Preparing for Your Hearing Aid Fitting

If you have a hearing aid fitting appointment coming up, it’s important to be well-prepared. Many people don’t research what to expect and miss out on valuable information, but being informed is crucial. Knowing what to expect makes it easier to get ready for your visit with an audiologist. So, how can you prepare for a hearing aid fitting? Understanding the process and gathering any necessary information will help you feel more confident and make the appointment go smoothly.

Do Your Research

Following your initial hearing tests, your audiologist will have told you which type or style of hearing aid is best for you. For example, if you are experiencing more severe hearing loss, they’ll likely suggest behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. Doing a little research into the style they have selected means you’ll better understand how they work. This will give you more confidence in your decision moving forward.

Know What to Expect

Researching the different stages of a hearing aid fitting can also help when it comes to preparing for this appointment, as you’ll have a better idea of what to expect. Fortunately, hearing aid fittings are relatively simple and often do not take more than 45 minutes. During your appointment, you’ll have the chance to chat with your audiologist and ask any questions you might have. They’ll then take accurate measurements of your ear so that your hearing aids can be customized to your exact needs. Following this, they’ll carry out a range of tests to ensure your hearing aids you selected are working for you, making adjustments when necessary.

Ask When Your Hearing Aids Will Be Ready

As hearing aids require some degree of customization, especially in the ear (ITE) models, you should not expect to walk away with your hearing aids right away. Ask your audiologist how long you should expect to wait so that you can pick them up as soon as possible when they are ready.

Write Down a List of Questions

Writing down a list of questions and concerns ahead of time means that you won’t forget to ask any of them to your audiologist on the day of your fitting. This can provide you with a greater peace of mind during your appointment. For example, you may want to ask questions like:

• How do my hearing aids work?
• How often should I wear my hearing aids?
• How do I clean my hearing aids?
• How do I maintain my hearing aids?
• How often should I have hearing tests moving forward?

Don’t Make Plans Afterwards

After your hearing aid fitting, it’s best not to make any plans right away. You may need some time to adjust to the new sounds and sensations of wearing hearing aids. Your audiologist might also need to make some final adjustments to ensure everything is working correctly. Taking it easy after your appointment allows you to focus on getting comfortable with your hearing aids without any distractions.

If you want to learn more about your hearing aid fitting, or have any questions schedule an appointment with an audiologist.