What Info Will You Learn at Your Hearing Aid Fitting

When getting a new hearing device, it’s essential to schedule a fitting to ensure you get the most precise listening experience. This visit is critical to correctly set up your device and get the specific physical fit for your ear anatomy. However, hearing aid fittings are also educational in nature. You’ll learn a vast amount about your device and how to get the most out of it.

These days, ordering hearing aids online and trying to wear them out of the box may be tempting; however, patients who do this often fail to take full advantage of their devices or receive the customization they could benefit most from. Here, we explore some of the specific things you learn during a hearing aid fitting.

How Your Hearing Aids Work

Audiologists begin device fittings by talking about how your hearing aids work. They explain how devices take incoming sounds via a microphone and then amplify them through a speaker in the unit.

They also teach you about the various types of hearing aids available on the market, and which are best for you. Some fit directly in the ear canal with no external components while others have sections behind the ear containing the battery. Generally, in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are more discreet, while behind-the-ear (BTE) varieties offer more features and functionality.

After this, audiologists will teach you how to operate your device. They will cover the basics, such as how to turn the device on and off, replace the battery and clean it.

How to Adjust Settings

Next, your audiologist will explain to you how to adjust the settings on your device. You’ll learn how to increase the volume and change the amplification at different frequencies. You’ll also learn how to switch your hearing aid between different modes (unless your model does this automatically, based on your sound environment).

Some hearing aids have Bluetooth or wireless connectivity. If yours does, your audiologist may show you what you need to do to connect your devices. In most cases, the settings are easy to adjust.

Audiologists may also explain how advanced features work, such as directional microphones.

How to Care for Your Device

Modern hearing aids are robust pieces of equipment. However, they are prone to damage if not cared for properly. Therefore, audiologists provide care instructions during fittings so that you can get the most out of your device.

Most hearing aids last between two and four years. However, with proper hearing aid care, yours may last for five years or more.

Good hearing aid care could include:

• Regularly cleaning your hearing aids, removing wax and grime
• Only using approved cleaning instruments
• Take your hearing aids out when you go for a shower, sauna, bath, or swim
• Leaving the battery compartment door open at night
• Placing your hearing aids in drying devices when not in use to prevent condensation

Sometimes, hearing aids require professional maintenance, particularly if wax or other material gets inside. Audiologists will tell you when you need to bring your device to them for a professional service. They will also cover issues, such as battery care, which is important for helping your devices last longer.