Hate your hearing aids? It’s most likely a problem with the programming, not the hearing aid!

Is your hearing aid hearing aid not working as it should do? Is it causing you more issues than it’s solving? 

You might not have to replace your hearing aids - you can actually get them reprogrammed instead!

Just because your hearing aid isn’t working properly doesn’t mean it’s broken. It may just need to be reprogrammed to get it working efficiently for your personal needs. 

When you use hearing aids there are a few variables that will determine your success.  

Success with hearing aids is defined as a significant improvement in your ability to communicate with others with confidence. This means that you are able to hear with accuracy in a variety of listening situations including where unwanted noise is present.  

Many people buy over-the-counter hearing aids that aren’t fit properly and these can cause many issues. It’s always better to get a trained audiologist to fit and program your hearing aid rather than a hearing aid specialist or dispenser. 

It’s important to know the risks involved with not getting a hearing aid professionally programmed. You want to be able to hear with accuracy, no matter the level of background noise around you. 

Does it actually matter who fits your hearing aids?

You might not think that these two are, on the surface, that different. 

• Both audiologists and dispensers receive the necessary training and take exams. 
• Both of them are certified by the state of California. 
• Both are legally able to provide hearing aid fitting and customization services. 
  

So, does it matter if you go to one over the other?

Let’s take a quick look at the numbers. 

Hearing aid dispensers/specialists represent 41% of all license holders in California, but they’re also responsible for 80% of customer complaints. 

Audiologists will customize your hearing aids

Doctors of Audiology who treat hearing loss with hearing aids are sometimes called Dispensing Audiologists, and they take great pride in fitting hearing aids. 

The most important thing they do is test the hearing aids. They believe that testing in noise is essential for correct programming and verification. Probe microphone verification done with speech is the gold standard for any hearing aid testing and it’s the only way to ensure proper customization and amplification.  

Only when your hearing aid has this sort of measurement can it be carefully customized to suit your unique needs.

Every ear canal is shaped a little differently and this affects sound amplification. If there is too much amplification then you could do damage, but with too little, you won’t be able to hear clearly. 

The risks of over-the-counter hearing aids

There are a few risks associated with over-the-counter hearing aids such as:

• Auditory deprivation
• Not enough amplification in the areas specific to your hearing loss
• Too much amplification that can damage your hearing 
• Discomfort 
• Waste of time
• Loss of money
  

If you are looking to benefit from a hearing aid then you’re better off avoiding all over-the-counter products. Stick with licensed audiologists who are trained to properly fit your hearing aid and customize it to your liking and comfort. 

How do you measure the success of your hearing aids?

When it comes to success with hearing aids it’s usually defined by how much of an improvement there is in your ability to communicate confidently with others. 

For example, are you able to hear more clearly and with accuracy in various listening situations? This should include situations where unwanted noise is present. 

The success of your hearing aids is dependent on the quality of the hearing technology you’re using and the expertise of the person who programmed your hearing aid.

Can hearing aids be reprogrammed?

Yes!

Most people who are unhappy with their hearing aids are unhappy with the programming, not the technology. But this can easily be fixed. 

Taking part in a professional hearing aid reprogramming service will help anybody who has purchased hearing aids from another provider and was disappointed with the quality they received. 

The service involves testing the hearing aid, programming it to work better for the individual, and verification. 

Probe microphone verification is done with speech to make sure that the hearing aid is working to a high standard. This is the only way to ensure correct customization and proper amplification. 

The hearing aid can only be customized with this type of measurement as each ear canal is shaped a little differently. This difference, even if it’s small, can affect the sound being amplified. Too much will cause damage to the ears, and too little will cause damage to the brain. 

The majority of people that are unhappy with their hearing aids are actually unhappy with the programming, not the technology.  

At our practice, we’re able to reprogram hearing aids from most manufacturers using professional programming software and verification. 

Currently, we are able to program:

• Widex
• Oticon
• ReSound
• Signia (formerly Siemens)
• Rexton
• Unitron
• Phonak
• Starkey hearing aids.  
  

Our 60-minute hearing aid reprogramming service includes:

• Diagnostic testing
• Testing in noise
• Reprogramming 
• Verification
  

This service is incredibly helpful for anybody who purchased hearing aids from a provider and is not satisfied with the success of their hearing aid. 

We have also programmed hearing aids that have been donated or given to an individual.  

We also include a follow-up visit for any minor adjustments you need.

Are you looking to get your hearing aid reprogrammed? Contact us today and we’ll run through what to expect, answer any questions you may have, and discuss prices with you. Call us at (916) 646-2471 or get in touch online.