A multi-step clinical evaluation in which the appropriate hearing aid is selected and individually fitted by an audiologist for people with hearing loss.
Indication
- Adults with age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)
- Sensorineural hearing loss due to noise exposure or ototoxic medications
- Permanent hearing loss after chronic middle ear disease
- Unilateral hearing loss or asymmetric hearing complaints
- Difficulty understanding speech on the phone, on television or in groups
- Permanent hearing loss in children that affects language development
- Patients who have difficulty using their current hearing aid or wish to change devices
Preparation
- Bring previous audiometry (hearing test) reports
- Bring your current hearing aid, earmold and batteries to the evaluation
- Have an ENT examination beforehand if ear cleaning is needed
- Note the listening situations you find most difficult in daily life (meetings, in the car, crowded places)
How it's performed
- The ENT physician examines the ear canal and eardrum and removes earwax (cerumen) if needed
- The audiologist measures hearing thresholds with pure-tone and speech audiometry
- Middle and inner ear function are evaluated with tympanometry and, if needed, otoacoustic emissions (OAE)
- The appropriate device type (BTE — behind the ear, ITE — in the ear, CIC — completely in the canal) is selected based on the results and the patient's lifestyle
- An earmold impression is taken; the digital device is fitted to the patient's hearing thresholds via dedicated software
- The patient is taught hands-on how to insert, remove, power and care for the device
Post-procedure
- Gradual practice at low volume during the first week, with progressive increases in wearing time
- A fine-tuning appointment is scheduled 2-4 weeks later
- An annual hearing test and device performance check is recommended
- Earmolds, tubing and filters are replaced routinely
- Programs and sound settings are updated based on the patient's daily listening experience
Risks
- Initial sensation of fullness, itching or transient irritation in the ear
- Suboptimal speech understanding in noise if the device is not properly fitted
- Acoustic feedback (whistling) due to a poorly fitting earmold
- A small number of patients may not adapt and may discontinue use
- Limited sound localization with unilateral fitting
FAQ
Will my hearing return to normal once I start using a hearing aid?
A hearing aid amplifies and filters sounds to make speech easier to understand, but it does not fully restore natural hearing. With regular use and proper fitting, daily life becomes significantly easier.
Is an in-the-canal device better than a behind-the-ear device?
There is no single 'best' device. The audiologist recommends the most suitable type based on the degree of your hearing loss, the shape of your ear canal, your manual dexterity, vision and lifestyle.
How long does it take to get used to the device?
Most people adapt to the new sound environment within 4-8 weeks. Regular use and follow-up appointments are very important during this period.
Are hearing aids covered by social security?
When certain hearing loss thresholds meet the official criteria (Health Implementation Communiqué — SUT), the social security institution provides a contribution. For up-to-date coverage and contribution amounts, consult the ENT physician and audiologist planning your treatment.
Related Information
Related Medical Services
Other services in the same specialty or with similar indications you may want to explore.
Audiometry
Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
Audiometry (hearing test) — objective evaluation of the type and degree of hearing.
Tympanoplasty
Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
Tympanoplasty (eardrum repair) — closing the perforation to restore hearing and protection of the middle ear.
Tympanometry
Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
Tympanometry (middle-ear pressure test) — objective evaluation of eardrum mobility and middle-ear function.
Ventilation Tube
Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
Ventilation tube (myringotomy with tube) — placement of a small tube into the eardrum to drain middle-ear fluid and restore aeration.
Mastoidectomy
Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
Mastoidectomy — surgical clearance of the mastoid bone for chronic middle ear inflammation and cholesteatoma.
Epley Maneuver
Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
Epley maneuver — repositioning of inner-ear crystals in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
Otoscopy
Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
Otoscopic examination — basic ENT assessment in which the external auditory canal and eardrum are evaluated with an illuminated magnifier.
EARWAX REMOVAL
Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
Cerumen removal — safe extraction of earwax obstructing the ear canal using drops, irrigation or curette.