4 FAQs About Hearing Aid Fittings

Hearing aid fittings come with many questions, which is why we have put together this handy guide to commonly asked FAQs. If you’ve got a question related to getting your hearing aids fitted, hopefully, this guide will answer them.

What is a hearing aid fitting?

A hearing aid fitting is when a hearing specialist fits your hearing aids to your ears, making sure that they work effectively and are comfortable to wear. A fitting also checks the sound levels of hearing aids, to ensure that they are providing the ideal level of amplification.

How long does it usually take?

Your hearing aid fitting can take any time between an hour and two hours, depending on what adaptations need to be made to your hearing aids and how quickly you get to grips with them. So it’s best to set aside a whole morning or afternoon, to ensure that you aren’t in a rush.

What does the appointment consist of?

A hearing aid fitting consists of a hearing health professional testing your new hearing aids to ensure that they not only fit perfectly into your ears but also to check how loud they amplify sounds to be. To measure this, real ear measures are taken, using a thin pipe with a microphone on the end of it, which is inserted into the ear canal.

What is ‘caring for hearing aids’ and what does it mean?

Hearing aids might be marvels of technology, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t require care. To keep your hearing aids in working order, you need to know how to take care of them effectively. They are battery powered and will need their batteries changing on a regular basis; then there’s the fact that earwax can impact how effective they are. Your hearing specialist will teach you how to clean your hearing aids, change the batteries and how to increase their lifespan, such as by keeping them out of water.

How does hearing aid adjustment work?

When you first start wearing hearing aids, you will notice that things sound different. Your voice may sound funny, sounds might be higher pitched than you remember, and you may get a slight tinny background noise. This is a natural part of the adoption process to wearing hearing aids. However, that doesn’t mean that it can’t feel overwhelming because it can do. Everything may seem loud, and that’s perfectly normal. Over time, you will adjust to your new heightened sense of sound. Of course, if you’re not sure if your hearing aids are set up too loud, then it’s best to consult your hearing specialist.

Should hearing aids feel comfortable?

At your appointment, your hearing care provider will fit your hearing aids for you. They should check with you that they are comfortable. You may find that your hearing aids make your ears feel ‘full,’ but this shouldn’t cause pain or discomfort, and you should quickly adapt to this feeling. If you find that your hearing aids are causing your discomfort, talk to your hearing specialist and see if they can be adapted to be more comfortable for you to wear.