What Do Hearing Aid Fitting Follow-ups Involve?

After a successive hearing exam and hearing aid fitting, you might think your done visiting the audiologist’s office. Actually, they’ll want to see you again within a week or two of your initial fitting – this time, to make sure your hearing aids are functioning well and meeting your needs. Even if you’re satisfied with the fitting and training you’ve received, your hearing aids might need further tweaking after you’ve had some true experience with them. Here’s what you can expect from a hearing aid fitting follow-up. 

Answering questions

The audiologist will want to know everything – literally everything – about life with your hearing aids so far. They’ll ask you about your overall experience, your likes and dislikes, whether or not they’re meeting your expectations, how they performs in different environments, and any concerns you have. Be prepared by taking notes as you come up with things you’d like to discuss.

Outcome measures

Secondly, there will be yet another round of tests. These tests are often called outcome measures. Just as your audiologist tested how well you could hear with new hearing aids during the fitting appointment, they’ll want to re-assess how well your hearing aids are working after a few days of wear. Your happiness with the entire hearing care process is important, so they may also ask you to fill out questionnaires and provide feedback about your satisfaction with the services you’ve received from them and their care staff.

Discussion of rehabilitation and counseling

Learning to live with the challenges of hearing loss and adjusting to hearing aids are continuing processes only those with personal experience will fully understand. Audiologists know the importance of having a support network beyond the office setting. As part of the follow-up, your audiologist will refer you to individual and group counseling and rehabilitation resources to help you adapt to the challenges of hearing with new ears.

The hearing aid fitting appointment is important, but so is the follow-up. It gives your audiologist the opportunity to make any additional changes to your devices and assess their own success in meeting your needs. Finally, the follow-up will connect you to life-long support networks to help you make the most of your hearing aids in the days and years to come. 

If you are nervous or have any questions regarding your follow-up appointment, don’t hesitate to talk to your hearing care professional to ensure all your concerns are addressed!