Fitting Decisions (Q4 2015)-Fitting Decisions

Fitting Decisions

Pdf Summary

The article discusses the impact of fitting software options on the performance of hearing aids. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and following the manufacturer's fitting guidelines to ensure optimal fitting. The article specifically focuses on three areas of concern: coupling in the ear, fitting ranges, and feedback management.<br /><br />Regarding coupling in the ear, the article highlights the differences in gain when using open or closed fittings and stresses the importance of accurately setting the coupling in the fitting software to achieve the desired gain. It mentions that different manufacturers have different approaches to setting gain levels for different couplings.<br /><br />In terms of fitting ranges, the article points out that there is no standard protocol for determining fitting ranges, and factors such as gain, output, and the prescriptive fitting rule can all influence the range. The article suggests that fitting range should be loosely interpreted and that the first fit gain settings should be taken into account when estimating residual gain.<br /><br />The article also discusses the feedback management system and the importance of running the feedback test in the fitting process. It explains that the feedback test helps to calibrate the feedback cancellation filter and ensure the best possible performance of the hearing aid.<br /><br />Overall, the article serves as a reminder to clinicians to carefully consider and understand the fitting software options and guidelines provided by the manufacturer to achieve optimal fitting and user benefit.

Keywords

software options

performance

hearing aids

manufacturer's fitting guidelines

coupling in the ear

fitting ranges

feedback management

gain levels

residual gain

feedback test