What Happens at a Hearing Aid Fitting

The hearing tests are finished and the results indicate you would benefit from hearing aids. After discussing different types of hearing aids, cost, and the features available, you and your audiologist will select the best hearing aids for your hearing loss. Depending upon the type of hearing aids you choose, there may be ear mold impressions. Once the hearing aids are ordered, you return for a hearing aid fitting. Expect the hearing aid fitting to take at least an hour.

Setting the volume

Your audiologist completes the first step in personalizing your hearing aids by programming them with specialized software. This may be done during your visit or prior to your appointment. Then the audiologist places a thin tube in your ear canal. This helps measure loud and soft sounds near your eardrum.

With the tube still in your ear, your audiologist inserts your hearing aid and continues to measure sound volume. This step balances amplification so that soft sounds are audible and loud sounds are heard, but not uncomfortably so. The tube is removed when tests are complete.

Your audiologist will instruct you to wear your hearing aids for just a few hours on the first day. Day by day, you will increase the length of time you wear your hearing aids until you have them in all day. After wearing your hearing aids for a few weeks, you may want your audiologist to make some slight adjustments in volume.

Do not hesitate to call for an appointment for another adjustment, no matter how slight, so your hearing aids offer you the most comfort.

Hearing aid education

After the sound tests, your audiologist will show you how to take care of your hearing aids. This includes cleaning, maintenance, and how to change or charge the batteries. You will learn about different settings on the hearing aids as well as their parts. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Your audiologist also will provide brochures and other materials to help you care for your hearing aids.

After your visit

It may take days or weeks for you to adjust to your hearing aids after your fitting. As mentioned before, do not hesitate to check with your audiologist if you feel your hearing aids are too loud or too soft or sound “funny”. It takes some time for the brain to adjust to the new sounds you are hearing and your audiologist is there to help.

A hearing aid fitting begins the path to better hearing. When properly fitted, your hearing aids should be comfortable to wear and provide good amplification.