Do You Need to Go to a Hearing Aid Fitting?

Temporary hearing loss is common and occurs due to wax buildup or an inner ear infection. For both of these, easy treatment is available with over-the-counter medication. However, 25 to 75-year-olds are susceptible to non-restorable hearing loss. This type of hearing loss will require the use of a hearing aid. If you experience loss of hearing, dulled sounds or tinnitus, then schedule a hearing aid fitting immediately if your audiologist has advised it.

A hearing aid is a small device that receives and amplifies sounds directly into the ear from a tiny yet powerful speaker. There are various types of hearing aids, and each is suited for different cases. Your audiologist will advise you which one is best suited for your specific situation or lifestyle. This advice is based on your lifestyle and the magnitude of hearing loss.

Following a hearing test with your audiologist, they might advise you to book a hearing aid fitting. It isn't wise to put this off as issues may get worse. But there are also some other valid reasons why you need to go to your fitting as soon as you can.

Get the Best Advice

Hearing aids are a great solution to any experienced hearing loss, whether it's temporary or non-restorable. The many options available means that you are guaranteed to find something that suits your lifestyle. By consulting a certified and licensed AuD, you can get help in determining which hearing aid is more suitable for your lifestyle. 

Since no one person's life is the same as another's, many considerations must be made. And while you might engage in a sportier life, it may not be as intense as someone else's. So, considering multiple options becomes a necessary part of choosing a hearing aid. In addition, speaking with an audiologist while at your fitting enables you to get the best advice possible.

You can also take the opportunity to ask any questions while you are there. Some common concerns include:

• The comfort of hearing aids.
• How they affect your lifestyle.
• Whether they last long and if you can repair them.

Additional Treatment

While your audiologist cannot prescribe medication, they can help with identifying and treating hearing-related issues. For example, the most common problem with hearing loss is simple wax buildup. Your audiologist can prepare your ear during a fitting by removing wax or other issues using unique treatments when over-the-counter remedies have proven ineffective. 

Audiologists remove wax with a curet tool. With this, hardened wax that is causing problems can be picked from your ear. Wax removal is relatively painless, and your ears may require drainage treatment. Both treatments are non-invasive and are performed quickly. This kind of treatment is very effective at alleviating many hearing problems but isn't a long-term cure. For this reason alone, you should attend your hearing aid fitting.

Prepare for Your Fitting

There are three primary hearing aid types. Each one will determine how long a fitting takes. Should you go ahead with your appointment, a hearing aid fitting can take around 45 minutes or upwards of two hours. This is quite some time for the fitting alone and getting used to the device will take even longer. Therefore, fitting a hearing aid isn't a quick process. Instead, it is a lengthy and detailed one. 

Because of this, you should plan for the day accordingly. If possible, take the day off work and clear your schedule. Many people find it is helpful to have someone with them when at a fitting. An additional person, such as a friend, can help with remembering further questions and moral support. Also, getting home safe can be demanding as you adjust to a new sensation and experience.