Lecture 3 Flashcards
What are the 5 steps in the HA fitting process?
- Assessment
- Selection
- Fitting and Verification
- Orientation
- Validation
What are 3 common assessment goals?
- Is the patient a candidate for amplification?
- Audiological profile
- Communication needs
- Motivation - What hearing aid parameters and technology level should be fitted?
- What are the patient’s post-fitting rehabilitation needs?
What should we ask ourselves after an audiological assessment? How?
- What have we completed up to this point? What have we considered in our testing?
- Pure tone (CHL, SNHL), speech scores, speech in noise, MCL UCL, tinnitus
What should we ask ourselves about patient communication needs and motivation? How?
- What have we done to gauge our patient’s needs and motivation?
- Interviewed patient, hearing handicap inventory, asked them about their own motivation (COSI)
What is the main goal of the selection process?
Audiologist must determine what model(s) /style(s) are appropriate for the patient.
What are the 5 components of the decision making process?
- Manufacturer (guided by clinic, clinician preference, features of the devices)
- Technology level (i.e entry level vs. advanced)
- Features and options (user controls, telecoil, microphone configurations, multi-programs, accessories)
- Electroacoustic parameters (gain and output of hearing aid to meet hearing loss needs with prescriptive targets)
- Other considerations may include financial means, warranties offered, cosmetic preferences
Who are the big 5 Manufacturers?
- GN Resound
- WS Audiology (Widex, Signia, Siemens)
- William Demant (Oticon, Bernafon, Sonic)
- Starkey
- Sonova (Phonak, Kirkland, Unitron)
Once a model is selected, we must determine if the coupling to the ear is ____ or ____
custom, non-custom
If the hearing aid itself or earpiece is deemed to be custom, an ____ of the ear is taken.
impression
What 6 HAs need impressions?
- IICs
- CICs
- ITCs
- ITEs
- RIC custom shells
- BTE earmolds
What 2 HAs do not need impressions?
- RICs
- RITAs with use of domes
What do custom made products allow for?
Custom made products allow for a better seal, gain, and sound quality
Mild-moderate HL typically just need a ____
dome
Often times ____ feel more comfortable (however…)
domes, there isn’t always a perfect seal which can cause whistling)
How to communicate with a HA manufacturer (selection and ordring)
- Multiple ways to “order” hearing aids and accessories
- Each manufacturer will provide clinician/business with an account (number)
- Manufacturers will have courier, fax, email, or online portals to communicate between themselves and the clinicians
- Customer service departments, lab technicians, and audiology support services can be of great help— and they are willing to assist!
- Turnaround time being ordering a receiving devices can be varied- very short for non-custom pieces, usually within 1-2 weeks for custom products