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Hearing aid fitting
hearing aid fitting · hearing aids · hearing aid adjustment · audiologist visit
A specialist tests your hearing, chooses a hearing aid, and sets it up for your ears. The aid makes sounds louder and speech clearer.
When your hearing is reduced and speech is hard to follow, especially in noise or on the phone.
⏱ Duration: the first visit usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours; getting used to it and fine-tuning takes a few weeks
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Ears. An ENT doctor usually checks your ears first and removes any earwax plug.
- Hearing test. If you have a recent hearing test, bring it. If not, it will be done on site.
- Someone with you. It helps to bring someone close to you. Their voice can be used during setup.
What to bring
- Your referral, if you have one
- Past hearing tests
- Your ID
- Your glasses, if you wear them
How it goes
- The specialist asks where you have trouble hearing
- Your ears are examined
- Your hearing is tested with headphones: you press a button when you hear a tone
- The type of aid is chosen: behind the ear or in the ear
- Sometimes an ear impression is taken for an earpiece
- The aid is connected to a computer and tuned to your hearing
- You learn to put it in, take it out, and change batteries or charge it
What you'll feel
- The hearing test does not hurt
- At first, sounds seem loud and sharp, and your own voice sounds strange
- You may feel the aid in your ear for the first days
Afterwards
- Wear the aid every day, starting with a few hours
- Getting used to it usually takes 2 to 4 weeks
- Come back for fine-tuning. It is a normal part of fitting
- Keep it away from water, and take it out at night
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Pain, redness, or discharge from the ear: take the aid out and see a doctor
Common questions
Do I need to wear it all the time?
Yes, it is best to wear it all day. Your brain adjusts faster and understands speech better.
Do I need aids for both ears?
If hearing is reduced on both sides, two are usually advised. It makes speech easier to follow and sounds easier to locate.
Why does everything sound loud?
Your brain has forgotten many sounds. This passes in a few weeks, and the aid can be adjusted if needed.