What is the hearing aid fitting process?

If you have spoken to an audiologist about concerns to do with your hearing and undergone a range of tests, you may be on your way to a hearing aid fitting to improve your hearing. Your audiologist will have taken you through a lot of information about your hearing and how your hearing tests work, but the most important thing they need to talk you through is the hearing aid fitting process. 

There is a lot involved with the process from start to finish, and the appointment itself should take around an hour from start to finish, so you should make sure that you have plenty of time to ask questions, too. When you’re through with this appointment, you’ll notice a marked improvement in your hearing, so pay careful attention!

THE HEARING AID FITTING PROCESS

This process comes in a series of steps that will end with your hearing being better than ever. In advance of your appointment, your audiologist will have ordered you some new hearing aids to try that cater to your hearing needs. There will be different types to try, from behind the ear options to the inside the canal options, and if you need the behind the ear hearing aids, you will have had ear mold impressions completed for a custom fit. When your hearing aids are delivered to your audiologist, they will program them with special software that will ensure that your hearing is improved.

BEGINNING THE PROCESS

Once your audiologist has introduced you to the range of hearing aids that are right for you, they will place a thin tube inside your ear for a sound test. This sound test will measure the impact of soft sounds and loud sounds on the inside of your eardrum. Once the tube is in, the hearing aid will be placed inside the ear along with the tube. Your audiologist will balance your hearing aid amplification after they check the volume again. This will enable you to hear both softer and louder sounds comfortably finally. The process here will also involve checking to see whether your hearing aids are fitting you and aren’t uncomfortable on your ears.

HEARING AID CARE

The whole process of actually fitting the hearing aids doesn’t take the full hour, but learning how to make repairs and maintain your hearing aids is essential, which is why it’s a big part of the appointment. Your audiologist will talk you through the following essential tips:

  • How to charge your batteries – or change them, depending on the type
  • How to clean your hearing aids without breaking them
  • How to insert and remove your hearing aids carefully
  • How to change the volume. 

You’ll also learn about storage, maintenance and how to care for them overnight. It’s at this moment that you should ask your audiologist any questions that you may have, as there is a lot for you to learn about your new hearing aids. Of course, you’ll be sent away with paperwork and brochures to refresh your memory should you need it. Your audiologist will be able to answer any specific questions that you have about your hearing aids, especially about the type you have and whether they are comfortable.

ADJUSTING TO YOUR NEW HEARING AIDS

You will have a period of adjustment when you have your new hearing aids, and your audiologist should warn you to expect this period of adjustment to take some time. You must wear your new hearing aids for at least a few hours every day to start with, and after a few days, you must increase how long you are wearing them for. If there are any issues with the volume or your comfort, you need to contact your audiologist to let them know. 

You should ideally wear your hearing aids somewhere quiet at first so that you’re not overwhelmed by a ton of noise at once. This will help you to settle into new sounds and then as you get more confident, you can start bringing in more noises to your life. Noisier places can be hard to handle at first, as they can be distracting when you are reintegrating into a hearing life, but once you do adjust, you’ll be pleased that you are no longer missing out. 

Speaking to an audiologist about the hearing aid fitting process is the first step, and for that to happen, you should book an appointment today. You can learn more about Northgate Hearing Services by calling this phone number at 206-367-1345.