Why choose The Hearing Space?
The process of fitting hearing aids is quite complex. If done well, the hearing aid user will get lots of benefits from their hearing aids. Done poorly and the risk is that a significant amount of money invested in improving hearing is not fully realised.
At our audiology practice in Leeds, we focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for everyone we see. We do this by following the steps outlined below.
The process of fitting hearing aids is quite complex. If done well, the hearing aid user will get lots of benefits from their hearing aids. Done poorly and the risk is that a significant amount of money invested in improving hearing is not fully realised.
Our audiology practice in Leeds focuses on achieving the best possible outcomes for everyone we see. We do this by following the steps outlined below.
- Initial consultation
We provide in-depth hearing and lifestyle assessments to determine the extent of hearing loss and its impact on your life. We also carry out speech-in-noise tests. These essentially inform us how you hear in normal environments with background noise. We will also look at your ear health to determine if any issues require medical treatment.
During this initial consultation, we will explore your attitudes to hearing loss, the potential use of hearing devices and what you wish to improve with your hearing.
We will take time to inform you of all the options available, whether that be in-the-ear hearing aids or small, discreet devices which sit behind the ears.
- Fitting appointment
If you decide to invest in your hearing, we will arrange a fitting appointment. Many high street chains fit hearing aids to manufacturers’ recommendations without actually verifying or ‘making sure’ the hearing aids are providing the right amount of sound in your ears.
At The Hearing Space, we carry out real ear measurements (REMs). These involve placing a small tube down the ear canal to measure the sound the hearing devices produce in the ears. Several studies have shown the benefit of including this step in the hearing aid fitting journey.
At this initial appointment, we will decide how many features to set up on the hearing aids and show you how to control and maintain them.
- Follow up appointment
A week or so after you receive your hearing devices, we will see you again to find out how you have been getting on. We will likely carry out more tests, and usually, we will add more features to allow you to have more control over your devices. For example, we might add a ‘music’ program to allow you to listen to music, or we may add a separate ‘speech-in-noise’ program to improve listening in specific settings.
From experience, we know that every person is unique. Some require more time and input, others less so. We know the first few months following hearing aid fitting to be crucial to achieving long-term success with hearing aid use. That is why we allow time for five appointments during the first 12 months of all our hearing aid packages.
- Further follow ups
We will ask you to keep a diary of your experiences with your new devices and each time you visit, we will look for any patterns that emerge. Are certain sounds too loud? Are there any situations where you are struggling to hear? With this feedback, we can further fine-tune your hearing devices to ensure we are getting the absolute best from them.
We will also make sure that your hearing devices are working well with for example, your phone, TV and other devices (laptops etc). Most modern hearing devices can stream phone call, music TV and more and we will advise you of any additional technology that might be useful for you. You can be assured that for the duration of your hearing aid care, we will provide all the support you need.
We are always at hand to answer any questions you may have follwoing your hearing aid fitting and we can typically see you in a day or so if you need any help.
Our message to anyone considering investing in their hearing is to make sure you do your homework and choose carefully. I know from personal experience that too often, hearing aid providers are often focused on numbers and profit, rather than providing quality care.
We would love to work with you on your journey to better hearing. Paul Shaw, Clinical Director