How a Hearing Aid Fitting Works

A hearing aid is a crucial tool for those experiencing hearing loss, helping them to remain active participants in conversations while also bettering their mental and physical health. However, in order to ensure you gain as many benefits as possible from these devices, you’ll have to attend a hearing aid fitting first.

If you’re wearing hearing aids for the first time, it’s normal to have some questions about what this could mean or what the process of getting hearing aid fitting is like. With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about hearing aid fittings!

Diagnostic Testing

When you arrive at the hearing aid fitting, your audiologist will perform some basic diagnostic tests to determine whether your hearing has changed between your fitting date and your original appointment. They’ll also check your ears for any signs of infection or wax build-up, which could interfere with the process of having a hearing aid fitted.

Measurements of Your Ear

A hearing health professional will then take precise measurements of your ear. This ensures that wearing the hearing aid will be a comfortable experience, and you won’t have to worry about them slipping out of place. If you’ve chosen a hearing aid model that sits in your inner ear, like in-the-ear (ITE) or in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids, they’ll also create a mold of your ear.

They will then arrange for your hearing aids to be made based on the specifications above. Once ready, you’ll be invited to attend a final appointment. Here, your audiologist will show you how to use the features and fit your hearing aids. They’ll then use specialist equipment to determine whether or not they are functioning correctly and providing you with the benefits you need to match the severity of your hearing loss.

Real Ear Measurement (REM)

For example, they’ll carry out a test known as REM, during which a thin tube is placed into the ear canal. This measures the volume of sound that reaches your eardrum, helping you to figure out whether or not your hearing aid has a positive influence on your hearing. Based on the results of these tests, your audiologist will adjust the settings on your hearing aids, showing you how you can make any additional adjustments when necessary. For example, you may find that you need to turn them up or down depending on the environment you are in.

During this time, you will also be given ample opportunity to ask any questions you may have. This will put your mind at ease, as you’ll feel more confident when it comes to wearing your hearing aids. This means that you are much more likely to wear them and notice the benefits.

After the fitting, it’s important to remember that you can reach out to your audiologist at any time for extra help and support. Hearing aids can take a bit of getting used to wearing your devices, as there will be an adjustment period. If you want to learn more about hearing aid fittings, schedule an appointment with an audiologist.