What Is the Hearing Aid Fitting Process?

Hearing loss is a problem millions of Americans deal with regularly. Because natural remedies don’t work one-hundred percent of the time, the next option is to turn to a hearing aid. As a hearing instrument specialist, we want you to know about hearing aid fittings so that you can regain the use of one of the most important senses.

Of course, a fitting isn’t a regular occurrence. So, you should understand the process and what it entails to avoid any surprises, and we are happy to be your guide. By continuing to read the following, you will find out everything you need to know.

Before the hearing aid fitting

You must be applicable for a hearing aid before the fitting. To do that, a professional will test your hearing and evaluate the results. By learning more about your lifestyle and any medications you take, as well as tests themselves, an expert will discuss the next steps.

Customers who are recommended a hearing aid fitting will be given advice on everything from the style of the device to your lifestyle, hearing capability and budget. That way, the hearing professional can personalize your hearing aid to your specific needs.

25% of people with hearing loss don’t do anything about it – don’t be another statistic.

The fitting

Usually, a fitting takes one hour and covers how to use the devices, how to put them in and remove them from your ear and how to maintain them. You don’t have to worry about the prescription because a hearing instrument specialist will program your devices based on your results. As there is a lot of information to take in, it’s often recommended that customers ask for written instructions or make notes of their own so that they don’t forget. 

The goal

An adjustment period is inevitable the first time you wear a hearing aid. At Modern Hearing, we believe the goal is to ensure that you can recognize everyday sounds and that they are comfortable. Also, the noise must be clear and pleasant and not tinny or overbearing. 

This is the perfect time to ask questions and talk to your hearing professional about any reservations that you have. While some issues are due to the fact that you have never worn a hearing aid before, others are technical and can be adjusted. Making small tweaks early on in the process is better than redoing it over because it wasn’t right the first time. When adjustments are made, make sure the person in charge carries out extra testing to evaluate the tweaks.

The survey

It’s normal for a hearing professional to ask you to answer questions about your experience. By doing this, they can ensure you get the most out of your listening devices. With this in mind, remember to be open and honest about everything you hear. If you think there isn’t any improvement, let them know during the hearing aid fitting so that they look into your queries.

A fitting is only a starting point, and you might need a handful of appointments before the devices work perfectly. However, you can’t customize your hearing aids if you feel bad about giving constructive feedback.

How to adjust 

It won’t feel natural at first because it’s foreign. That’s step one of adjusting to your hearing aids – accepting you need them. Of course, it takes more than eliminating denial to make your hearing problems a thing of the past. 

Here’s how you can adjust and get the most out of your devices.

Have a positive attitude

As a hearing instrument specialist, we have seen the relationship between a positive attitude and quality hearing aids. But, if you need more evidence, there are studies which show a correlation between attitudes and sensory thresholds.

Educate yourself

There are more organs than your ears that dictate your hearing. Understanding how the brain reacts should enable you to take part in hearing aid use more effectively.

Be realistic 

Hearing aids will help you hear better, yet they won’t fix the problem completely. Your hearing aids will drastically improve your listening experience, but remember there is an adjustment period you will experience when adapting.

And patient

Once you have done a stint with a hearing aid, your brain won’t remember it’s there and you won’t feel a thing. To assist with the transitional period, use them gradually and increase the usage over a medium-term.

Contact the professionals

If you’re ready to experience sound the way you should be, contact a hearing care professional to learn more about your options and the fitting process.