How Are Hearing Aids Programmed?

Hearing aids may seem like simple devices on the surface. Through directional microphones and other amplification infrastructure, their primary purpose is to help those with hearing loss more easily distinguish external sounds.

However, hearing aids are sophisticated devices, which is why it’s so important to speak to the best hearing instrument specialist (HIS) to find the right one for you. This is especially important as new and more feature-rich hearing devices are released each year.

In addition, one specific hearing aid may be configured in a number of different ways so that it can be of most use to a given patient. But how can a HIS program your hearing aids, and what exactly are they doing during that process? Let’s consider this below:

Why Do Hearing Aids Need to Be Programmed?

Hearing aids must be optimized for the person wearing them. This is because hearing loss is not a binary experience, but a spectrum. Each person may have slightly different requirements for the hearing aid they need, which is why in-the-ear (ITE), behind-the-ear (BTE), and in-the-canal (ITC) variants exist.

When a HIS programs your hearing aid, they fine-tune and tailor it to your unique needs. 

What Can Be Adjusted with Programming?

Using a range of algorithm-based and advanced computer formatting techniques, your hearing instrument specialist can:

• Optimize real-ear probe microphones: These help identify the sounds reaching your eardrum and more accurately utilise that input so you get the cleanest hearing experience possible, with the most precise audio representation.
• VSM, also known as visible speech mapping: This mapping allows a hearing aid specialist to balance the amplification of that external input so it more accurately represents the volume of exterior input.
• Surround sound adjustments: By using surround-sound programs a hearing instrument specialist can more easily map how your hearing aid will function in the real world, only in a controlled environment. Again, this allows for the most accurate amplification when needed.
• Balancing amplification inputs from side to side: If you need two hearing aid devices, they will work in sync. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll provide the exact same amplification in each ear, as hearing loss is not necessarily symmetrical. As such, proper programming allows each device to work in tandem.

Can’t I Just Program My Hearing Aids Myself?

Experienced users of hearing aids may feel that they know what their hearing aid amplification needs are, particularly if they’ve been using a singular model or brand for some time. However, it’s heavily discouraged that you do this, and you should avoid that temptation at all costs. hearing aid specialists use specific equipment to ensure your hearing aids are properly calibrated, and the settings for one hearing aid may not be perfectly the same as its opposing device. 

Furthermore, only hearing aid specialists and manufacturers carry the correct equipment to tune your device in an official and medically-approved capacity, no matter what the aftermarket product may promise.

Can Hearing Aid Settings Be Adjusted?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, hearing aid specialists are quite used to encountering semi-regular checkups with their patients, because hearing loss can become more pronounced as time goes on. As hearing loss is a spectrum, it may be that your amplification measures need to be properly balanced in response to that.

In addition, it’s not uncommon for those who have had their hearing aids programmed to come back for minor adjustments should they need them, perhaps weeks after the tuning procedure has taken place. This isn’t a great failing on behalf of your hearing aid specialist, rather a worthwhile response to direct and real-life testing. So don’t be afraid to ask them for this service, they’ll be more than happy to comply.

Where Should I Get My Hearing Aids Programmed?

The Beltone Hearing Center in Lethbridge is proud to have tuned a wide variety of hearing aids available to meet the individual needs of any patient. Through our testing and evaluation process, we can help you unlock clear hearing for a heightened quality of life and the chance to create perfect memories.

No question is too small or large for our team. In addition to our vast array of hearing aid technology, our specialists are also happy to program, adjust and further retune your hearing aids so that the best result is always available, no matter the extent or progression of your hearing loss.

To learn more about programming hearing aids, finding the right technology or just more information on proper cleaning and maintenance, reach out to one of our team members by calling 403-942-4327 today.