What Happens During a Hearing Aid Fitting?

Most people don’t know what to expect when they are told they have to attend a hearing aid fitting and this is especially true if this is their first pair of hearing aids. It can be quite daunting, having to adapt to something new in your ear and hearing things that you couldn’t previously hear. This is one of the reasons why a hearing aid fitting is important, the audiologist will be able to help you adjust to this new part of you. There are a number of things that an audiologist will do during the hearing aid fitting and here are a few things that you should expect to happen.

Measure your ear

An audiologist will measure your ear to make sure that they give you the correct size of hearing aid. If it is too big or too small then the device will not fit on and in your ear correctly and it will be uncomfortable for you to wear. If your hearing aid is uncomfortable, then you will not get the full benefits of the hearing aid that you deserve. As well as this, if the hearing aid is too big or too small, it could mean that the ear hook could be broken more easily, meaning that your new pair of hearing aids will need repairing.

Program the device

During your hearing aid fitting, you will notice that your audiologist performs a series of little tests. This will let them know if they need adjusting at all and help them to give you the best level of care possible. You may see the audiologist changing the settings on your device after each test, this is so that they can find the right settings to aid your hearing in the best possible way. After this, they will ask you to confirm that you can hear better and that the hearing aids are working properly.

Provide information on caring for your hearing aids

Once your hearing aids have been fitted and properly programmed, your audiologist will then talk you through everything you need to know about keeping your hearing aids working and safe. This will include everything from how to clean your hearing aids, to when you shouldn’t wear them, how to store them and much more. They will also go through what you should do if for some reason your device gets damaged or broken. You will also have the opportunity to ask any other questions you may have and don’t worry, there are no silly questions.

You may find that you will then be asked to book a follow up appointment so that you can get your hearing aids checked. This is to make sure that they are still working properly since your fitting and to check if they need any slight adjustments. You can also book regular appointments with your audiologist every couple of months for this same reason and as your hearing may deteriorate over time it is a good idea to do so.

We hope you found this article useful and now know what to expect when you attend a hearing aid fitting.