Hearing Aid Dispensing and Fitting
After you have chosen your hearing aids following the hearing test, your hearing professional will program them based on a prescription tailored to your specific hearing needs. During an appointment dedicated to the hearing aid fitting, your hearing professional will explain how to use and care for the devices. This comprehensive session typically lasts at least one hour, so it's important to allocate enough time. It's also beneficial to have a family member or close friend accompany you to the fitting to help remember the information provided and provide support. If desired, you can request written instructions to enhance your understanding and retention of the information.
Understanding Your Hearing Aids
When you first wear the hearing aids, you may experience a range of emotions as you encounter different sounds. This is a normal and expected part of the adjustment process. The goal of the hearing aids is to make everyday sounds audible and comfortable, while ensuring clarity and pleasantness in the sound you hear. If there are immediate adjustments you feel should be made, the hearing professional can address them during the initial fitting. Additional testing will be conducted to verify that the hearing aids are providing sufficient sound in the areas you need. Remember to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your hearing professional.
Fitting Your Hearing Aids
You may be asked to complete a brief survey or answer a set of questions. It's important to provide honest feedback about what you hear so that the hearing professional can work with you to optimize your listening experience with the new hearing aids. The hearing aid fitting is just the starting point, and further adjustments may be needed over a few follow-up appointments to personalize the settings according to your preferences.
Adjusting to Hearing Aids
Attitude plays a crucial role in the success of hearing aid usage. Studies have shown that individuals with a positive attitude tend to adapt better to hearing aids. Approaching the hearing aid fitting with a positive outlook, along with the support of your spouse or family, can lead to a more satisfactory listening experience more quickly. It's important to remember that it may take time to acclimate to the sounds you were missing, but by working closely with your hearing professional, you can maximize the benefits of your new hearing aids.