Beverly Hills Hearing Center was founded in 1983 by Bonnie Baehr. Prior to that, Dr. Baehr practiced at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles as a staff audiologist for seven years. She was involved with diagnostic testing, hearing aid evaluations, research and rehabilitation. Dr. Baehr did her clinical fellowship training at the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in downtown Los Angeles. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, American Speech Language and Hearing Association, California Academy of Audiology and Academy of Doctors of Audiology.
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Hearing loss is a common problem that affects millions of people around the world. Whether it’s caused by age, exposure to loud noise, or a medical condition, hearing loss can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. For those who are struggling with hearing loss, there are many different types of hearing aids available to help improve their ability to hear. One type of hearing aid that is worth considering is custom hearing aids. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of custom hearing aids and why they’re worth the investment.
What are custom hearing aids?
Custom hearing aids are hearing aids that are tailored to the unique shape of an individual’s ear. They are made using ear mold impressions. The impressions are used to create a hearing aid that is precisely fit to the wearer’s ear canal, allowing for a comfortable and secure fit.
Having a custom hearing aid fitted is a simple process that involves several steps. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect during the custom hearing aid fitting process:
Hearing Evaluation: The first step in the process is to undergo a hearing evaluation with a licensed hearing professional. The hearing evaluation will help to determine the extent and type of your hearing loss, which is crucial in determining the appropriate hearing aid to fit your needs.
Ear Impression: The next step is to create an ear impression. The hearing professional will use a special material to make an impression of your ear canal, which will be used to create a custom hearing aid that fits your ear perfectly.
Custom Hearing Aid Design: The ear impression is sent to the manufacturer, who will use the impression to create a custom hearing aid that is tailored to your specific needs. The custom hearing aid will be designed to fit the unique shape and size of your ear canal, providing optimal comfort and sound quality.
Fitting Appointment: Once the custom hearing aid has been manufactured, you will return to the hearing professional’s office for a fitting appointment. During this appointment, the hearing professional will ensure that the hearing aid fits comfortably and securely in your ear. They will also program the device to your specific hearing needs and provide instructions on how to use and care for your hearing aid.
Benefits of custom hearing aids
Improved sound quality and clarity
Because custom hearing aids are designed to fit the wearer’s ear canal precisely, they can provide better sound quality and clarity. This is because they are able to deliver sound directly to the ear canal, without any gaps or leaks that can distort the sound. This can be especially important in noisy environments, where other types of hearing aids may struggle to filter out background noise.
Comfort and convenience
Custom hearing aids are typically more comfortable to wear than other types of hearing aids. Because they are designed to fit the wearer’s ear canal precisely, they don’t put as much pressure on the ear, which can reduce discomfort and irritation. Additionally, custom hearing aids are often easier to use in conjunction with things like glasses or hats, which can be a struggle with other types of hearing aids.
Improved speech recognition
One of the most significant benefits of custom hearing aids is their ability to improve speech recognition. Because they are designed to fit the wearer’s ear canal precisely, they can be programmed to amplify certain frequencies or adjust to different listening environments. This can make it easier for wearers to understand speech, even in noisy environments.
Cost and insurance considerations
It’s true that custom hearing aids are generally more expensive than other types of hearing aids. However, it’s important to consider the long-term cost savings that come with investing in a high-quality hearing aid. Additionally, some insurance plans may cover part or all of the cost of custom hearing aids, so it’s worth checking with your insurance provider to see what options are available.
If you’re struggling with hearing loss, we encourage you to schedule a hearing test and speak with a hearing professional to determine whether custom hearing aids are the right choice for you. At our hearing practice, we offer a wide range of hearing aids and other hearing solutions to help you improve your ability to hear and enhance your quality of life. Don’t wait to address your hearing loss – contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards better hearing.