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. We also discuss the benefits and limitations of hearing aids, BAHAs, and cochlear implants, helping you understand what to expect from each type of device.
You may try different hearing aids during the evaluation to see if they improve your ability to hear sounds or understand speech. We typically recommend implants only for people who don’t benefit from hearing aids.
If you’re a candidate for a hearing aid, your audiologist will take measurements and molds to ensure your custom hearing aid fits the shape of your ear and is as comfortable as possible. People considering cochlear implants or a BAHA may need imaging scans at this time. Inner ear imaging with a CT scan or MRI helps us evaluate the anatomy of your inner ear and confirm you’re a candidate for the implant procedure.
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.
There are many options for hearing aids, from behind-the-ear devices to hearing aids that fit further inside your ear canal. Some are more discreet, while others are larger but easier to clean and handle. You can see and try different devices to understand how they look, feel, and work.
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 challenging. 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:
- Alerting devices for doorbells, smoke detectors, and alarm clocks
- Assistive listening devices for Bluetooth®, telephones, and televisions
- Custom ear molds for swimming and sleeping
- Ear protection for industrial and recreational use
- Noise reduction molds for musicians and music lovers