New to at-home hearing tests or feeling a little nervous about testing your hearing on your own? That’s completely normal, but we designed our in-app self-tuning test to make personalizing your programming simple - and we've made this guide to help you out too.
If you have Enhance Select M Series hearing aids, follow the steps below to test your hearing, personalize your programming, and start hearing better.
Before you begin
- Set aside 8-10 minutes of uninterrupted time.
- Find a quiet room with minimal background noise.
- Turn off music, television, and other nearby sound sources.
- Make sure your hearing aids and mobile device are sufficiently charged.
- Make sure your hearing aids are fitted with the tulip domes they were originally shipped with. These help keep the test tones clear and reduce outside noise.
- Confirm that your hearing aids are connected to the Jabra Enhance Select app.
Step 1: Select self-tune to begin personalization
Open the Jabra Enhance Select app on your mobile device and select Self-tune to personalize. The exact location of the test in the app may vary depending on whether you are opening the app for the first time, already have Jabra Enhance hearing aids connected, or have previously completed the test.
If you're a new Jabra Enhance customer connecting your hearing aids to the Enhance Select app for the first time, you'll be prompted to personalize your hearing aids and can choose how you'd like to personalize. Choose Self-tune to take the self-tuning test. Your exact options on this screen will differ depending on whether your purchase includes access to our Audiology Team.
If this isn't your first time connecting to the Jabra Enhance Select app, you'll access the test by going to your Hear tab, Settings, then Self-tune.
Step 2: Complete a little test prep
After selecting Self-tune, you’ll answer a few setup questions to confirm:
- Your gender and age
- Your hearing aids are fitting well
- You're in a quiet enough location for the test
During the test, you’ll listen for the softest tones you can hear. The quieter your surroundings are, the more accurate and effective the test will be - if the environment is too noisy, you'll be asked to move to a quieter place before continuing.
Step 4: Listen for tones
You'll begin with a short practice round so you can get comfortable with the process and learn when and where to tap on the screen. You can complete as many practice rounds as you need to get comfortable.
While practicing, keep these tips in mind:
- Respond only when you genuinely hear the tone
- Do not guess or tap early because you expect a sound
- Stay as still and focused as possible
- Take your time and follow the instructions for each ear
- You can always retake the test if you were interrupted or distracted
Once you feel ready, move onto the full test. You'll start with your right ear and then move onto your left ear. You’ll listen to a series of tones in each ear. Tap the screen whenever you hear one - even if it's very soft. The tones will vary in pitch and volume, and it’s normal for there to be short or long pauses between them. Just keep listening.
Remember that it's completely normal to not hear every tone. You're still moving through the test as you listen, and the yellow bar at the top of the screen shows your progress through the test for each ear.
Step 5: Apply your tuning
Once you’ve completed the test for both ears, the app will use your responses to create hearing aid programming specifically for you in each ear.
Tap Apply tuning and then wait while your personalized programming is installed. The process is quick and usually takes less than a minute or two. Keep the app open and your hearing aids on while the tuning installs. Don't walk away from your phone or the app during this process.
Once your programming has installed, you're ready to begin exploring your new world of sound!
Start by listening to familiar sounds, such as having a conversation, watching television, or walking around your home. Voices should sound clearer and crisper, and you should notice less straining to hear sounds around you. Wear your hearing aids even in quiet places - try not to wear them just when you think you need to, like going out to dinner. This will help you adjust more quickly.
It can take a while to get used to hearing sounds in your environment like footsteps, running water, rustling paper, or clinking dishes. This is natural and expected, and the more you wear your hearing aids, the quicker you'll adapt. If sounds are a bit sharp or tinny at first, try turning down your overall volume slightly and giving it some time before retaking the self-tuning test.
If you have access to audiology services, jot down any notes or questions you'd like to discuss with your licensed hearing professional during your video Orientation. They can make professional adjustments to your tuning to help dial in your settings even further.
Lastly, find the best dome for you
The tulip dome is perfect for the self-tuning test, but it may (or may not) be what you need after you apply your tuning. Using the right dome type and size can make a significant difference in sound quality and comfort, and everyone's needs are different based on their hearing loss and ear canal size.
Learn how to choose the right dome for you.
Not able to complete the test? We're here to help!
If you encounter any issues or have trouble completing the self-tuning test, this article can help you resolve the most common problems.
We can’t wait for you to start hearing better, and we're here if you need anything along the way!