There have been many advancements in the world of hearing aid fitting including target formulas and real-ear measurements. These and a number of others, coupled with great advances in hearing aid technologies should certainly have greatly advanced the fitting of hearing aids. This is not necessarily the case.
If sales of hearing aids are any indication, things are actually getting worse with fittings. Sales are down. This may have a great deal to do with the economy as well but it does not speak highly for our world of hearing aids.
The process of fitting a hearing aid has become rushed and we are all simply depending on the latest technology to do the work for us. This does not work. Technology plays a role but the audiologist must take time to listen and understand the specific needs of every patient. At the same time the patients need to be very open and help tell the fitter exactly what they are looking for.
Hearing aid fitting is difficult but for it to get better, we must all do our parts: the fitter, the patient and the technology!
