What is the Process of Getting Hearing Aids?

If you have never gotten hearing aids before, then you may be curious how to go about selecting the right ones, purchasing them and having them fit specifically for you. It is not as mysterious or as confusing as it may seem. In fact, you may find that it is much more simple that you might have thought. Here is a closer look at the process of getting hearing aids.

1. Suspected hearing loss

This is typically the first step on a person’s journey to getting hearing aids. A person may start to suspect that they have hearing loss if they suddenly can’t hear the TV as well or if they keep having to say, “what?” in order to hear what someone is saying.

2. Hearing test

If you suspect you have hearing loss, the next step is generally to set up an appointment to have your hearing tested. Hearing tests are generally provided by hearing healthcare professionals and are simple, quick and pain-free. Once your hearing care provider completes the hearing tests, they will review the results with you and recommend a treatment plan if necessary. If your hearing tests indicate you have hearing loss, the most common treatment is hearing aids.

3. Hearing aid fitting

Once it has been determined you have hearing loss and could benefit from the use of hearing aids, your hearing care specialist will help you select the right devices for your specific needs. The next step is to have your hearing aids fitted and tailored to your hearing loss. The hearing professional will perform a series of simple tests to evaluate how the hearing aid fits in your ear and what settings and programming you need to be most comfortable in your listening environment.

4. Adjustment period

After you get your hearing aids from the hearing care practitioner, you will be given instructions on how to use them. Then, your hearing specialist will have you go through an adjustment period with the hearing aids. During this time, you will wear your hearing aids for a few weeks to see how they work out. You will schedule a follow-up appointment to talk about any concerns you have or to make any minor adjustments to your devices.

If you suspect you may have hearing loss, schedule an appointment with a hearing care provider to have your auditory system evaluated. Your hearing specialist will walk you through every step of the testing, hearing aid selection and fitting process.