Hearing Aid Fitting

Providing experienced hearing aid fitting for Greater New Bedford/N. Dartmouth, MA and Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Choosing a hearing aid is a very personal and important decision. We will discuss the various types of hearing aid styles, the latest technological advances, and what you can expect. We'll then decide together which hearing aid is the most appropriate given your lifestyle, listening needs and budget. If needed, impressions will be made of your ears so that your hearing aids can be custom-fit.

During your fitting, your hearing aid(s) will be adjusted or programmed to your specific hearing needs. The proper care, use and maintenance (including warranty) will be explained to you. You will also have time to practice inserting and removing the hearing aid and hearing aid batter, and to manipulate any controls the hearing aid may have. We will also provide you with helpful tips on how to get adjusted to all of the wonderful sounds you will be hearing.

A follow-up hearing aid consultation will be scheduled in the first few weeks following your initial fitting. This visit is important so that we can answer any questions you may have. The hearing aids may be "fine-tuned" and additional testing may be conducted, if necessary. Remember: it takes time to adjust to your hearing aids. As you learn to listen with your hearing aids, your listening demands change. For this reason, it is important to return for these follow-up appointments to obtain the maximum benefit from your hearing aids.

Real Ear Measurement

With our real ear measurement system, we can measure and record the actual performance of your hearing aids while they are in your ears. This computer analysis helps us to verify that your hearing aid prescription is precisely matched to your individual requirements.

Types of Hearing Aids

Many choices of hearing aid styles are available, including those that are completely in the canal (A), in the canal (B), in the ear (C) and behind the ear (D).

Completely in the Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids

This is the smallest type of hearing aid made and is almost invisible in the ear. All the components are housed in a small case that fits far into the ear canal. This takes advantage of the ear's own natural sound-collecting design and offers convenient telephone usage. CICs are custom made for each ear. They use a very small battery that requires good manual dexterity. The CIC type is not suitable for severe hearing loss.

In the Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids

A little bigger than the CIC, In the Canal hearing aids also fit far into the ear canal and are custom made. Canal hearing aids use a slightly larger battery than the CIC style. The ITC style is used for mild to moderate hearing losses.

In the Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

In the Ear hearing aids can be used for a wider range of hearing loss. Due to their larger size, ITEs can accommodate larger sound amplifiers and more features such as a telephone switch. They are also easier to handle.

Behind the Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

In BTE hearing aids, the electronics are housed in a case that fits behind the ear. Tubing and a custom made earmold direct the sound to the ear canal. Due to its robust design, this style is especially recommended for children. BTE hearing aids can provide more amplification than smaller devices due to the stronger amplifier and the larger battery. This style is available in several colors for hair and skin tone matching.