What to Expect at a Hearing Aid Fitting Appointment

If you’ve recently received a full hearing evaluation from an audiologist, you’re one step closer to better hearing. As your audiologist discussed the results with you, they may have recommended hearing aids and helped you select the type and model that will best meet your needs. Once your hearing aids arrive, the next step is a hearing aid fitting. This appointment can make a huge difference in helping you to get the most out of your new listening devices, and here’s what you can expect.

Real ear measures

An audiologist will never hand you a hearing aid out of the box and send you on your way. Even though they’re factory calibrated, it’s very important to check the settings and make sure they’re calibrated to your hearing profile. To ensure your devices are set up correctly, the audiologist will complete real ear measures.

During this test, the audiologist will place a thin tube attached to a tiny microphone inside your ear canal, then have you insert the hearing aids. Based on real ear measures, your audiologist will be able to tell how your hearing aids are working for you. If any adjustments need to be made, they’ll complete them right there in the office.

Training

After your hearing aids are programmed, you’ll be given a schedule for how long to wear them until you can keep them in for most of the day. They’ll show you how to switch between programs, troubleshoot any small issues and how they work. Finally, your audiologist will offer tips on improving your communication with others and counseling on what to expect as you adjust to listening with hearing aids.

Maintenance and care

Another important thing you’ll learn during your hearing aid fitting is how to properly care for and maintain your devices. From establishing a daily cleaning routine to knowing how to insert and remove your devices, your audiologist will walk you through the important ins and outs of using and caring for your hearing aids.

Scheduling a follow-up

Once you’re fully comfortable with your devices, you’ll be able to walk away wearing your hearing aids for the first time. But, before you go, your audiologist will schedule you for another follow-up appointment within a few weeks to make sure everything is going well.

The hearing aid fitting is one of the final steps in the journey to improving your hearing. Make sure you don’t miss out on the customization and training you’ll get from your audiologist during this important visit!