From Appointment to Fitting: What to Expect When You Choose Professional Hearing Services

Jeff Baller
July 25, 2024
7
min read
From Appointment to Fitting: What to Expect When You Choose Professional Hearing Services

Choosing Professional Hearing Services for your hearing care means selecting a practice dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized, and expert audiological care. As hearing technology advances and more options are available in the market, you may feel compelled to seek online for answers and solutions.

When it comes to hearing, however, the reality is that treatment is most beneficial when you work with a Doctor of Audiology. We set ourselves apart from other practitioners in the Denver area as a mobile audiology practice - bringing expert services to the comfort of your own home. Here's a step-by-step guide on what you can expect from the comprehensive hearing services we offer, from initial consultation to being fitted for hearing aids.

Step 1: Scheduling Your Appointment

We understand that hearing loss may take time to reveal itself. Often, we find that our patients' loved ones are the ones who bring up the conversation. Hearing is such a personal sense, in that it keeps us connected to the people we love.

Your hearing loss journey with us begins when you schedule your appointment. You can do this by calling our office in Lakewood, Colorado, or right here on our website. Our friendly staff will help you find a convenient time for your visit, whether you prefer an in-office appointment or a home visit through our mobile audiology service.

Step 2: Initial Consultation

During your first visit, you will meet with one of our skilled Doctors of Audiology. We understand that every person's hearing needs are unique, so we'll take the time to get to know you and your specific situation. We'll ask about your medical history, hearing concerns, and lifestyle needs so that we can tailor our services to meet your individual requirements. Prior to your visit, take some time to list the various environments where you experience hearing challenging; this can be useful if treatment is recommended.

We'll also discuss your goals for better hearing and set realistic expectations for treatment outcomes. We'll also conduct a comprehensive assessment of your hearing, which may include a variety of tests, such as a pure-tone audiogram, speech audiometry, and tympanometry. Based on the results of your assessment, we'll recommend the best hearing solutions for you and discuss the benefits and limitations of each option. We are committed to helping you find the best possible solution for your hearing needs.

Step 3: Comprehensive Hearing Evaluation

A thorough hearing evaluation is essential to determine the extent and nature of your hearing loss. This evaluation includes several tests, each designed to assess different aspects of your hearing ability.

Pure-tone audiometry measures your ability to hear different pitches and volumes, helping to identify the softest sounds you can hear at various frequencies. Speech audiometry assesses how well you understand speech at different volumes and determines your ability to distinguish between different words and sounds. Tympanometry evaluates the function of your middle ear and detects any issues such as fluid, ear infections, or eardrum problems. Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) test the function of the inner ear (cochlea) and are useful in determining specific types of hearing loss.

Step 4: Discussing the Results

After completing the audiological tests, your audiologist will thoroughly review the results with you. This discussion will encompass the type and extent of your hearing loss, exploring potential causes and their implications. Based on your unique situation, personalized recommendations will be provided, potentially including hearing aids or alternative treatments.

Step 5: Selecting Your Hearing Aids

Selecting the optimal hearing aid is a crucial decision. Your audiologist will collaborate with you, considering your unique hearing impairment, lifestyle, and preferences. Key factors to consider include:

Type and Style: Behind-the-ear (BTE), Receiver-in-Ear (RIC),  in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) options are available.

Technology Level: Features range from basic to advanced, including noise reduction, directional microphones, and compatibility with other devices.

Brand and Model: Our selection encompasses top-quality brands such as Widex Moment, Starkey Genesis, and Signia IX, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your needs and the best technology available on the market.

Step 6: Custom Fitting and Real Ear Measurement

Real Ear Measurement (REM) is a best practice that Doctors of Audiology rely on to ensure optimal hearing aid performance. It is a crucial step of the hearing aid fitting process that cannot be done without the expertise of an audiologist.

It is important to understand that your hearing aids will be worn in a variety of different environments throughout your day. Our audiologists employ REM to guarantee that your hearing aids are meticulously calibrated to your unique hearing requirements in various sound settings. REM involves placing a miniature microphone in your ear canal, enabling us to measure how your hearing aid amplifies sound within your specific ear anatomy. Through this process, the amplification settings are finely tuned, ensuring accuracy and personalization. REM empowers us to provide you with the best possible hearing experience, tailored to your individual needs.

Step 7: Hearing Aid Programming

Once your hearing aids are fitted, they'll be programmed to match your unique hearing loss profile. This step is crucial to make sure your devices provide appropriate amplification across different frequencies. The programming process involves an initial programming stage, where your audiologist will program your hearing aids based on your hearing test results and real-ear measurements. Next, fine-tuning adjustments are made during a listening test to guarantee comfort and clarity based on your feedback. Lastly, additional real-ear measurements are conducted to verify that your hearing aids are performing as intended, ensuring optimal hearing performance.

Step 8: Orientation and Training

Hearing aids are tiny devices, and we find that they do require some getting used to before you feel comfortable handling them. We'll support you through every step of the hearing aid experience, familiarizing you with its different parts and functions. We provide usage instructions on how to insert, remove, and care for your hearing aids and will give you a thorough overview to ensure you understand and utilize the various functions available with your devices. As you will be using your hearing aids daily, cleaning and maintenance is necessary to keep your hearing aids in optimal condition. Caring for your hearing aids can help extend their functionality and shelf life.

Step 9: Follow-Up Appointments

When thinking about hearing aid fittings, think about it as a physical fitting as well as a digital re-programming. As you get used to wearing your hearing aids daily, you will begin to notice certain things can be optimized.

Regular follow-up appointments with hearing aid professionals are essential for the ongoing success of your hearing aids. These visits enable fine-tuning adjustments based on your experiences and feedback, ensuring optimal performance. Professional cleaning and checks guarantee the proper functioning of your devices. Additionally, regular hearing tests monitor any changes in your hearing, allowing for timely adjustments to your treatment plan, ensuring your hearing aids continue to meet your evolving needs.

Schedule with one of our Doctors of Audiology

At Professional Hearing Services, we care about your hearing journey from start to finish. As a mobile audiology practice, we'll meet you where you are. Our experienced Doctors of Audiology use their skills and the latest technology to craft hearing aids that fit your unique needs perfectly. Choosing us means more than just getting hearing aids; it's choosing a personalized hearing care plan tailored to improve your life. If you're ready to embark on the path towards better hearing, let's schedule a meeting and get started together.

Audiologist Jeff Baller
Jeff Baller, Au.D., CCC-A
Audiologist / Owner

Dr. Jeff Baller is the owner of Professional Hearing Services, Inc. He is a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology through the American Board of Audiology. He received his Doctorate from the Arizona School of Health Sciences, his Masters degree from Lamar University in 1995, and Bachelors degree from the University of Northern Colorado in 1993.

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