Out of all of the processes involved in getting a hearing aid, the hearing aid fitting is often underestimated by many new hearing aid users.
It’s not as simple as inserting the hearing aid into the ear like you would with glasses. Many people do not realize that the hearing test and fitting are separate appointments that require their own time because they cover a lot of information in each. The hearing aid fitting itself can occur over several visits, mainly to ensure sure the hearing aid suits your needs and is comfortable.
Make no mistake; this might be the most important meeting that you will have with your hearing professional. Here are some tips on how to prepare yourself.
1. Clear your schedule
The treatment is far more than merely having hearing aids. It is a time-consuming course treatment. You don’t want to have to hurry out of our office and miss out on some crucial details, so it’s best to take the time to see it through.
2. Know thy hearing goals
Take some time to think about your aims before you walk through our office door, and brainstorm with a friend. Consider the moments you’re had hearing issue, and take notes of what circumstances you need some extra support.
Are you struggling the most to hear when confronted with background noise, or during an office meeting? Is it impossible to listen to the TV at the volume your family is used to? Knowing your goals will allow us to support you, and we will configure your hearing aids to work in these conditions in an optimum way.
3. Bring your friend
Any time you visit our office, we invite you to bring a friend or family member with you. Through the initial hearing check to finding the right tool, or any follow-up appointments and fittings, having a friend will help you make sure you’ve heard and understood all that’s been said. You’ll get a lot of information during your hearing aid fitting, so having a friend with you will make the details less daunting.
Two heads are better than one, so by making notes, your friend can support you to ensure you have all the details you need. Looking back at home at your notes will allow you to recall all the details and help you get the most out of your device.
4. Prepare all your questions in advance
Take time to collect your thoughts before coming to your appointment and compile a list of questions for your hearing professional. That way, you benefit fully from any insight and expertise they can share.
5. Take notes
There’ll be plenty of new details to take in, so don’t be afraid to take notes with a pen and paper or a digital device to answer your questions. Although the hearing professional probably gives you written instructions, do not hesitate to note down whatever you think is essential. It will help you remember those salient details.
6. Temper your expectations
Although many studies have shown that hearing aids can significantly enhance the quality of your life, due to existing limitations on the science and technology of hearing loss, hearing aids never recover 100% of your natural ability to understand.
It’s also doubtful that the hearing professional exactly for your hearing after only one fitting meeting. You will likely need to come in several times to adjust the fit.
If this is your first time wearing hearing aids of any sort, your hearing care provider will give you a wearing schedule that specifies how long you will wear your hearing aids for the first week or so and under what circumstances.
If you’ve had an impaired hearing for many years, it may take your brain some time to get used to hearing sounds that it hasn’t heard for quite some time.
The critical thing to say is not to give up on your new devices. It will take some time and maybe several visits to your hearing professional before it starts working at their highest level for you, but don’t give up! Eventually, you will begin to feel the full effects of your new hearing aid, and your social connections, work performance, and overall quality of life are likely to feel the benefits.