Live Speech Mapping
In the past, hearing tests and fittings for hearing aids consisted mostly of a series of beeps and noises. Today, audiologists are equipped with new technologies and methods to make the hearing evaluation process and hearing aid programming process more effective.
One of the more advanced technologies available is live speech mapping, a method of fitting for hearing aids using speech as a stimulus to help the specialist adjust hearing aids to the right settings for each wearer. Live speech mapping makes fitting appointments more interactive and can reduce the number of office visits required for successful hearing aid programming.
What Is Live Speech Mapping?
Live speech mapping is a hearing aid verification method that is used to ensure that your hearing aids are programmed for your individual needs. With this method, small microphones placed in the ear canal are used to measure the response of the hearing aid in your ear taking into account the natural and individual characteristics of both your ear and your hearing loss. For your live speech mapping appointment, you will be asked to bring along a family member or close friend to act as the “gauge” in your ability to hear live voices.
Your hearing care professional will have high-tech equipment that will allow him or her to “see” what you are hearing through your hearing aids on a screen in real-time. The results may also be displayed on a wall-mounted screen so that you can also see the adjustments and participate in the process. This allows both you and your family members to visualize and understand the differences that hearing aids can make in your hearing ability.
Live speech mapping is known for its accuracy.
Without speech mapping verification, other methods to program your hearing aid may require additional adjustments. Live speech mapping increases the chances that your hearing aid programming will be done correctly on the first try.
Live speech mapping also creates a much more positive fitting experience by allowing both you and your family to see the immediate results of your hearing aids and their positive impact on your ability to hear. Both you and your family will be engaged in the fitting process, making it a joint affair.
If you have a hearing loss, you may not be able to fully understand what you can and cannot hear, and therefore, you may not understand everything you are missing. With speech mapping, you will have the ability to hear the improvements immediately, and you will be shown exactly what you can and cannot hear in real-time.
Benefits of live speech mapping:
- Focuses on the important and basic function of being able to effectively hear human speech
- Engages both you and your family in the fitting process
- Provides immediate and tangible results
- Shown to increase successful outcomes of fittings
- Increases your confidence and comfort in using your new hearing aids
- Provides more accurate programming of hearing aids
- Reduces number of return visits
Contact your hearing health professional to find out how live speech mapping can provide you with a more enjoyable hearing aid mapping experience.
Kathryn Thompson2021-10-22
Robert Rathbun2021-10-22Mara is great and always concerned that you are pleased and everything is right before you leave.
Larry / Lucille Tobin2021-10-22
Rebecca McGinnis2021-09-22Dr. Bailey and her assistant are amazing! The office is beautiful and they are super nice and personable. Dr. Bailey is extremely knowledgeable and is wonderful about figuring out what works best for me. Great experience!
Andrea Wayne2021-09-21Mara, Thanks for the thorough cleaning of my hearing aids
Jacalyn Anderson2021-09-07My son has been a patient for many years and has always received the best care and service.
Neil Benson2021-08-31The staff was courteous. Dr. Bailey conducted the most thorough hearing test I had ever experienced in a professional manner. She shown herself to be very knowledgeable was pleasant to work with. I recommend Dr. Bailey at her clinic very highly.
Brigitte Henry2021-08-30Haven't met the doctor yet, but Mara is a peach!!
Marie St,Romain2021-08-27Today's visit was great. Kind thorough care was given. It was a pleasure being with Audiology Hears.
Steve Clarkson (Complete Home Inspections)2021-08-19