Hearing device evaluations
Find the right device for better hearing and better health
Hearing aids and implantable hearing devices can offer life-changing benefits, from improved hearing and communication to better mental health and overall well-being. But it’s essential to get the right device for your needs.
With so many options available, it can be hard to know how to choose. At Penn Medicine, our audiology, hearing, and balance specialists provide the education, support, and expertise you need to find a hearing device that fits your medical needs, communication goals, lifestyle, and budget.
An experienced team of audiologists, otologists, and neurotologists provide comprehensive evaluations and guide you through the process of selecting and using your new hearing device. Our goal is to make sure you feel comfortable and confident with it so that you can enjoy a better quality of life.
Hearing aids vs. implantable devices: which is right for me?
Hearing aids and implantable devices, such as cochlear implants or bone-conduction devices (BCDs), are both treatments for hearing loss. When evaluating your hearing ability, your audiologist will review the following before making a recommendation:
- Your level of hearing loss and clarity of speech
- Where the loss is occurring, either in the outer, middle, or inner ear, or in multiple areas
- Experience or benefit with current technology
Access to advanced technology for hearing aids
Over the past decade, hearing aids have undergone a major technological transformation. Instead of simply making sounds louder (including unwanted sounds), today’s hearing devices can analyze sound and manipulate it in sophisticated ways. For example, a digital hearing aid can detect when you’re having a conversation in a crowded room. It can selectively amplify the speech source close to you and minimize background noise for a better hearing experience.
Hearing loss specialists at Penn Medicine work with the leading hearing aid and implantable device manufacturers in the U.S. We can offer you the latest devices from multiple manufacturers. Our audiologists stay current on the newest hearing assistive technology and software updates to ensure you have access to the best products available.
The region’s leading source for implantable hearing devices
Penn Medicine has been at the forefront of implantable hearing device technology since the 1980s. Today, we provide more cochlear implants and bone-anchored hearing devices than any other center in the region, working closely with industry-leading implant manufacturers.
Our depth of experience means we can offer hearing device solutions for people with even the most challenging and complex forms of hearing loss. We’re also involved in research and clinical trials to expand candidacy criteria for implantable hearing devices so more people can experience better hearing and improved quality of life.
Hearing device evaluation, fitting, and services
Hearing loss is a complex disorder, and there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment. We assess the underlying cause of your condition and take the time to understand how hearing loss affects your daily life and impairs your ability to work, socialize, and stay active before making a device recommendation.
You’ll have an in-depth hearing evaluation before the hearing device selection process begins. Our audiologists assess your ability to hear pitch, loudness, and speech. We use the latest diagnostic tools and audiometry tests to determine the underlying cause and severity of your hearing loss. Your audiologist will tell you if you’re a candidate for hearing aids or implantable devices, or if you need any further medical assessments.
During your evaluation, an audiologist provides information about hearing loss and your options for hearing devices. This consultation is an important part of understanding hearing loss, amplification options, differences in technology, and patient prognosis with the use of a hearing aid. Lifestyle considerations, style choices, and budgetary needs are all discussed during this consultation. Our goal is to ensure patients can make an educated decision about their amplification purchase.
If your initial testing suggests you may be a candidate for an implantable device and/or if are still experiencing communication challenges with your current technology, additional audiologic and medical evaluations may be recommended. Testing for an implantable device includes an evaluation of your hearing ability with hearing aids, and in some cases, a balance study. Your medical evaluation may consist of a CT and/or MRI scan of the inner ear. Following both evaluations, you will have a detailed consultation session with an implant audiologist and an implant surgeon to discuss your best course of action.
Once we’ve determined whether a hearing aid or implantable device is right for you, it’s time to select the right product. We help you select a device that fits your functional, cosmetic, and budgetary needs.
Hearing devices typically come in behind-the-ear or in-the-ear styles. The decision on which style may depend on your hearing loss, cosmetic preferences, ear shape, and ease of use.
Your audiologist discusses which features are most important to you, such as:
- Ability to hear when in a quiet room as well as with background noise
- Assistive listening devices (used with hearing aids) for telephones, televisions, and use in crowded environments
- Coating for dust and moisture resistance
- Comfort and cosmetic appeal
- Device connectivity for hands-free cellphone, tablet, and computer use
- Rechargeable batteries
- Tinnitus-masking features for people with ear-ringing
During your hearing device fitting, we provide an in-depth orientation to help you or your caregivers get comfortable inserting, operating, and maintaining your new hearing device. For people with implants, device activation happens about a month after your surgery to give your ear time to heal.
Your audiologist programs your device and uses a special hearing verification system to measure the output of your device while it’s in your ear. We adjust the settings and filters as needed to optimize hearing and communication.
The first few weeks with your new hearing device can be a new experience. You’ll need to re-learn listening skills, such as distinguishing important information (speech) from unimportant information (noise). Your audiologist can give you tips on how to get used to wearing and using the device.
Other available products and services at Penn Medicine include:
- Custom ear molds for swimming and sleeping
- Ear protection for industrial and recreational use
- Noise reduction molds for musicians and music lovers
- Audiologist support for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing device users