5 Reasons Someone Might Need Remote Programming

Face-to-face hearing aid programming might be something you're already familiar with. You arrive, the hearing professional makes programming changes to your satisfaction, and then you leave. You then return to the office if fine-tuning changes are needed, and the hearing provider will repeat the procedure. When you can physically make it to the hearing practice office, this approach is straightforward, familiar to everyone, and efficient.

However, demand for teleaudiology services like remote programming is skyrocketing as people worldwide struggle with local and state restrictions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many hearing aid users can now get some of the same hearing treatment from an app as they can from a face-to-face consultation.

How remote hearing aid programming works

The hearing specialist can contact you via tablet, computer, or mobile, so all you need is a working microphone and camera on your device. 

You can then discuss which settings are the most useful in real-time, especially relevant for clients who are just getting started with hearing aids. Since all hearing providers follow the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, you can rest assured that your information is kept safe and protected (HIPAA).

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Do you need remote hearing aid programming?‍

The rise in popularity of remote programming has several advantages for those with the following challenges:

You have accessibility issues

You don't have access to decent hearing care because you live too far away. Using telehealth to deliver and assist with delivering hearing healthcare services in remote areas will help patients overcome barriers and pressures, such as transportation problems while traveling for specialty treatment. 

You have mobility problems. Getting to your local hearing practice can be difficult for people with disabilities or acute physical limitations. Many people with disabilities need the help of a caregiver to leave the house, which may be troublesome if the caregiver is unable, sick, or has other work/responsibilities.

You value convenience

It can take several visits before hearing aids sound right, especially for first-time hearing aid users. Virtual visits can more easily fit into your hectic schedule. Let's say you have a wealth of childcare or work responsibilities. Depending on your timetable, you do not need to take time off work or arrange child care if you need to readjust your hearing aids.

You are not physically near our clinic

You're on vacation. Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, but that isn't always the case. When that time comes to travel again, you'll still be able to adjust your hearing aids, whether you're in the next state over or halfway around the world. 

You are traveling for work. Many people travel for work and may need hearing aid adjustments while they are on the road. It can be challenging to find a hearing aid provider in a new city for a quick adjustment. That's where getting remote hearing aid care from your current hearing aid provider or Audiologist makes sense.  

You have health concerns

Nearly half of those who died from COVID-19 in the United States were over 75 years old. The elderly are, without a doubt, the most vulnerable group. The risk is much greater for older men, so it's essential for those at a more considerable risk of the condition to stay safe when they can. The caregivers and the caregivers must prevent COVID-19 from spreading among in-home care centers and senior care facilities.

Remote hearing aid programming can assist caregivers in providing care and assistance from a distance, eliminating the need for unnecessary personal visits. 

Aside from mobility issues or the threat of COVID-19, there are other medical reasons why an individual might not want to visit a hearing practice. Perhaps you are recovering from surgery and are not ready to drive yet. 

You stay at home a lot

Many hearing aid users have been staying at home. They are, therefore, more likely to use their hearing aids at home than anywhere else. Adjusting your hearing aids in the same area where you intend to use them the most will ensure that only the most appropriate settings are used, eliminating the need for repeat visits.

In today's increasingly small world, there has never been a better time to take advantage of the remote services at your fingertips. Remote hearing aid programming makes sense for people who find themselves in any number of challenging situations. Whether you have low mobility, have health concerns or live in a remote area, gone are the days when a physical visit was essential for receiving high-quality hearing aid care. 

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