Written by: Tess Yudin, Hons. B.A., CDA, Senior Audiology Assistant
Getting hearing aids is an important step toward better hearing, but choosing the right devices is only part of the process. Hearing aid programming and proper fitting can make a significant difference in how comfortable your hearing aids feel and how well they perform in everyday situations.
Every person’s hearing is different. Two people with a similar degree of hearing loss can have very different listening needs and preferences. That is why your audiologist should adjust your hearing aids to you—not simply rely on a standard setting.
What is Hearing Aid Programming?
Hearing aid programming is the process of adjusting your hearing aids so they provide the right amount of amplification for your hearing loss.
Our audiologists use the results of your hearing assessment to determine how much amplification you need at different frequencies, then program your hearing aids accordingly.
Programming can also include adding different listening programs or adjusting features such as noise reduction, speech clarity, and directionality. These settings can help make it easier to follow conversations in challenging environments, such as busy restaurants or group settings.
Why Does Hearing Aid Programming Matter?
Hearing aids should make sounds more accessible without making everything unnecessarily loud.
If your hearing aids are not providing enough amplification, you may continue to miss important speech sounds. If they provide too much amplification, sounds may feel uncomfortably loud or unnatural.
Proper programming helps create a balance between improving access to sounds and keeping your hearing experience comfortable.
What is Hearing Aid Verification?
Programming tells your hearing aids how to respond to sound. Verification checks whether they are actually providing the intended amplification.
One of the most accurate ways to do this is through Real-Ear Measurement (REM).
During REM, a thin probe tube is placed in your ear canal alongside your hearing aid. This probe measures how much sound is reaching your eardrum while the hearing aid is operating. This determines whether your hearing aids are providing the appropriate amount of amplification for your hearing loss.
Why Your Hearing Aids Need to Be Verified
Hearing aid manufacturers provide software that helps audiologists program hearing aids based on your hearing test results. While this is an important part of the fitting process, checking how the hearing aids perform in your ears provides a more accurate picture.
Your ear canal, hearing loss, hearing aid, and listening needs are unique to you.
Real-Ear Measurement (REM) allows our audiologists to see how the hearing aid is actually performing in your ear and tells them to make adjustments where it’s needed.
This can help ensure that your hearing aids are providing enough amplification without providing more than necessary.
Your Hearing Experience Matters Too
Objective measurements are an important part of a hearing aid fitting, but your experience matters as well.
Once your audiologist programs and verifies your hearing aids, you can talk with them about how they sound and feel.
Are voices clear? Do certain sounds seems too loud? Are you still having difficulty hearing in restaurants or group conversations? Do your hearing aids feel comfortable throughout the day?
Your answers help your audiologist fine-tune your hearing aids and make adjustments based on your real-world experience.
Hearing Aid Fittings Are Not One-Time Events
Your hearing needs and preferences can change over time. You may discover new situations where you would like additional support as you become more comfortable wearing your hearing aids.
That is why follow-up care is an important part of the hearing aid process.
Our audiologists can make adjustments, answer questions, check your hearing aids, and help you get the most from your technology. Even small changes can sometimes make a meaningful difference in how your hearing aids perform in everyday situations.
Better Hearing Starts with the Right Fit
A hearing aid is more than a device that makes sounds louder. It is technology that needs to be properly selected, programmed, fitted, and adjusted to work with your hearing.
At Toronto Audiology Associates, we take the time to understand your hearing needs and how you use your hearing aids in everyday life. Our audiologists use Real-Ear Measurement as part of the fitting process to objectively verify your hearing aid settings, and make adjustments when needed.
Better hearing is not just about having the right technology, it’s about making sure that technology is programmed well for you.
If you are considering hearing aids or would like to have your current hearing aids checked and adjusted, we’re here to help.
Book a hearing assessment in Toronto today to learn more about Real Ear Measurement and how hearing aids can be programmed to fit your needs.
Learn more about our hearing health services here: https://www.torontoaudiology.com/
