Blog

If your audiologist has recommended that you wear hearing aids, they will help you select the right equipment. The process of selecting auditory equipment is known as hearing aid fitting. During this process, an assessment is done to evaluate your needs, and a follow-up appointment is scheduled to program your device.

Assessing Your Needs

Your audiologist will start the selection process by initiating a thorough consultation. This includes learning about your lifestyle, expectations, preferences, and any experience with past hearing aid equipment. Your auditory care specialist will take a look at your test results and other information to review several options.

Your Lifestyle

When thinking about listening equipment, you have to cooperate with the care provider so that he or she can understand your lifestyle. This is an important part of the hearing aid fitting process. You might have tried to avoid specific places or social situations as you started to lose your auditory functioning, but now the care provider can help you to decide what you would like to reintroduce into your lifestyle with your new equipment. For instance, if you loved to spend time on the phone talking to family and friends, you will want equipment that works better with a phone. A basic model is suggested for people who lead sedentary lifestyles, but the active person who encounters various background noises would be fitted with a more innovative digital listening device.

Your Preference

There are a variety of devices to choose from. Whether you prefer one that is almost invisible or something larger and brightly colored, you can examine all options during your hearing aid fitting. There are many other features outside aesthetic appearance for you to consider. You may want a device that allows you to control the volume, change the battery infrequently, or change settings through an automated program. There are even some models with remote controls or wireless gadgets.

Selecting Your Hearing Aid

After you and your health provider have figured out your lifestyle and preferences, it is time to review your options and what you can afford. In many cases, you might be given the chance to wear a demonstrative device for several hours or days to test it out. Once you have made your decision, the provider will place an order for the selected equipment after taking your ear canal impression. An appointment is then set up for a later date to do the initial programming and hearing aid fitting.

The Follow-up

When your equipment arrives, you will be summoned for your follow-up visit. The listening device is fitted, and you will begin sensing sounds. Of course, your brain will need time to relearn and decipher different sounds. You will receive adequate counseling on how to use various features and how to take care of your new equipment.

Making the Adjustment

It is going to take time to adjust after your hearing aid fitting. Some individuals need 24 – 48 hours to adjust, and others require several weeks or months. It is best to keep wearing them until you have fully adjusted. Begin by wearing them while you are home or in a quiet environment.

Source by Andrea Avery