4 Benefits of a Hearing Aid Fitting

Choosing the right hearing aids is not a simple process; this is why having a hearing aid fitting is essential. There are different types of hearing aids, each having unique advantages and setbacks. Choosing the right type for you means you will get the most out of your new devices. Don’t forget that the hearing aid fitting is just as important as your hearing tests. If you are investing in hearing aids, you need to make sure they are making the most impact on your hearing that they can. 

Hearing is personal

Hearing is personal and subjective. Only you can explain what you can and can’t hear, and you know what you are expecting from your hearing aids. The different aids have different profiles, and you should know which type you want before attending the appointment, such as in-the-ear (ITE) aids, behind-the-ear (BTE) aids or in-the-canal (ITC) aids. Some of these are available for invisible aids, which is why you should have an idea of what you want before your fitting. The initial volume level for your aid needs to be correct for you; this should be the most important part of your fitting. 

Comfort level

If you are investing in hearing aids, you expect to be able to wear them as much as you need; therefore, they have to be comfortable. To ensure it is comfortable, the audiologist may need to make a mold of your ear. It needs to be snug enough to not fall out but not tight enough that it will rub in the ear. 

Checking your ears

The first part of the fitting should result in your ears being checked with the otoscope. They will also remind you of how to take care of your ears while wearing the hearing aids. You should make sure your ears are free from earwax and need to be as dry as possible. If you have excess wax and or moisture it can cause the hearing aids to not fit properly. It can cause feedback and background noise from your hearing aids. 

Adjustments

It is normal to need adjustments with your hearing aids as you get used to them. You may need to practice turning them on and off and managing battery changes. You should have follow-up appointments booked before you leave your initial fitting. This is because it can and does take up to 12 weeks for you to have the optimum levels from your hearing aids. To start with, you may become overwhelmed with the new and loud sounds you will start to hear. Therefore it’s important to learn to wear your hearing aids in different settings for different amounts of time. 

When you experience hearing loss, you need to retrain your brain to process the sounds around you. Your audiologist will work with you to ensure your adjustments are right for you.