How Best Practices Impact Your Hearing Aid Experience

Effective hearing treatment is more than just fitting hearing aids. Your hearing is unique, and your treatment should be too. At Audiology & Hearing Services of Charlotte, we provide a comprehensive, patient-centered experience that goes beyond simply fitting hearing aids. We pride ourselves on being members of the HearingUp Network, led by the popular YouTube audiologist Dr. Cliff Olson. This national affiliation reflects our commitment to audiology best practices and delivering the highest standard of care, tailored to your individual hearing needs in the Charlotte area. 

Being Recognized as a Best Practice Provider

Dr. Cliff Olson, AuD, has gained widespread recognition through his informative YouTube channel, where he educates the public about hearing health and advocates for the highest standards in audiology care. His network connects patients with audiologists and hearing aid specialists who are committed to following these best practices, ensuring that individuals receive exceptional hearing care. Our Audiologist, Dr. Ivy Saul, is proud to be a HearingUp approved provider in Charlotte, offering expert care that is both evidence-based and patient-focused.

What Are Best Practices in Audiology?

Best practices in audiology refer to a set of standardized, evidence-based procedures that are proven to provide the highest quality of care and best outcomes for patients. These were originally outlined by the American Academy of Audiology (AAA). These practices cover every aspect of hearing care, from the initial assessment to the fitting and ongoing maintenance of hearing aids. Here’s a closer look at the core components of best practices:

1. Assessment and Goal Setting

The journey to better hearing begins with a thorough evaluation. At Audiology & Hearing Services of Charlotte, our audiologists conduct comprehensive auditory evaluations, which include:

• Case History: Understanding the patient’s medical history, hearing concerns, and lifestyle needs.
• Cerumen Management: Checking for and removing any earwax blockages that could affect hearing test results.
• Audiometric Testing: Conducting air and bone conduction tests, word recognition testing, and speech-in-noise testing to determine the type and severity of hearing loss.
• Needs Assessment: Discussing the patient’s specific goals and expectations to tailor the treatment plan.

2. Technical Aspects of Treatment

Selecting the right hearing aids involves more than just choosing a device. Our Audiologists,  Dr. Karp, Dr. Saul, and Dr. Crisp all follow these steps to ensure optimal device selection and fitting:

• Device Selection: Recommending hearing aids based on the patient’s hearing loss, lifestyle, and preferences. Considerations include device style, noise reduction capabilities, Bluetooth connectivity, and more.
• Quality Control: Performing test box measures to ensure hearing aids meet manufacturer specifications.
• Real Ear Measurement (REM): The anatomy of each individual ear can change how sound and frequencies are transmitted to the eardrum. Using a microphone to measure the sound levels deep inside the ear canal, we can precisely adjust the hearing aid settings. This ensures the hearing aids are programmed accurately to the patient’s prescription.

3. Orientation, Counseling, and Follow-Up

The success of hearing treatment goes way beyond the fitting process. Our audiologists provide thorough orientation and counseling to ensure patients are comfortable and confident with their new devices:

• Device Orientation: Teaching patients how to insert, remove, care for, and operate their hearing aids.
• Counseling: Helping patients and their communication partners develop effective strategies for maximizing hearing aid benefits.
• Regular Follow-Up: Scheduling routine check-ups to adjust programming, perform maintenance, and reassess hearing as needed.

4. Assessing Outcomes

Evaluating the effectiveness of treatment is crucial to ensuring patient satisfaction and improved quality of life. We use validated outcome measures to assess:

• Patient Feedback: Gathering subjective feedback through tools like the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) and the Client Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI).
• Objective Measures: Using real-ear verification and other objective tests to ensure the hearing aids are functioning optimally.

The Benefits of Seeking a Provider Using Best Practices

By adhering to hearing aid fitting best practices, Audiology & Hearing Services of Charlotte provides numerous benefits to our patients:

• Enhanced Hearing Aid Performance: Accurate programming through REM and other verification techniques ensures hearing aids deliver the best possible performance.
• Improved Patient Satisfaction: Comprehensive assessments, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support lead to higher satisfaction rates.
• Better Hearing Health Outcomes: Following best practices improves speech understanding, reduces listening effort, and enhances overall quality of life for patients.
• Informed Patients: Education and counseling empower patients to take an active role in their hearing health, leading to better long-term outcomes.

Why Expert Care Matters

Choosing an audiology practice that follows best practices is essential for achieving the best possible hearing outcomes. Here’s why expert care matters:

• Precision and Accuracy: Best practices ensure that every aspect of hearing care, from assessment to fitting, is performed with precision and accuracy.
• Personalized Care: Audiologists who follow best practices take the time to understand each patient’s unique needs and tailor treatment accordingly.
• Long-Term Success: Regular follow-up and outcome assessments ensure that patients continue to benefit from their hearing aids and receive the support they need over time.
• Trust and Expertise: Being part of the HearingUp Network and adhering to best practices demonstrates a commitment to excellence and builds trust with patients.

In addition, our clinic also has additional resources to help our patients get the most out of their hearing and communication. These include our Better Communication Classes and Dr. Karp’s Auditory Training Program. 

Experience the Difference at Audiology & Hearing Services of Charlotte

All three of our experienced Audiologists are committed to following best practices in hearing care. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our 5/5 average Google Reviews and the positive feedback from our patients. Dr. Melissa Karp, Dr. Ivy Saul, and Dr. Katlyn Crisp are dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care that goes beyond just fitting hearing aids. In addition, this level of care is provided both in-home throughout the greater Charlotte/Metrolina area and in our clinic, located in the McAlpine neighborhood near Carmel Commons 

If you’re ready to experience the difference that expert care can make, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Let us help you achieve better hearing and improve your quality of life through the highest standards of audiological care. Trust your hearing health to the experts at Audiology & Hearing Services of Charlotte, where best practices are our standard and your hearing is our priority.