What Happens at a Hearing Aid Fitting?

Once the hearing tests are over and the results indicate you would benefit from hearing aids, you may wonder what happens next. Your audiologist reviews the test results and together you determine what style of hearing aids will work best for you. After that, you’ll learn what happens at a hearing aid fitting.

A fitting exam

The Fitting exam covers two areas – the physical fit of the hearing aids and how well you hear with the devices. Your audiologist checks to make sure the units are comfortable and sit correctly in your ear. Then comes a sound test. The audiologist places a thin tube in your ear to measure the impact of loud and soft sounds on your eardrum. While the tube remains in place, the hearing aid is inserted. Your audiologist balances the hearing aid amplification to allow you to hear sound volume (loud and soft) well. You may find that you need a couple of follow-up visits to get this adjustment just right.

A few lessons about your units

There are some things you need to know about wearing hearing aids and you’ll receive all that information during this appointment. Your audiologist discusses how the hearing aids work, how to insert and remove them, how to make adjustments, how to clean them and battery usage. Be sure to ask lots of questions! You also can take notes and there will be printed information for you to take home. Don’t hesitate to call the office if you have additional questions after your fitting.

The next steps

Some people adapt quickly to wearing hearing aids while others need a little time to adjust. After your fitting, you’ll wear your hearing aids for a few hours that day and gradually increase that time until you’re wearing them all day. If you notice any discomfort or you want adjustments to the sound, call the office to see the audiologist for modifications.

Once you are comfortable with the sound and fit, you will have a follow-up visit. After that, unless there is a problem, you will see your audiologist for semi-annual or annual visits, which also includes a professional cleaning. If you need minor repairs, your audiologist can do those as well. You’ll also stop by the office several times a year to pick up new batteries.

There’s no need to be nervous about what happens at a hearing aid fitting appointment – it’s one of the last steps toward improving your hearing health and lifestyle. The fitting process is designed to provide all the necessary information to allow you to adapt to wearing hearing aids. It’s best to plan your appointment for a day without a long to-do list, because you’ll be at the office for about an hour or so and you don’t want to rush. A comfortable fit and good sound levels are important. Also remember that your audiologist’s office is just a phone call away for any questions or concerns.