3 Things to Expect at Your Hearing Aid Fitting

Research from the National Institute on Deafness stated that 'about 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids.' Despite these stats, only a small percentage of adults seek help for their hearing problems.

A hearing test is the first step toward enhancing your quality of life. Using the results, your audiologist will order you an appropriate hearing aid. When you first attend your hearing aid fitting, your audiologist will review the results of your hearing test. There are three main stages of a hearing aid fitting.

1 . The physical fitting

Your audiologist will show you how to put your hearing aid in and how to remove it. They will check that the hearing aid fits correctly inside your ear. During this process, they will ensure that the hearing aid is tight to ensure that it works correctly. They will make sure that the device does not cause any discomfort or irritation. Should your hearing aid not be suitable, they may order you a different device and book another fitting. There are several different hearing aid styles, including ITC, ITE and BTE. Your audiologist will explain all the features of your hearing aid.

2. Hearing aid programming

Your audiologist will use information from your audiology tests to program your hearing aid. They will ensure that it's programmed to match your needs and your degree and type of hearing loss. Your audiologist will adjust the settings to suit several different sound environments. They will show you how to adjust the settings yourself and tell you when it's appropriate to do this.

During your hearing aid fitting, your audiologist will perform a 'real ear measurement' test. REM tests are used to achieve the appropriate sound amplification at the right frequencies. During a REM test, your audiologist will ask you to wear a headset and will insert a small tubing device inside your ear canal. They will ask you to listen to several sounds, using the results to adjust the amplification.

3. Hearing aid education 

At your hearing aid fitting, your audiologist will teach you about your hearing aid. They will give you instructions about how it works and which settings you can change. Your audiologist will give you advice on using your hearing aid in different environments and how to maintain it. They will provide info about when you should and shouldn't wear your hearing aid. At this stage, you can ask any questions that you have. If there is anything you are unsure of, now is the time to ask. For a few ideas, consider these questions:

• What should I do if my hearing aid becomes loose?
• On which occasions should I remove my hearing aid?
• Can I adjust the settings to listen to music?
• Can I use this hearing aid while using headphones?
• How often should the batteries be replaced?

Before you attend your hearing aid fitting write down any other questions that spring to mind. With the right education, you'll get the most out of your hearing aid.