Preparing for a Hearing Aid Fitting

If you or your loved one has realized that hearing aids are the right step toward a better lifestyle, the greatest obstacle has already been overcome. Many people put off getting hearing aids for a number of reasons. Perhaps they feel that they can make do without them, are averse to the cost of aids, or fear acknowledging that they have a physical limitation. These many reasons can prevent people from getting the help they need with hearing and keeping them “in the dark” unnecessarily. Fortunately, you have made the right choice to move toward assistance. With a few basic steps, you will be on the path to a rich and vibrant life in which you or your loved one can connect with the world and maintain open lines of communication.

Hearing Consultation & Assessment

As you know, the first step in this direction is to have a consultation and hearing assessment with an audiologist or hearing professional. This exam will make note of your individual hearing needs in the form of an audiogram. The audiogram is a graphic depiction of the ranges in which you are able to hear and at what volumes. If it requires a very loud volume to be able to hear a certain pitch or frequency of sound, the audiogram will note that level. With the audiogram in hand, you hearing professional will be able to recommend the right type of hearing aids for your individual profile of hearing ability.

Now that you have taken your hearing exam, you are ready for a hearing aid fitting. Some hearing professionals like to perform the fitting at the same time as the hearing test, while others would rather schedule the appointment for a later date. No matter when you go in for your hearing aid fitting, a few helpful tips will make sure you get the most out of the service and that you end up with the perfect hearing aids for your needs.

Set Aside Enough Time

Although the hearing exam, consultation, and fitting may not take much time at all, you should be prepared to give enough extra time for questions and an in-depth conversation about the process. When you make your appointment, feel free to ask the receptionist how long you should allot for the appointment in your schedule. Just incase something else comes up, it is a good idea to leave a little more time than necessary for the appointment. It would be a shame to cut short your fitting due to another appointment, and you don’t want to rush this important decision.  

Bring Along Support

Hearing aid fittings can deliver a lot of information in a short time, and you may want someone there to help you through the process. It is best to ask a friend or loved one to accompany you to this appointment. Not only will they make the process more enjoyable, but they can also help you remember important details after the fitting. This loved one may also remember details and questions at the appointment that are crucial to making the right choice.

Ask Questions and Take Notes

If you have certain questions or considerations in mind, it is a good idea to write them down before your visit. Bring this list of questions with you and check off each question as you mention it to the hearing specialist. For instance, if you are curious how long it will take to charge the batteries in the recommended hearing aid, you might want to ask if there is another model available with a longer battery life. If you want to be sure that the hearing aids make it possible to hear a voice of a child in a noisy social event, mention this to your hearing professional. Some hearing aids are equipped for just this type of listening, while others are better at amplifying the entire range of sound. Take notes during your appointment so that you remember the details when your hearing aids arrive. Of course, you can always call or email your hearing specialist with more questions and concerns as they arise, but it is easiest to get the big points into the conversation before selecting a hearing aid model.

Rincalina Hearing Center

If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, contact us at Rincalina Hearing Center. We provide comprehensive hearing health services, from hearing tests to hearing aid fittings. We look forward to supporting you on your journey to better hearing.