When your hearing aids arrive at the hearing specialist’s office, you will be called in for a hearing aid fitting. Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about hearing aid fittings.

Why do I need a fitting appointment?

Your hearing aids will arrive programmed according to the hearing professional’s directions. During the fitting appointment, the hearing healthcare specialist verifies the programming and makes any adjustments necessary.

How long does it take?

Plan on the appointment taking one to two hours. Your hearing care provider will go over a lot of different information during this time, so you don’t want to rush the process!

How are the hearing aids checked?

A real-ear measurement is taken with different tones and frequencies. A tube is inserted into your ear canal while you are wearing your hearing aid. The tube delivers sounds to the hearing aid. You tell the hearing health professional what is too loud, what is so soft you can’t hear it and what sounds just perfect. This takes some time, so be patient.

What else happens?

You’ll get instruction on how to insert and remove your hearing aids. You’ll do this under the direction of the hearing provider until you are comfortable with the procedure. You’ll learn about the different features of your hearing aid and how to use them.

Is it hard?

No, the hearing care specialist will not prescribe hearing aids that don’t meet your level of dexterity. You may feel a bit fumble-fingered at first, but you’ll get the hang of it in no time.

Is that it?

That’s just the start. After you’ve learned to insert and remove your hearing aids it’s time to get up close and personal. You’ll learn to open them up, remove the batteries and insert fresh ones. The hearing health provider will teach you how to safely store them overnight while you sleep. You’ll learn how to keep them clean as well. If you have accessories you’ll learn how to use them at this appointment.

What happens next?

If this is your first set of hearing aids, you will get instruction on how to adjust to wearing hearing aids. Successful use of hearing aids requires an adjustment period. Your brain has been deprived of auditory stimulation. When it returns, it can be a shock. You will start wearing your hearing aids for a brief period and slowly build up until you are wearing them comfortably all day. The hearing professional will give you a schedule and may suggest that you keep a journal for the first week or two.

Don’t see the answer to your question here?

Have a question you didn’t see answered here? Ask your hearing care provider. We are here to help.