How to Get the Most Out of Your Hearing Aid Fitting

If you’re new to wearing hearing aids, it’s normal to feel a bit uncertain about what happens during the fitting process compared to the hearing tests. Feeling this way is common, especially if you haven’t worn hearing aids before. Fortunately, your audiologist is experienced in guiding you through this important step to improve your hearing. Here are a few ways to get the most out of your hearing aid fittings.

Understand Your Hearing Needs

Before you see an audiologist, it’s helpful to know what your specific hearing needs are. Think about situations where you struggle with hearing, like not being able to hear your grandchild or having trouble in noisy places. Make a list of these situations so your audiologist can adjust your hearing aids to fit your lifestyle and address your hearing issues.

Communicate Openly with Your Audiologist

When you’re getting fitted for hearing aids, it’s important to talk openly with your audiologist. Share your needs, any previous experiences with hearing aids if you have worn them before and what you hope to achieve. Don’t hold back any details, as your audiologist is there to help you. They can suggest solutions tailored to your specific needs, whether it’s different types of hearing aids or other sound therapies. By being honest and thorough, you can leave with hearing aids that work best for you.

Don’t Skip the Trial Period

Most audiologists offer trial periods for new hearing aids. Use this time to experience how it performs in real-world environments. At first, sounds may feel unusual, but give yourself time to adjust. Use the trial period to observe whether your new device works effectively across different settings such as your home, restaurants and social gatherings. Make note of your experiences to discuss during follow-up appointments with your audiologist.

Explore Technology

Hearing aids have numerous technology features designed to enhance your listening experience. From Bluetooth connectivity and seamless audio streaming capabilities to apps that control settings directly from your smartphone. Speak to an audiologist about all the features in your hearing aid, and request demonstrations.

Schedule Follow-Up Appointments

After your initial fitting, schedule regular follow-up appointments with your audiologist. These visits allow your audiologist to fine-tune adjustments based on feedback from you. You may find certain environments pose specific challenges or your hearing requirements may change over time. Keeping the lines of communication open ensures your hearing aids continue being effective solutions.

Join a Support Group

Consider joining a local or online support group dedicated to those living with hearing loss for emotional support, tips sharing and insights from firsthand experience about making the most out of hearing aids. Connecting with others who share similar experiences will help you to better your quality of life.

By understanding your individual hearing needs, communicating openly with your audiologist, accepting technology advances and practicing patience you will position yourself for success. If you want to learn more about how to get the most out of your hearing aid fitting, schedule an appointment with an audiologist.