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Why Performing Best Practices for Hearing Aid Fittings is So Important

It takes on average 7 years from when a person notices an issue with their hearing to when they may actually try hearing devices. The interesting thing is that not all practices are the same on how they fit hearing aids. Even though there are guidelines for best practices in fitting hearing devices, according to the American Academy of Audiology, only about one third of hearing care providers, including audiologists, follow these guidelines. This is a large number and could be partly why so many people complain about their hearing devices and even get to the point where they will put them in a drawer.  As many current patients of mine already know, this is a major pet peeve of mine.

One major area for the success of hearing aid amplification is performing a Real Ear Measurement. This is one of the most beneficial tests a hearing care provider can perform during the fitting that greatly improves the success with amplification. According to Hearing Review magazine, performing just this test alone will reduce a patients follow-up appointments from 6 on average during the first 2 months to 2.5. The interesting thing I find is that many hearing providers don’t perform this test because it adds time on the initial fitting of the devices. As you can see though over the course of the first 2 months it will greatly add on more time with appointments than the extra 15 minutes it takes for the initial fit.

Always ask if real ear measurement is performed when getting new hearing aids. It can mean the difference between having an expensive box in a drawer or hearing devices that are set appropriately leading to many years of positive use.

References

Authored by Jeffrey Olson, Au.D.

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Frank Daniel III
Frank Daniel III
November 22, 2023.
Thank you so much Dr. Mary,,,,,,,,,,,everyone was so gracious and helpful as "always". My compliments to and once again ...pls enjoy the holidays. Ours will be much better now that ginger can hear. Once again Dr. Mary has gone out of her way in helping others.
Jim Schaeffer
Jim Schaeffer
November 15, 2023.
My experience at HearCare Audiology with Dr. Jennifer Pulido has been remarkably wonderful and I could not be happier with my hearing aids and the quality of care and attention Dr. Pulido and the staff has provided. These are friendly, helpful people! I had been diagnosed with hearing loss some time ago and had considered buying "over-the-counter" hearing aids, but decided instead to work with Dr. Pulido to select, fit, and adjust the hearing aids for the best outcome. The improvements to my hearing are really amazing, and as a result I am much happier overall.
Tom Coughlin
Tom Coughlin
November 7, 2023.
I don’t usually give reviews but this is definitely worth the time. I’ve never waited past my appointment time in this office. They take the time to give you a thorough hearing test, answer all your questions and make sure your hearing aids are fitted perfectly. After the sale of the hearing aids you’ve got follow up appointments to make sure the hearing aids are working correctly. I’m hearing so clearly now and can’t thank Mary Thorpe enough for making my life so much better with the gift of hearing.
Burt Gold
Burt Gold
October 25, 2023.
Dr. Olson was delightful, caring and spot on. Wonderful experience
Jeffrey Mahan
Jeffrey Mahan
October 15, 2023.
If you have that annoying ringing in your ears (tinnitus) go see Dr. Olson to have your hearing tested and hearing instruments designed and programed to correct your specific hearing situation. It will be life-changing. Cheap "hearing aids" you see advertised on tv or in social media are worthless, and a waste of money. You need a local Doctor of Audiology to be your person to see for your specific hearing needs. Dr. Olson will be that Doctor. State-of-the art, high tech hearing instruments, designed to correct your specific needs, can only be what will be of help. Modern, state-of-the-art hearing aids can greatly-improve tinnitis, as it did for me. Dr. Olson will always be there to help you.
John Owen
John Owen
October 5, 2023.
This is to say that Dr. Olson is the Masterless One in the practice of audiology - and his staff are absolutely peerless. As one of their patients for over 5 years, I continue to be impressed by the depth of their knowledge and their constructive application of it to my needs. This includes their ever-evolving technologically advanced equipment and techniques. The foundation of their practice and the starting point with every patient is based upon their advanced listening skills and sensitivities to the nuances of our individual needs. Above all, I hold Dr. Olson in the highest esteem because for many years he has been so giving of his time and talents volunteering humanitarian services to hearing-challenged persons on several continents. To the reader of this note, I say, you may be confident of receiving the best of care at Dr. Olson's Hear Care.
Rusty Abernathy
Rusty Abernathy
October 4, 2023.
Dr Thorpe and all her staff are professional, caring and know their stuff. I recommend them 110%, no better place for hearing help.
Judy Mullen
Judy Mullen
October 4, 2023.
Professional and caring audiologists and staff.
Bob Procter
Bob Procter
September 27, 2023.
Not my first hearing aids - the first ones purchased several years ago failed to assist in hearing, wouldn't stay in the ear; and were just a PAIN!! So they sat in a box in the bathroom..guess that showed them! So after a recommendation from a trusted friend I went to Hear Care, and I''m glad I did. From the moment I entered I felt this was the place to get some answers. I met Megan and was introduced to Danielle who took the time to listen to my story. She took notes on my issues, problems and desires. Only then did we begin the testing. Here we are a couple of weeks into the use of the hearing aids and the follow up has been very successful. I feel comfortable that I can continue to get any assistance I need from Hear Care.
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