top of page

Live Speech Mapping

Hearing tests and hearing aid fittings used to rely mostly on simple tones and beeps. Thanks to modern technology, these processes are now much more accurate and personalized, allowing hearing professionals to fine-tune hearing aids more effectively for each person.
 
One of the most advanced methods available today is called live speech mapping. Instead of using test sounds, this technique uses real speech to help program your hearing aids. This allows your audiologist to make more precise adjustments right from the start, often reducing the number of follow-up visits needed to get the settings just right.
What is Live Speech Mapping?
Live speech mapping is a powerful tool used to make sure your hearing aids are precisely tuned to your individual hearing needs. Tiny microphones are placed in your ear canal to measure how speech sounds are delivered through your hearing aids, taking into account your unique ear shape and hearing loss.
 
During this appointment, you might be invited to bring a family member or friend whose voice is familiar to you. This helps your audiologist check how well you can hear real voices. Using specialized equipment, your provider can actually “see” how your hearing aids process sound in real time. The results are often shown on a screen, allowing you and your loved ones to watch as adjustments are made. This visual feedback makes it easier to understand how your hearing is improving and how the technology is helping.
Benefits of Live Speech Mapping
Live speech mapping is a highly precise method, which means your hearing aids are more likely to be set correctly the first time. Without this type of verification, other fitting approaches may require several adjustments to get it right.

This technique also makes the fitting process more interactive and easier to understand. You and your family can actually see how the hearing aids are improving your hearing in real time, making it a shared and more meaningful experience.
​
For many people with hearing loss, it’s hard to recognize exactly what sounds they’ve been missing. Live speech mapping lets you hear those differences right away, offering clear, instant feedback on what your hearing aids are helping you access.
Key advantages of live speech mapping include:
  • Prioritizes your ability to hear and understand real speech
  • Encourages involvement from both you and your loved ones during the fitting
  • Delivers instant, easy-to-see results
  • Increases the chances of getting an accurate fit right from the start
  • Helps you feel more confident and comfortable with your new devices
  • Allows for more detailed and precise programming
  • May reduce the need for multiple follow-up visits

​To find out how live speech mapping can make your hearing aid fitting more accurate, effective, and engaging, contact your hearing care professional today.
bottom of page