There are many reasons why programming a hearing aid is an important act. For example, hearing aids of the digital generation are not able to be reprogrammed like the older models, at home and with a screwdriver. Hearing aids need to have specific input placed into their intricate programming through input via an audiologist. We will take a closer look at how hearing aids are programmed and all of the ways that someone with hearing loss will benefit from this process.
What Factors Can Be Adjusted?
There are many different methods that a person can use to transform their hearing through a hearing aid device. For example, you can change each one of these aspects of your hearing device: frequency, intensity levels, volume, max sound output and noise reduction. Although these cannot be adjusted on every single device, it is always a good idea to meet with your hearing specialist to determine which parts of your hearing aid device can be customized to meet your needs. With both of you working to find the best sound compromises to meet your needs, you will have the best hearing experience that your device is able to provide.
Processing Time
For those that have had some form of hearing aid that came with factory settings, there is a general consensus that those settings are not optimized for a single person. You need to have a hearing aid that is built around your needs. In order to experience the most success in hearing health, you have to go to an audiologist to have your hearing aid programmed properly. This requires you to go through a series of tests that are meant to discover the problem areas of your hearing as well as the areas in which you have particular strength. Once this is all finished, you have the opportunity to have your hearing programmed into the device so that you get the best possible hearing. You may have to return to your hearing specialist after some time in order to have them make some minor adjustments to make up for changes that your brain undergoes, but aside from this, you will be ready to approach the world with all new hearing abilities.
Programming Hearing Aids
By using real-ear measurements, visual mapping techniques, and environment simulations, hearing aids can be made to conform to the needs of the wearer. The real ear probe is designed to find how much sound is actually reaching the person’s inner ear, allowing the doctor to be very accurate in calculating how much amplification is required. Speech mapping is a means of looking at the hearing process through speech patterns in the brain. Each one of these settings can be placed into the hearing aid so that the person can have the best hearing abilities prepared for them. After the first programming, the individual will be introduced into a simulation that will address various hearing possibilities that can be encountered throughout the day. The result is that the person can use their hearing aid in all manner of areas around the world.