When your audiologist recommends hearing aids, selection is only the beginning of the process. Equally important is the fitting, which involves programming your hearing aids and making adjustments to provide the correct levels of amplification for your particular hearing loss. Counseling is a necessary step to ensure you have realistic expectations and is crucial for long-term success.
What Is Hearing Aid Counseling?
Before you ever wear your hearing aids, you’ll receive counseling to prepare you for this change in your lifestyle. While hearing aids will undoubtedly improve your communication abilities, it is important to understand they are not a cure for hearing loss, and do have certain limitations. Learning what to expect beforehand will help you achieve the maximum benefit from your devices.
How Are Hearing Aids Fitted?
Your audiologist at The Doctors’ Hearing Center will check the physical fit to make sure they are comfortable. They will then be programmed and adjusted based on your hearing loss and lifestyle needs. The hearing aids will be placed in your ears and turned on, allowing your audiologist to measure the volume levels to ensure that you are hearing the full range of sounds properly. Our audiologists also utilize Live Speech Mapping, or real-ear measurement verification, a method used to ensure that your hearing aids are programmed and working their best for your individual needs.
Your audiologist will then discuss care and maintenance of your hearing aids. You will learn how to use them correctly and make adjustments for different hearing environments, insert and remove them, change the batteries and clean and care for them properly. You will also learn tips and strategies for better communication.
What Kind of Follow-Up Care Can I Expect?
A follow up visit will be scheduled a couple of weeks after your initial fitting. During this appointment and subsequent visits, your audiologist will fine-tune and adjust your hearing aids as needed and answer any questions you may have. It will take several visits to get you to your target level. It may take a while to adjust your hearing aids to their maximum effectiveness, so additional appointments for adjustments may be needed. At The Doctors’ Hearing Center, your hearing aid adjustments are included for the life of your hearing aids.