What to Expect at a Hearing Aid Fitting

Following your initial appointment and the results of your hearing test, it was determined that you would benefit from hearing aids. After you and your audiologist discussed the various types of hearing aids available, you made a choice based upon design and budget. Your next appointment prepares you to wear hearing aids. Here is what to expect at a hearing aid fitting.

Testing your new hearing aids

Just like your first appointment, this visit involves some sound tests. It’s necessary to measure how your eardrum reacts to sound volumes, from soft to loud. This test does not hurt – it involves a thin tube that goes into the ear canal and sits near the eardrum. After the first sound test, your new hearing aids are inserted along with the tube so your audiologist can make amplification adjustments for your best hearing.

Learning how to care for your devices

Once you’re comfortable with the amplification, your audiologist will review how to take care of your new hearing aids. In addition to insertion and removal, you will learn about cleaning, changing settings, and batteries. You will receive information to take home for your reference and review. Any questions you may forget to ask during your appointment can always be addressed in a follow-up phone call or visit.

Your hearing assessment

 Things might sound a bit odd for the first few days you wear your hearing aids. It often takes time for the brain to adjust to new sounds. Your own voice might even sound different to you. You will notice sounds you likely haven’t heard in months or years, such as a ticking clock.

You will gradually build up to using your hearing aids all day. At first, you may only have them in for a few hours. Each day you’ll add time to get used to wearing hearing aids. Quiet conversation or listening to talk radio is a good start. As you increase the time you have your hearing aids in, wear them in different situations. Background noise can be distracting but you will learn to filter out unnecessary sounds.

The follow-up visit

Your audiologist will want to see you again to make sure your hearing aid fit and sound levels are comfortable. Don’t hesitate to call the office if you are having problems or think things sound too soft or too loud.

Once you’re set, you will have semi-annual or annual visits, depending upon your needs. You also will visit your audiologist for routine professional hearing aid cleanings. Depending upon your hearing aids, you may also pick up batteries from your audiologist’s office.

Now that you know what to expect at a hearing aid fitting, any concerns should be minimal. The hearing aid fitting is an important part of the process of learning about and wearing hearing aids. Your audiologist has your best comfort and hearing in mind, and is available to help with any issues.