What Happens During a Hearing Aid Fitting?

If you are experiencing persistent hearing loss, it could be time to visit an audiologist. These professionals are able to make an examination and determine the likely cause of any issues. If necessary, they can arrange for a hearing aid fitting to restore your full quality of life.

A hearing aid fitting is so much more than just choosing the right device to meet your unique needs. When a pair have been chosen, they also need to be properly fitted for you. This is important as it affects the amount of amplification produced, to make sure you get the maximum benefit from your new hearing aids. 

Before your hearing aid fitting

Before the fitting of your hearing aids, your audiologist needs to conduct a complete hearing test. They will start the process by measuring your hearing at different pitches, and finding the softest tone within your range of hearing. They will also determine the volume that you can tolerate before finding it uncomfortable. 

The results from these tests are plotted onto a type of graph called an audio graph. This provides a map of the range of hearing. From this, your audiologist will be able to tell what you need a hearing aid to do for you, and how much gain you need it to provide in order to amplify sounds which are currently inaudible to you or to compress loud sounds to be more tolerable. 

Types of hearing aid

There are quite a few different types of hearing aid, and your audiologist will be able to guide you to the ones which are most suitable for you. They will talk you through different styles available, varying levels of technology and price point. For example, some hearing aids come with Bluetooth connectivity so that you can control their functions and settings using a smartphone, stream calls and music directly. Your audiologist will also consider your expectations and likely daily experience, what environments you tend to be in. 

Customized to your needs

Once you and your audiologist have settled on the ideal hearing aids to suit you, the next step is to take impressions of your ears using ear molds. These are used to ensure a perfect custom fit. It usually takes around two weeks after your initial appointment for your hearing aids to arrive, when you can return for the rest of your fitting. 

Fitting your new hearing aids

Once your new hearing aids have arrived, the audiologist will finish fitting them for you. This may involve some more simple tests to ensure that you are getting the required amounts of amplification and that the devices are sitting comfortably for you. They will then take you through basic maintenance of your hearing aids, such as removing and refitting them, cleaning them and changing the battery. Once this is completed, you're all set. 

Getting hearing aids fitted correctly can really change your quality of life and give you a confidence boost. A great hearing aid fitting can be the key to a new lease of life.