Hearing Aids
Hearing Aids
From selection and fitting to programming, cleaning and repairs, our audiologists help you get the most from today's hearing aid technology.
What Is a Hearing Aid?
The basics
A hearing aid is a small electronic device worn in or behind the ear that makes certain sounds easier to hear. Hearing aids can help you communicate more easily, stay connected with others, and participate more comfortably in everyday activities. All hearing aids have three basic parts: a microphone, amplifier, and speaker. The microphone receives sounds, which are converted to electrical signals and sent to an amplifier. The amplifier increases the signal power, which is finally sent to the ear through a speaker.
Although all hearing aids contain the same basic components, they are designed in a variety of styles to meet different needs. Some hearing aids fit discreetly inside the ear, while others sit behind or over the ear. The most appropriate style is determined by your hearing evaluation, lifestyle, daily activities, dexterity, and personal preferences. Your doctor of audiology will help you select the style that provides the best combination of comfort, function, and hearing performance for your individual needs.
Real Ear Measurement
Precise verification for your individual hearing
Every ear canal is unique in shape and size, which means the sound delivered by a hearing aid can vary from person to person and may differ from what the manufacturer’s software predicts. Real ear measurement allows your audiologist to verify how your hearing aids are performing in your ears based on your individual anatomy, removing the guesswork and allowing for a more precise, personalized fitting.
During the process, a small, soft probe microphone is placed in your ear alongside the hearing aid. Soft, medium, and loud speech is then presented while we measure the sound reaching your eardrum. Your audiologist uses these measurements to fine-tune your hearing aids so they closely match the prescription determined by your individual hearing test as well as hearing needs.
At Carolina Ear & Hearing Clinic, real ear measurement is an important part of our hearing aid fitting process. This evidence-based verification method is considered a best practice approach to hearing aid care and helps ensure your devices are providing the appropriate amount of amplification for your specific hearing needs. While recommended as a best-practice method, real ear measurement is routinely used by only about 30% of hearing care providers.
Improved speech clarity
Verifying your hearing aids to your individual prescription helps provide the appropriate amount of amplification for speech, including softer voices and conversations in background noise.
A fit tailored to your ear
Every ear is different. Measuring directly in your ear allows us to account for your unique ear canal shape and size, rather than relying solely on averages or manufacturer estimates.
Fewer return visits
By starting with verified settings, we can minimize trial-and-error adjustments and provide a more precise fitting from the beginning, helping you adapt to your hearing aids with greater comfort and ease.
Comfortable, accurate loudness
We verify that sounds are loud enough to be heard while remaining comfortable. This helps prevent sounds from being unnecessarily sharp, harsh, or overly loud.
Objective verification your hearing aids are working appropriately
Real ear measurement lets us measure how your hearing aids are actually working in your ears. This allows us to make sure they are giving you the right amount of amplification for your hearing needs, helping you feel confident in your fitting.
Brands We Offer
Leading Hearing Aid Manufacturers
We fit and service devices from the industry's most trusted manufacturers, so your audiologist can match the technology to your hearing, lifestyle and budget.
FAQ
Common hearing aid questions
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Contact us today to schedule your appointment or learn more about how we can help with your ear and hearing needs.