How to Program Reverse Slope Hearing Aids

The term "reverse-slope hearing loss" is used to define a low-frequency hearing loss. Severe low-frequency hearing losses are rare; only one out of every 12,000 hard-of-hearing people suffers from a reverse-slope loss, according to Neil Bauman at the Center for Hearing Loss Help. Until the introduction of advanced digitally programmable hearing aids in the 1990s, these patients received very little satisfaction from amplification. Although today’s technology is capable of helping reverse-slope losses, manufacturers still design their first-fit software to focus on high-frequency amplification. Manually validated programming is necessary to properly fit a patient with a reverse-slope loss.

Things You'll Need

• Digitally programmable hearing aids
• Computer
• Manufacturer's fitting software
• Programming ribbons/pins
• Real ear measurement equipment

Show More

Instructions

Validation is the Key to Fitting Reverse-Slope Hearing Aids

• 1

  Run the manufacturer's fitting software on your computer. Enter the information required for the hearing aids you want to program. Most software asks for patient information, hearing test results, and hearing aid information. Some systems automatically fill in such information; in that case, verify that the information is correct.

• 2

  Connect the hearing aids to a programming device and read them out. The software will prompt you to set up manufacturer's fitting selections. If the hearing aids are wireless, set them close to the computer and allow the software to program them.

• 3

  Have your patient present at the time of programming for a reverse-slope fitting.

• 4

  Perform fitting validation via real ear measurement (REM). Use a probe tube microphone attached to your patient's ear. Insert the probe tube into his ear followed by the hearing aid. Conduct a base line pure tone REM; then take measurements using real voice or recorded voice. Take a loud, average, and soft sound measurement.

• 5

  Make adjustments according to your real ear measurements. You will probably have to raise the low frequencies and lower the high frequencies. Each time you make an adjustment, take another real ear measurement to see the effects of the programming changes.

• 6

  Counsel your patient about low frequency sounds. Your patient will tell you that things sound very echoed, booming or heavy on the base. Don’t adjust the hearing aids according to what the patient is telling you at this time; he is not accustomed to hearing low-frequency sound normally. Your patient will need to be counseled on auditory rehabilitation, expectations, and having patience during the acclimation period.

• 7

  Stress the importance of follow-up to your patient. Schedule a one- to two-week follow-up appointment before he leaves your office. Tell your patient to call you sooner if he is having difficulty with his hearing aids.