The Hearing Aid Fitting Process: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Do you need help understanding what others are saying and even having conversations with them on the phone? If so, you may need a hearing aid. Fortunately, several methods of fitting hearing aids can help amplify your voice more than ever. In addition, today’s technology has made it possible for people to hear clearly up to 20 feet away!

1. What is a Hearing Aid?

A hearing aid is designed to help you hear better and can be connected directly to a phone. Hearing aids improve your ability to comprehend speech as well as your capacity to communicate with others. The purpose of a hearing aid is to help you hear clearly, especially when you have trouble hearing due to a condition known as ‘hearing loss’.

2. How is a Hearing Aid Fitted?

Hearing aids are fitted directly into the ear canal. There are more than 20 different types of hearing aids depending on what you need and how much money you want to spend. Each type of hearing aid is designed for a designated purpose and offers varying benefits, so it is essential to learn how your device will help you hear better.

3. What to Expect at a Hearing Aid Fitting

Before a hearing aid can be fitted, the audiologist will need to evaluate your medical history. If you cannot speak, the audiologist may ask for a note from your physician. If you do not have a physician, one can be referred to you by the audiologist. Once your medical history is complete, you will go through an exam to determine what type of hearing loss you have and how much it interferes with your daily life. Some things to expect at a hearing aid fitting appointment include:

Duration

The length of a hearing aid fitting appointment can vary depending on what type of hearing aid you require and the severity and type of hearing loss. Most people usually have to go to their audiologist’s office for at least two different appointments, where the audiologist will check their progress during the process. It can take a few minutes to several hours to go through the entire fitting process, depending on how many times you need adjustments on your device before it is ready.

Fitting

After your appointment, you will have time to go home and test your hearing aid. Remember, a hearing aid is not a toy, so it is essential for you to play around with the device at home to see how it works before going back for another fitting. Once you are ready, the audiologist can adjust the hearing aid accordingly, if necessary, before offering a final opinion about the proper fit that can only be changed once you have had the device for a while.

Programming

This process is usually done during your second or third fitting. When programming the hearing aid, the audiologist will help you learn how to use its features and maintain it properly.

Follow-up Check-Ups

Hearing aids can become faulty over time due to various factors, including improper maintenance. As a result, you need to visit your audiologist periodically for check-ups and adjustments to address any potential problems promptly.

Although having hearing loss may restrict your life, you can still lead a normal lifestyle with the help of a hearing aid. You must visit your audiologist if you want a hearing aid fitted for medical reasons. When you visit your audiologist, they can determine what type of device will work best for your needs and help clear up any questions that you may have about the fitting process.