HA Fitting Flashcards
Every fit should include all of these steps either at the initial fitting or over a period of successive visits. List the steps
- Placing the HA in the patients ear
- Observing the Physical Fit of the HA
- Performing objective validation with either Sound field, Real Ear Measurements, and or Digital Speech Mapping
- Patient Instructions
- Patient Practice
- Patient Expectations and Warnings
- Counseling
- Follow up care including performing subjective validation
When placing a HA in the Pt’s ear for the first time, what are the advantages of having the HA turned off?
- no chance of acoustical feedback, and assurance that the volume would not be too loud
- chance for the pt to experience the feeling without having to concentrate on the amplification of noise from HA’s
What is the first step a provider should alway take before inserting a HA during a fitting?
Otoscopic Inspection- NEVER insert ANYTHING into a Pt’s ear before inspecting the ear canal!!
Once adjustments to the electroacoustical performance of the device is made during a first fit what should be done next
Ask the patient to count to 10 or read allowed to gauge the sound lever and quality of their own voice. If it is obvious by questioning than there is an occlusion problem
After addressing the Pt’s voice comfort level what should the next fitting procedure be?
Sound Field testing where the pt listens to noises they may hear in the real world but in a controlled environment where adjustments can be made if necessary. Also Aided performance in noise with tests like QuickSIN to evaluate hearing in noise
What are some examples of subjective Validation methods
Pt questionnaires such as COSI, APHAB, SADAL which should be employed at a post fitting visit. Different subjective validation methods are suggested at the 1-3 month f/u
What interactions with the pt and HA are crucial during a fitting appointment
- changing of batteries
- Changing of wax guards
- Cleaning and care instructions
- Going over user manual before leaving
- inserting and removal of HA
- volume control and memory buttons
What is a good method to use when a pt has to get used to the sound of their own voice with amplification?
Having them read to themselves out loud for up to twenty minutes a day, first in a quiet place then with a distraction like radio or tv and gradually increase volume of distraction over a course of weeks. Also have them converse with someone who has a similar voice.
If a pt has trouble with feedback while using the phone what should the HIS instruct he pt to do?
Hold the phone close but do not cover the hearing aid fully or to tilt phone at an angel until whistling stops
What should a HIS suggest to family members when newly fit with HA’s
Attract the wearers attention before they speak and may need a reminder that they can now speak quietly but slowly
Residual hearing, in combination with the HA will
Allow the pt in adjust to the instrument in just a few days
At night, the battery in the instrument
Can be left in the open battery door
A BTE instrument, properly attached
Fits the contour of the ear
An advantage of a CIC fitting is
Reduced acoustic feedback during phone use
Decreased wind noise
When adjusting the volume control, the patient must
Find an area on the control where sounds are comfortable
