What is Speech Mapping?  Hearing tests just got better
Advanced hearing testing with research combined - the main features
A little technical detail
Why Speech Mapping is important for correct assessment of hearing loss
Who qualifies for Speech Mapping?
How to volunteer for Speech Mapping near to you
Hearing tests just got betterFor most people outside of the hearing aid industry (and even for some within it!)
Speech Mapping remains a bit of a mystery. But it’s more than just a test.
That’s the exciting thing about it! It maps speech patterns, not just sounds.
If you have had a standard hearing test before, you will already know how much it can reveal about your hearing: how it affects your daily life if you are partially deaf, and the understanding you gain about your hearing health in general.
You also benefit from the free advice on what options are open to you.
Speech Mapping takes the process that step further. It involves those near to you.
Studies so far suggest that this assessment of your individual hearing loss can be
more accurate and can lead to a more correct diagnosis, and prescription on how best
to treat it.
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Advanced hearing testing with research combined - the main features- We invite existing hearing aid wearers as well as non-wearers
- Speech Mapping equipment is only available in local centres on limited days, so we ask that you call to book an agreed time slot in advance to make sure you get the most from your appointment.
- Please allow about an hour. As well as an assessment of your hearing we do ask you to complete a questionnaire.
- Details about your hearing-related background will be useful in association with the clinical results.
Important: Personal details will remain totally confidential. In compiling results for research, individual findings will remain anonymous.
Based on the results, any advice you seek, requests for the options open to you, recommendations and solutions, is free of charge with no obligation to take up any of the courses of action available.
Demonstrations of certain hearing aids may be available on the day. Alternatively, this can be arranged with a hearing aid audiologist at a later date.
We ask that you come with a friend, relative or partner to share the experience and also help improve the results.
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 A little technical detail
If you already wear hearing aids:
One of the main objectives of the Speech Mapping exercise is to establish how much speech reaching your hearing aid actually reaches your eardrum.
The complete Speech Mapping hearing test therefore includes:
- a personal hearing aid analysis
- eardrum speech measurement
This enhanced level of testing may finally explain why you still have some difficulty understanding speech even while wearing hearing instruments.
If you do not already wear hearing aids:
- You will receive a free hearing assessment showing the degree and type of loss you suffer
- What’s more, the problem may be correctable. If so, we will advise on possible solutions
The Speech Mapping process is conducted by a specially trained professional hearing aid audiologist.
For more independent information about Speech Mapping, go to the www.otometrics.com website.
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Why Speech Mapping is important for correct assessment of hearing loss
The conventional hearing test is based around your ability to hear steady signals such as “artificial” tones and noise. Speech Mapping takes the traditional hearing test one step further and uses realistic signals such as speech and music to avoid the uncertainties and errors sometimes produced by standard tests.
Speech Mapping improves the patient experience and the outcome of the hearing test.
For the best results we strongly recommend that all our volunteers are accompanied by someone with whom they regularly converse because they too, can participate.
For example, here are some additional features of Speech Mapping:
- The hearing loss simulator enables relatives to experience what hearing loss is like.
- The hearing INSTRUMENT simulator shows the benefits of amplification ~ for someone who has never worn a hearing aid.
Hear what you have been missing.
Combining these processes can show the benefits of a hearing aid to the relative of the person being tested. As a result, both parties appreciate the joys of clearer hearing.
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Who qualifies for Speech Mapping?Volunteer if you have - or think you have - a hearing loss but do not wear hearing aids.
Volunteer if you already wear hearing aids, but feel that you are not getting the most from them.
It could be that a solution to their poor performance can be revealed by the Speech Mapping process.
Important: It helps if someone comes with you on the day as this improves the results.
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How to volunteer for Speech Mapping near to youThe technology required to conduct hearing tests using Speech Mapping is not widely available.
For that reason, Regional Hearing Services decided to bring this to local centres throughout England & Wales on pre-arranged days.
For details of this ongoing programme, and how to reserve your place please click here or, alternatively, call us today on FREEPHONE 0800 612 7991.
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