In the past, hearing evaluations and fittings for hearing aids consisted mostly of a series of beeps and noises. Today, the audiologists at Rocky Mountain Hearing and Balance are equipped with technologies and methods to make the hearing aid programming process more effective. One of the more advanced technologies available is live speech mapping, a method of fitting hearing aids using speech as a stimulus to help the specialist adjust hearing aids to the right settings for each wearer. Live speech mapping makes fitting appointments more interactive and can reduce the number of office visits required for successful hearing aid programming.
What is live speech mapping?
Live speech mapping is a hearing aid verification method that is used to ensure that your hearing aids are programmed for your individual needs. With this method, small microphones placed in the ear canal are used to measure the response of the hearing aid in the ear while taking into account the natural and individual characteristics of both your ear and your hearing loss. For your live speech mapping appointment, you will be asked to bring along a family member or close friend to act as the “gauge” in your ability to hear live voices.
The providers at Rocky Mountain Hearing & Balance will use high-tech equipment that allow them to “see” what you are hearing through your hearing aids on a screen in real-time. The results will also be displayed on a wall-mounted screen so that you can also see the adjustments and participate in the process.
Benefits of live speech mapping
Live speech mapping is known for its accuracy and is considered “best practice” for the hearing aid industry. Live speech mapping increases patient satisfaction and ensures your hearing devices are providing optimal benefit. Live speech mapping also creates a much more positive fitting experience by allowing both you and your family to see the immediate results of your hearing aids and their positive impact on your ability to hear. With speech mapping, you will have the ability to hear the improvements immediately, and you will be shown exactly what you can and cannot hear in real-time.
Benefits live speech mapping:
- Focuses on the important and basic function of being able to effectively hear human speech
- Engages both you and your family in the fitting process
- Provides immediate and tangible results
- Shown to increase successful outcomes of fittings
- Increases your confidence and comfort in using your new hearing aids
- Provides more accurate programming of hearing aids
- Reduces number of return visits
Contact one of the providers at Rocky Mountain Hearing & Balance to find out how live speech mapping can provide you with a more enjoyable hearing aid mapping experience.