How to Plan for Your Hearing Aid Fitting

Having trouble or no longer being able to hear clearly can be very frustrating. It is difficult to cope with and accept, but it is important to take those initial steps and consult an audiologist in order to help you understand how severe your loss is, and if necessary, acquire a pair of hearing aids that will provide you with relief.

Near the end of the process, it’s likely that you’ll be called in for an appointment to have a hearing aid fitting. This is typically the last stage of the hearing tests that your audiologist will perform. Its purpose is to assist you in ensuring that your hearing aids are a comfortable fit and that they function correctly. Because this is possibly the first time you’ll get to see and try on your hearing aids, we’ve compiled a quick guide on how you can get ready for it.

Make Sure You Allow Sufficient Time

Hearing aid fittings typically take between one and two hours, but this time frame can vary widely depending on the number of necessary adjustments. Set aside an entire day for the fitting so that you can get all of your questions answered by your audiologist. You will have the opportunity to learn how to properly care for your hearing aids, as well as ask questions, communicate any discomfort you experience with the devices, and get advice on preventing the technology from breaking or getting damaged. You’ll have plenty of time to get used to them and get some valuable hands-on experience with them.

Make Sure You Have Questions You Want to Ask

Ask your audiologist anything you want to know about your hearing aids during the fitting appointment so that you can get a better understanding of how they work. You should jot down a list of questions to ask, including how you should clean the hearing aids, when you’ll need to come back in for a follow-up visit and how you can preserve battery life. You’ll want to bring this list with you when you go to get your hearing aids professionally maintained.

Take a Notebook

When you go to see your audiologist, it is essential that you take thorough notes. They will provide you with a great deal of information, and it is likely that they will also provide you with some leaflets or instructions; however, nothing is superior to writing down the guidance in your own words into a notebook to refer to in the future. Make sure to make notes on important information such as how to clean the hearing aids, how to perform maintenance on them, and the warning signs that indicate they may need to be repaired.

Bring Friends or Family

Because the process of regaining your hearing may be emotionally trying for you, you should make sure to bring a support person along with you. Even if you don’t believe you’ll require emotional support, it’s a good idea to bring a reliable friend or family member along with you. They’ll be able to help you remember important details. Being fitted for a hearing aid can be an exciting time, and you can ensure that you get the most out of it by being as prepared as possible.

For assistance in selecting and fitting hearing aids, call our office at (901) 587-6601 to setup an appointment!