The Penn Hearing Aid Program dispenses a broad range of major hearing aid manufacturers to provide you or your loved one with a hearing aid that meets your cosmetic and budgetary needs with the functionality you expect. Our dispensing audiologists have received doctorate degrees and specialize in hearing aids and amplification. Experience counts when it comes to communication restoration. Our audiologists' level of knowledge and expertise, combined with the wide range of hearing aid manufacturers, styles and technologies we provide, ensures that each patient is provided with the best product for their communication needs.
To learn more about the Penn Hearing Aid Program download this Hearing Aid Brochure.
About Hearing Aids
Over the past decade, hearing aids and amplification devices have undergone an astounding technological transformation. Hearing aids are no longer mere amplifiers intended to make everything louder, including unwanted sounds.
Today's hearing aids are very sophisticated. They work as tiny technologically advanced systems, capable of analyzing sound and manipulating it in ways to make it loud enough to hear, but not so loud that it is uncomfortable. This amazing evolution has allowed people with hearing loss to appreciate better communication than ever before. Many hearing aids have features such as rechargeable batteries and connectivity, allowing the instrument to interface with cellular phones and other electronics.
Amplification, Assessment and Evaluation
Patients interested in learning about their hearing aid and amplification device options receive an in-depth hearing aid assessment and counseling session with a Penn audiologist. This consultation is an integral part of understanding hearing loss, amplification options, differences in technology and patient prognosis with the use of a hearing aid. Lifestyle considerations, style choices and budgetary needs are all included during this consultation. The goal and intent of this in-depth discussion is to ensure patients are able to make an educated decision about their amplification purchase.
Hearing Aid Selection
Individual listening needs as well as cosmetics and cost concerns vary greatly. When selecting a hearing aid, there are many factors that need to be considered:
- Hearing aid comfort and cosmetic appeal
- The use of one versus two hearing aids
- Ability to hear when in a quiet room as well as when it is very noisy
- Device connectivity for hands-free cellphone, tablet, and computer use
- Coating for dust and moisture resistance
- Assistive listening devices that can augment the use of hearing aids and help patients with communication needs on telephones, TV, and with hearing in restaurants, crowds, or an auditorium
- Tinnitus masking features for those that suffer from the concurrent effects of tinnitus and hearing loss
At this visit, the audiologist will also provide an estimate of the costs for hearing aids and/or services.
Hearing Aid Fitting
The hearing aid fitting appointment includes acoustic programming of the devices and an in-depth orientation to ensure successful use of the instruments. You and anyone who might help you will be taught how to insert, operate and maintain your hearing aids at this comprehensive visit. The Penn Hearing Aid Program utilizes a hearing aid verification system that measures the output of the hearing aid while it is in the patient's ear to ensure that the instrument is delivering the sound that is necessary to optimize communication.
Additional Hearing Aid Services
All hearing aids purchased through the Penn Hearing Aid Program come with a warranty that covers loss, damage, and wear and tear of the aids.
Through the hearing air program, we offer custom ear molds for cell phones, MP3 use, noise protection, swimming and sleeping. This includes molds specifically for musicians' needs.
We also provide assistive listening devices for Bluetooth® capabilities, FM systems, telephones and televisions, as well as doorbells, smoke detectors, alarm clocks and anything else that may be inaudible to hearing-impaired listeners.