By Trisha Muth, Au.D.
Purchasing hearing aids is a big decision. Purchasing hearing aids online can be risky. When purchasing online, no one is there to fit or customize the hearing aids for you. Audiologists have a complex role in fitting hearing aids. Audiologists confirm via a hearing evaluation you are, in fact, a hearing aid candidate, rule out any medically treatable hearing condition that would require a referral to an otolaryngologist (ENT), verify that your ears are clear of cerumen (earwax), determine which hearing aid style and technology is appropriate for your hearing loss and listening needs, size your hearing aids for your ears, and ultimately fit and program your hearing aids to your hearing loss.
A critical role in the hearing aid fitting process is an in-person measurement called real ear measurement, where a small probe tube is placed in the ear and the hearing aid is placed on top. The REM is verifying the output of the hearing aid to confirm it is meeting your prescription for your specific hearing loss. Without these measurements, there is no way to confirm your hearing aids are programmed to your precise hearing loss.
Over-the-counter hearing aids can be a good stepping stone before obtaining prescription hearing aids for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Anyone with greater than mild to moderate hearing loss should be treated by an audiologist with in-person prescription hearing aids. The reason OTC hearing aids are limited to a mild to moderate fitting range is that moderate hearing loss or greater requires more powerful hearing aids that could potentially damage a person's hearing who has a more mild hearing loss.
All consumers need a diagnostic hearing evaluation by an audiologist prior to purchasing any hearing aid products, regardless if they are OTC or prescription hearing aids. An audiologist will test you and provide you with appropriate recommendations, including if OTC hearing aids are appropriate for your hearing and listening needs.
The audiologist’s job is to educate you on your hearing loss and treatment options.
A very important factor in successful hearing aid use is the provided follow-up care. I use a combination of in-person and virtual appointments. All initial hearing aid fittings are completed in person. Follow-up care can be completed either in person or virtually. I recommend a minimum of one or two annual in-person appointments to thoroughly clean and verify the performance of the hearing aids. Virtual appointments are routinely used when an adjustment for sound quality is needed (e.g., hearing aids are too soft or too loud, tinny, hollow, etc.) which reduces the amount of travel time, wait time, and in-person visits.
If you or someone you know is suffering from hearing loss seeking an audiologist's advice on hearing aids is the best option for you.
Trisha Muth, Au.D., CCC-A, is a licensed clinical audiologist in Maryland. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology, a fellow of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, and a member of the Maryland Academy of Audiology. For more, see Bay Area Audiology.
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