What to Expect During a Hearing Aid Fitting with Dr. Novick

If you’ve made the decision to look into hearing aids, you’ve come to the right place. Choosing to improve your hearing health is a significant decision that can greatly enhance your quality of life. Hearing is critical in almost all parts of your day—from hearing the alarm clock to work conferences to the oven buzzer notifying you that pizza’s ready. When you’ve decided to reconnect to the sounds around you, hearing aids are often at the top of the list. At Silicon Valley Hearing in Los Gatos, California, Dr. Marni Novick is committed to making this journey as seamless and transformative as possible. Known for her adherence to best practices and as a HearingUp network provider, Dr. Novick ensures that each step of the hearing aid fitting process is thorough, personalized, and tailored to your unique needs.

Initial Consultation: Building the Foundation

Your journey begins with an initial consultation, a crucial step where Dr. Novick gets to know you, your hearing health history, and your specific needs. Dr. Novick will assess your hearing abilities through a series of tests, including a pure-tone audiometry exam, speech recognition testing, and tympanometry. This evaluation helps her determine the extent of your hearing loss and identify the most suitable hearing aid options for you. Dr. Novick will ask about your medical history, any medications you are taking, and your family history related to hearing loss. This helps in understanding any underlying factors contributing to your hearing issues.

Hearing Aid Selection: Tailoring to Your Needs

After the initial assessment, Dr. Novick will discuss the results with you and explain the different styles and technology levels of hearing aids available. Dr. Novick will discuss the different types of hearing aids available, their features, and how they can benefit you. She will also address any questions or concerns you may have and ensure that you feel comfortable with the hearing aid fitting process.

Based on your evaluation and consultation, Dr. Novick will recommend the most appropriate hearing aid models for you. She will consider factors such as your level of hearing loss, your dexterity, and your cosmetic preferences. Dr. Novick will provide you with detailed information about each hearing aid option, including its benefits, limitations, and price.

Modern hearing aids come in various styles, including behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), and completely-in-canal (CIC). They also range from basic to premium, each offering different features like advanced noise reduction, automatic adjustments, and Bluetooth connectivity. Dr. Novick will help you understand the benefits and limitations of each option so that you can make an informed decision that best suits your hearing needs and lifestyle.

Fitting and Programming: Precision and Comfort

During the fitting process, Dr. Novick creates custom earmolds that mold perfectly to your ears, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. She then programs your hearing aids to your specific hearing loss, making fine adjustments to optimize their performance. This meticulous procedure is aimed at ensuring your hearing aids fit comfortably and work optimally.

If you've chosen custom-fit hearing aids, impressions of your ears will be taken to create molds that fit precisely. This ensures comfort and effectiveness. The initial programming is based on your hearing assessment and takes into account your unique hearing needs.

A critical part of the fitting process, real-ear measurement, involves placing a small microphone in your ear canal to measure how sound is amplified by the hearing aid. Real-ear measurement is a best practice in hearing aid fitting as it ensures that the hearing aid provides the correct amount of amplification for each individual's unique hearing loss. Dr. Novick offers real-ear measurement as part of her commitment to providing the highest quality of care and verifying that all adjustments and services meet these best practices.

Follow-Up and Fine-Tuning: Ongoing Support

During the adjustment period for new hearing aids, Dr. Novick offers ongoing support to optimize the hearing experience. Follow-up appointments allow for fine-tuning adjustments to enhance comfort and performance, as well as counseling and training on proper care, including cleaning, battery replacement, and utilizing additional features like Bluetooth connectivity.

After your hearing aids are fitted, Dr. Novick will provide you with ongoing support to ensure that you are satisfied with their performance. She will schedule regular follow-up appointments to check on your progress, make any necessary adjustments, and answer any questions you may have. Dr. Novick is committed to your long-term hearing health and is always available to assist you.

Enhancing Your Listening Experience: Additional Features

Modern hearing aids feature Bluetooth connectivity, allowing wireless connection to smartphones, televisions, and other devices for seamless audio experiences. Additionally, Dr. Novick may recommend optional accessories like remote microphones or TV streamers that enhance hearing in specific situations, such as noisy environments or while watching television, providing a comprehensive hearing solution tailored to individual needs.

Ongoing Care: Long-Term Commitment

Hearing care is an ongoing process, and Dr. Novick is dedicated to providing long-term support. Regular check-ups ensure that your hearing aids continue to function properly and that your hearing needs are consistently met. This commitment to best practices and patient care ensures that you receive the best possible outcomes and enjoy a higher quality of life.

As a Best Practice Pro Provider, Dr. Novick adheres to strict protocols recommended by the American Academy of Audiology, ensuring the highest quality of care and verifying that all adjustments and services meet these best practices, leading to optimal hearing outcomes.

A hearing aid fitting with Dr. Novick at Silicon Valley Hearing is more than just receiving a device; it's the beginning of a personalized journey towards better hearing health. Dr. Novick’s adherence to best practices, her detailed and compassionate approach, and her commitment to utilizing the latest technology ensure that you receive the highest quality care. By choosing Dr. Novick, you are not only investing in better hearing but also in a provider who is dedicated to your long-term well-being.

If you’re ready to take the next step towards improved hearing, schedule an appointment with Dr. Novick today and experience the difference that expert, personalized care can make.