Before hearing aids are recommended, a complete hearing evaluation will be completed.  At ACA, we also complete a Hearing Survey and a Needs Assessment both to determine the patient's perceptions of his or her hearing loss and its effects on his or her life and to assist the audiologist in guiding the patient towards both the proper hearing aid style/size and the appropriate level of hearing aid technology for the individual patient's needs and lifestyle.

        Once appropriate hearing aids have been recommended, ear impressions must be obtained since, regardless of the style of aid, a custom-fit piece must be manufacturered for your ears.  For in-the-ear style hearing aids, this custom piece is the aid itself.  For behind-the-ear style hearing aids, this custom piece is a hard or soft plastic earmold.

        Once the aids (and earmolds, if needed) have been ordered and received, a hearing aid evaluation is scheduled.  At this appointment, our goal is to help you learn everything you need to know about using, operating, enjoying and taking care of your new hearing aids.

        First, we will check the comfort of the aids, because you should never wear a hearing aid that hurts your ear.  Although your audiologist takes great care to obtain an accurate ear impression, once the manufacturer receives it, the impression goes through a lot of manipulation during the manufacturing process.  As a result, adjustments to the fit of your aids occasionally must be made.

        Once we know the aids are comfortable in your ears, real-ear measurements will be made to fine-tune the hearing aids for your individual hearing loss and listening needs.

        After these adjustments have been completed, ACA provides a 30-day adjustment period to assure your satisfaction and to confirm that you are obtaining the maximum possible benefit from your hearing aids.
During this trial period, other appointments may be made to further fine-tune your hearing aids based on your reported experiences.

        Please click here to view some important information about using hearing aids.  By the end of the trial period, you'll know that you have made a wise investment in improving the quality of your life!