment recommendations on proven methods rather than assumptions or outdated practices.

What Makes a Practice Evidence-Based?

Evidence-based audiology combines three elements: current research findings, clinical experience, and patient input. We stay current with peer-reviewed studies on hearing aid technology, fitting protocols, and treatment outcomes. This ensures our recommendations reflect what actually works, not just what sounds appealing.

Research shows that proper hearing aid fitting significantly improves outcomes. Studies consistently demonstrate that professionally fitted hearing aids outperform over-the-counter devices for most people with hearing loss. This isn't about dismissing OTC options entirely—they serve a purpose for some individuals with mild hearing loss. However, the combination of comprehensive testing, expert programming, and ongoing support produces better long-term results.

Comprehensive Hearing Evaluations

Evidence-based care starts with thorough assessment. We conduct detailed hearing evaluations that go beyond basic hearing tests. Our process includes medical history review, visual examination with otoscopy, and multiple types of audiometric testing.

Air and bone conduction testing reveals the type and degree of hearing loss, helping us determine whether issues stem from the outer, middle, or inner ear. Tympanometry evaluates middle ear function, while speech testing measures how well you understand words—not just whether you can hear tones.

Speech-in-noise testing is particularly valuable. Many people hear adequately in quiet environments but struggle in noisy settings like restaurants. Testing your ability to separate speech from background noise guides our technology recommendations and programming approach.

Verification: Confirming Hearing Aids Work Correctly

After selecting and programming hearing aids, verification confirms they're performing as intended. We use advanced verification techniques to measure whether your devices amplify sounds appropriately for your specific hearing loss.

This process involves specialized equipment that measures the actual output of your hearing aids in your ear canal. We compare these measurements to target values based on your hearing test results. If the hearing aids aren't meeting targets, we make precise adjustments.

Verification prevents the common problem of under-amplification, where hearing aids don't provide enough benefit because they're programmed too conservatively. It also prevents over-amplification, which can cause discomfort.

Personalized Programming and Adjustment

Evidence-based practice recognizes that identical hearing losses don't necessarily require identical programming. Your lifestyle, listening environments, and personal preferences matter.

Some people spend most of their time in quiet settings, while others frequently navigate noisy restaurants, meetings, or social gatherings. We adjust hearing aid features based on how you actually use them. Modern hearing aids from manufacturers like Phonak, Oticon, and Starkey offer sophisticated programming options that we customize to match your needs.

Your feedback during follow-up visits guides further refinements. We schedule several appointments during the first year to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments. This iterative process ensures optimal performance as you adapt to amplification.

Staying Current with Technology

Hearing aid technology evolves rapidly. Recent advances in artificial intelligence, connectivity, and sound processing offer meaningful improvements over devices from just a few years ago.

Current platforms like the Phonak Audéo Infinio, Oticon Intent, and Starkey Omega AI incorporate deep neural network processing for better speech clarity in challenging environments. These systems use machine learning trained on millions of sound samples to separate speech from background noise more effectively than previous generations.

We evaluate new technologies based on clinical evidence rather than marketing claims. When research demonstrates genuine benefits, we incorporate those innovations into our practice. When new features lack supporting evidence, we remain appropriately skeptical.

The Role of Ongoing Support

Evidence-based care doesn't end at the initial fitting. Research shows that regular follow-up significantly improves hearing aid success rates. We provide comprehensive aftercare including cleaning, maintenance, repairs, and programming adjustments.

Many hearing aid users experience changes in their hearing over time. Annual hearing evaluations help us detect these changes and adjust your devices accordingly. We also update software and firmware as manufacturers release improvements.

Professional cleaning removes earwax and debris that can affect performance. We inspect your devices for wear and address issues before they become serious problems. This proactive approach extends the life of your investment and maintains optimal function.

Beyond Just Devices

Evidence-based practice extends to counseling and education. We provide realistic expectations about what hearing aids can and cannot do. Research indicates that patients with accurate expectations report higher satisfaction with their hearing aids.

We also address related concerns like tinnitus management and communication strategies. Many people with hearing loss benefit from sound therapy, stress reduction techniques, and learning to optimize listening environments.

Working Together for Better Outcomes

Evidence-based audiology succeeds through partnership between clinician and patient. We bring expertise in hearing science and technology. You bring knowledge of your lifestyle, preferences, and experiences.

At Kleckner Audiology, we've served the Allentown community since 1974 by combining clinical expertise with personalized care. Our audiologists—Peter Kleckner, Katherine Stabler, and hearing instrument specialist Andrew Fluck—stay current with research and best practices to provide you with care that works.

Schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation to experience evidence-based hearing care. Call us at 610-435-8299 or visit our office at 3131 College Heights Blvd in Allentown. We're here Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, ready to help you hear your best.