The hearing test is a vital part of the process of measuring and fitting hearing aids. Without an accurate assessment, the hearing aid cannot be properly programmed.
Seeing in the ear canal to determine the condition of the skin and tympanic membrane (eardrum) is also crucial. If there is excessive cerumen (wax), this will skew the test results. This examination will help determine if a physician referral may be necessary.
The first fit is established for the patient using information from the audiogram and the software provided by the manufacturer. Thereafter, adjustments will be made to maximize the comfort, sound quality, and performance of the hearing aid.
All hearing aids require routine service through daily cleanings and either annual or semi-annual visits to the clinic. We do a deeper cleaning and will adjust the programming as needed. We will also again check the ear canal health. We recommend a new hearing evaluation every two years.
Some people need ear molds for swimming to keep water out of their ears. Others need molds for protection from loud noise, such as shooting guns or operating power equipment. Sometimes ear molds are needed for a good night’s rest beside a person who snores.
Many of the newer hearing aids are including treatment for tinnitus. We will help address this stressful condition with current technology. Read below for more information.
More people than ever are seeking help for tinnitus. Tinnitus is a sound that occurs in the brain that no one can hear except the patient. The sounds will vary depending on the patient but are often described as buzzing, ringing, high pitched, ocean sea shell, etc. Usually it is most noticeable at night when going to sleep or early in the day when things are quiet. Many people have mild random events that are dismissed as being non-intrusive. Others find it very distracting, raising their stress levels and blood pressure. In the worst cases, it is nearly debilitating.
The bad news is there is no cure. No medications or herbal treatments have been found effective. Some people find relief from wearing a hearing aid if they also have a hearing loss. For others, the hearing aid is not enough. It was discovered that if another sound were created it could distract the patient from their internal noise. Some people will play sounds such as a trickling stream of water or waves washing up on the shore, and it will relax them and reduce anxiety. Recently, many hearing aid manufacturers have added similar sounds that can be activated within the hearing aids to provide portable tinnitus relief. Results vary with the patient. The best approach is to experiment with the product before purchasing to determine the level of benefit. Widex and Oticon offer some of the most comprehensive treatments for tinnitus.