The Process of Getting Fitted for Hearing Aids: What to Expect

At Kleckner Audiology, we believe that getting fitted for hearing aids is a personal journey towards rediscovering life with enhanced clarity and richness. Our team in Allentown, PA, is committed to providing you with the best possible care and guidance throughout the process.

Understanding When Hearing Aids Are Necessary

Before exploring the hearing aid fitting process, it's crucial to determine if hearing aids are indeed the right choice for you. Some signs that might indicate a need for hearing aids include:

• Difficulty understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments
• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
• Feeling isolated or disconnected due to hearing issues

If you recognize any of these signs, hearing aids could be an effective solution to improve your communication abilities and engage more fully in your surroundings.

Initial Consultation and Hearing Evaluation

The journey to better hearing begins with a comprehensive hearing evaluation at our clinic. During this appointment, we'll conduct a series of tests to assess your hearing abilities:

1. Medical History Review: We'll discuss your medical background, including any past injuries or medications that might affect your hearing.
2. Visual Examination: Using an otoscope, we'll examine your outer ear and ear canal to check for any blockages or issues.
3. Air and Bone Conduction Testing: These tests help us determine the type and severity of your hearing loss.
4. Speech Reception and Word Recognition Testing: We'll evaluate how well you can understand speech at different volumes and in various conditions.
5. Speech-in-Noise Testing: At Kleckner Audiology, we perform speech-in-noise testing for all patients during their evaluations. This crucial test assesses your ability to understand speech in the presence of background noise, which is often a significant challenge for those with hearing loss. By evaluating your performance in these realistic listening conditions, we can better tailor your hearing solution to address your specific needs.
6. Tympanometry: This test assesses the condition of your middle ear and eardrum mobility.

Our state-of-the-art equipment and experienced audiologists ensure that we get a complete picture of your hearing health. This thorough evaluation allows us to determine if hearing aids are the right solution for you and, if so, which type would be most beneficial.

Selecting the Right Hearing Aid

Once we've established that hearing aids are appropriate for your needs, we'll guide you through the selection process. At Kleckner Audiology, we offer a wide range of advanced hearing aid models from leading manufacturers, including:

1. Oticon Intent: Featuring DNN 2.0 and 4D sensor technology for enhanced speech clarity and environmental adaptation.
2. ReSound Nexia: Offers advanced Bluetooth LE and Auracast technology for seamless streaming and superior noise reduction.
3. Signia IX: Includes RealTime Conversation Enhancement for better speech clarity and user-friendly TeleCare for remote adjustments.
4. Starkey Genesis AI: Utilizes the Neuro Processor with DNN for enhanced sound quality and supports health tracking through the My Starkey app.
5. Widex Moment: Features ZeroDelay and PureSound technologies for natural sound and AI personalization with MySound 2.0.
6. Phonak Infinio: Introduces groundbreaking features for enhanced speech clarity and connectivity, including dual-chip architecture in the Audéo Infinio Sphere model for real-time AI processing.

Our audiologists will discuss the features and benefits of each option, considering factors such as your lifestyle, hearing loss severity, and personal preferences. We'll help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs.

The Fitting Process

Once you've selected your hearing aids, we'll schedule a fitting appointment. This crucial step ensures that your new devices are properly programmed and comfortable to wear. Here's what you can expect during the fitting process:

1. Physical Fit: We'll ensure that your hearing aids fit comfortably and securely. For behind-the-ear models, we'll adjust the tubing and select the appropriate dome size. For in-the-ear models, we'll verify that the custom-made shells fit properly.
2. Programming: Using specialized software, we'll program your hearing aids based on the results of your hearing test. This initial setting serves as a starting point for fine-tuning.
3. Real Ear Measurements: At Kleckner Audiology, we utilize Real Ear Measurements (REM) to verify and optimize your hearing aid's performance. This advanced technique involves placing a tiny microphone in your ear canal to measure the actual sound output of your hearing aids. REM allows us to make precise adjustments, ensuring that you receive the appropriate amplification across all frequencies.
4. Sound Quality Feedback: We'll play various sounds and ask for your feedback on clarity, comfort, and overall sound quality. This helps us make real-time adjustments to optimize your listening experience.
5. Hearing Aid Controls: We'll teach you how to operate your new devices, including adjusting volume, changing programs, and using any smartphone apps that accompany your hearing aids.
6. Care and Maintenance Instructions: You'll receive detailed instructions on how to clean and maintain your hearing aids to ensure their longevity and optimal performance.

Adaptation Period and Follow-up Appointments

It's important to understand that adapting to hearing aids takes time. Your brain needs to relearn how to process the sounds you haven't heard in a while. We recommend wearing your hearing aids consistently, starting with shorter periods and gradually increasing wear time.

To ensure your success with your new hearing aids, we schedule several follow-up appointments:

1. One-Week Follow-up: We'll address any initial concerns, make necessary adjustments, and answer any questions you may have about using your devices.
2. One-Month Follow-up: By this time, you'll have more experience with your hearing aids in various environments. We'll fine-tune the settings based on your feedback and real-world experiences.
3. Three-Month Follow-up: This appointment allows us to assess your progress and make any final adjustments to optimize your hearing experience.

Throughout this adaptation period, we encourage you to keep a diary of your experiences. Note any situations where you feel your hearing aids could perform better. This information is invaluable for making precise adjustments during your follow-up visits.

Ongoing Support and Care

At Kleckner Audiology, our commitment to your hearing health extends far beyond the initial fitting. We offer comprehensive aftercare services to ensure your hearing aids continue to perform optimally:

1. Regular Check-ups: We recommend annual hearing evaluations and hearing aid check-ups to monitor your hearing health and device performance.
2. Cleaning and Maintenance: Our clinic provides professional cleaning services to keep your hearing aids in excellent working condition.
3. Repairs: Should your devices require repairs, our team is equipped to handle most issues on-site. For more complex problems, we facilitate manufacturer repairs.
4. Adjustments: As your hearing needs change over time, we're here to make necessary adjustments to your devices.
5. Upgrade Consultations: When new technology becomes available, we'll discuss whether upgrading your devices could provide additional benefits.

Advanced Features and Connectivity

Modern hearing aids offer a range of advanced features that can significantly enhance your listening experience. During the fitting process, we'll introduce you to these features and help you make the most of them:

1. Bluetooth Connectivity: Many of our hearing aid models, including the ReSound Nexia and Starkey Genesis AI, offer direct audio streaming from smartphones and other devices.
2. Smartphone Apps: Apps like My Starkey and MySound 2.0 allow you to fine-tune your hearing aid settings, track health metrics, and even receive remote adjustments from our audiologists.
3. Directional Microphones: Features like Oticon Intent's MoreSound Intelligence 3.0 and Signia IX's RealTime Conversation Enhancement help you focus on speech in noisy environments.
4. Tinnitus Management: If you experience tinnitus, features like Widex Moment's SoundRelax can provide relief through customizable sound therapy options.

Journey to Improved Hearing: Our Personalized Approach

At Kleckner Audiology, we understand that the journey to better hearing is unique for each individual. Our experienced team is dedicated to guiding you every step of the way, from your initial hearing evaluation to ongoing care and support. We are committed to providing the highest quality hearing healthcare.

Take the first step toward improved hearing by scheduling a consultation at our Allentown clinic. Our audiologist will work closely with you to assess your hearing needs and find the perfect hearing solution that fits your lifestyle. Don't let hearing loss limit you - experience the transformative impact of properly fitted hearing aids.

At Kleckner Audiology, we believe that everyone deserves to enjoy the gift of sound. Contact us today and start your journey to better hearing. Together, we can unlock a world of clearer communication, richer experiences, and enhanced quality of life.