Preparing for new hearing aids is the last step to improving your hearing health! By now, you have probably had your hearing assessed and discussed treatment options with a hearing healthcare specialist. The next step of this process is scheduling an appointment for a hearing aid fitting. Similar to most electronics, hearing aids have experienced significant innovation over recent years. With advanced technology, hearing aid devices are now smaller and include a variety of features to enhance your experience. The purpose of this appointment is to provide you with a thorough understanding of your specific hearing aids. A hearing healthcare specialist will:
- Make sure the hearing aids fit properly
- Explain the different components and how they work
- Walk you through how to insert and remove the device
- Check that the settings are appropriate and work for you
Inform you about how to best maintain your hearing aids
Additionally, you will be able to practice using the hearing aids. This can be a lot of information to receive and process at once. There are a few useful ways you can prepare for this appointment and some tips to help you get the most out of this critical time!
Leave Enough Time
A hearing aid fitting can take one to two hours so be sure to set aside enough time in your schedule! You can think of this appointment as an in-depth tutorial on your new device. The goal is to become familiar and comfortable with your hearing aids so you can begin daily use. It is important to have the time to go through all of the components, use, and maintenance information. You want to make sure that you are not rushing through this information and that you have the adequate time to ask questions.
Prepare Questions
Maximizing this time with a hearing healthcare expert by learning all that you can will support you with an easy transition to using hearing aids. Doing a little bit of research beforehand can help you draft important questions. Some suggested questions include: how to (re)charge batteries, cleaning instructions, when shouldn’t you wear hearing aids, repair information, and what you can expect during the adjustment period. Do not hesitate to come with and ask all of your questions. The expert is there to share their knowledge and expertise with you!
Bring a Friend
You will be receiving significant detailed information during this appointment. Bringing a friend (or family member) who also hears instructions for use and care as well as watches how to insert (and remove) the device can be really helpful. You may forget a few things or have questions later and this person can serve as a resource. This is also a pivotal time for your health, having a friend or relative with you can provide you with emotional support!
Take Notes
Bringing a notebook and taking notes is another useful way to remember information after the appointment. Though you will most likely receive instructions with your hearing device, it is a good idea to take as much notes on helpful tips and advice shared during the appointment.
This appointment marks the final stages of addressing and treating your hearing loss! You want to make sure that you feel equipped and prepared to start using your new device. Hearing aids can drastically better your hearing and improve your quality of life. Maximizing this appointment by thoroughly discussing and clarifying how to use (and maintain) your hearing aids can help you effectively integrate them into your daily life.
Remember that there will be an adjustment period! Hearing aids help absorb, amplify, and process sound. This does not happen instantly but involves a process of retraining your hearing. Retraining your hearing with hearing aids involves taking in sounds you have not heard in some time. This is incredibly exciting and also takes some getting used to. It takes practice and energy for your auditory system and your brain to process this new stimuli. We encourage you to discuss this during your hearing aid fitting appointment so you know what you can expect as you begin using your device.