Preparing for a Hearing Aid Fitting

Treating hearing loss effectively involves a process that determines and meets your specific hearing needs. After receiving the results from your hearing test, the next steps include purchasing a hearing aid followed by scheduling an appointment for a hearing aid fitting. With the advanced technology that exists today, hearing aids have experienced much innovation. There is a wide-range of options with varying features, sizes, and technology. So, it is incredibly important that you are equipped with the information and practice to properly use and care for your new hearing aids!

A few things happen during a hearing aid fitting. You can expect to:

• Receive your hearing aids
• Have your hearing aids fitted comfortably to your ears
• Learn about the different components and how the batteries are charged
• Have the settings and features programmed appropriately to meet your needs
• Learn how to best care for and maintain your hearing aids

You can consider this appointment to be a tutorial or training on how to use your new hearing aids. You will be guided through this information by a hearing healthcare provider and will be able to practice inserting and removing the hearing aids. There are a few things you can do to prepare for and maximize this important time.

Leave Enough Time

A hearing aid fitting can take one to two hours so it is important that you carve our enough time for the appointment. You want to make sure that you have enough time to ask the questions you have, receive thorough information, learn about each component and practice using your new hearing aids. You do not want to rush through this information or have to watch the clock. Leaving plenty of time ensures that you can be present and have all of your hearing needs addressed.

Bring Someone with You

If possible, it could be helpful to bring a family member or friend with you to this appointment. You will receive a lot of information about how to best use and care for your new hearing aids. It could be useful to have another person who hears the information, can remind you later of things you may have missed or forgotten, and who can also help you use your hearing aids.

Do Some Research

Researching hearing aid maintenance, technology, and features can be really useful. Coming to the appointment with an understanding of how your hearing aids work can help you ask questions and feel more comfortable. Also, know your warranty plan! Purchasing hearing aids typically come with a trial period, this is important information to know.

Prepare Questions

Doing a little bit of research can also help you develop questions. It is important to know all there is to know about your new hearing aids. How to properly use, clean, recharge etc. This appointment is all about ensuring that your hearing aids work best for you! A hearing healthcare provider is an expert who is here to share this critical knowledge with you. So, use this time to ask the questions that will allow you to feel comfortable using your hearing aids. A few common questions are:

• How and when should I charge the batteries?
• How often should I clean my hearing aid?
• Are there any activities I shouldn’t be doing with them?
• How long does it take to get adjusted?
• Should I be wearing them all of the time?
• What if I do not like my hearing aid?

Take Notes

Bring a notepad or a device that not only has your list of questions but also allows you to take notes during the appointment. Again, you will be receiving a lot of important information. It would be useful to jot down a few notes to make sure you do not forget any information that was shared.

A hearing aid fitting is so important! It is the time and space to make sure your specific hearing needs are addressed and met in order to increase your ability to hear. You want to make sure that you maximize this time and the hearing aids you have purchased. By preparing, you can feel more ready and comfortable!