If you’ve been diagnosed with a hearing loss, you’ve likely been advised to explore hearing aids as a solution. With so many different styles, brands, and sizes available, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right one for you. However, the most crucial part of the process isn’t the style or colour of the hearing aid, but rather the fitting process with a qualified Audiologist.
Here’s what to expect from your hearing aid fitting journey:
Step 1: Testing
The hearing aid fitting process begins with a comprehensive hearing test. Your Audiologist needs up-to-date information about your hearing levels in both ears to tailor the hearing aids to your specific needs. They’ll also examine your ears to ensure they’re clear and ready for the devices to fit comfortably. Additional tests, such as word and sentence recognition, will help compare your hearing with and without the aids to assess their effectiveness.
Your Audiologist will take the time to understand your lifestyle, listening preferences, and any goals you have regarding hearing. This helps them personalise the fitting and adjust the hearing aids to suit your specific needs. Be open with your Audiologist about any concerns or expectations you have during this process.
Step 2: Fitting the Hearing Aids
Once the right hearing aids are selected, the Audiologist will fit them securely in your ears. At this point, the focus is on comfort rather than sound quality. If anything feels uncomfortable or unusual, it’s important to let your Audiologist know. Since you’ll be wearing the hearing aids for extended periods, comfort is key. Ideally, after some time, the devices should feel natural and unobtrusive.
Step 3: Customisation
After ensuring the hearing aids fit properly, the Audiologist will begin the customisation process. This involves fine-tuning the volume, amplification, and specific features based on your individual hearing needs. Real Ear Measurements (REM) will likely be performed at this stage to verify that the amplification is accurate at different frequencies and pitches. These measurements can also be adjusted according to your feedback, ensuring the hearing aids are optimised for your hearing environment.
Step 4: Education
Once the hearing aids are programmed, your Audiologist will guide you on how to use and care for them. This may include practicing how to insert and remove the devices, as well as tips on cleaning and charging them. If your hearing aids have additional features, such as Bluetooth connectivity to your phone, your Audiologist will show you how to set those up and use them effectively. You’ll leave the appointment feeling confident in your ability to manage your new devices, with two follow-up appointments scheduled to ensure you’re comfortable.
Step 5: Follow-Up Care
It is important to remember that adjusting to hearing aids takes time. You may need several follow-up appointments to fine-tune the sound quality and ensure the devices are working optimally. Additionally, your brain needs time to adapt to the new sounds, and your Audiologist may gradually increase the amplification levels to help you get used to the change.
The key is to be patient, communicate openly with your Audiologist, and wear your hearing aids daily to help your brain adjust to the new auditory experience.
At ONDC Hearing Specialists, we are committed to delivering high-quality, client focused care for all South Australians. If you are ready to take that next step in your hearing journey, get in touch with our team to schedule a hearing test with our experienced Audiologists in Adelaide.
