Many individuals will experience some degree of hearing loss during the course of their lives, with millions of adults in the US currently facing hearing difficulties. Hearing aids can help to reduce the symptoms of hearing loss, therefore reducing its impact on your life, health and well-being. However, if you are going to be wearing hearing aids for the first time, knowing what to expect at each stage of the process, from the initial consultation to the fitting, can be incredibly helpful.

With that in mind, here are some simple steps you can take to prepare for your hearing aid fitting!

Keep Note of Any Changes to Your Hearing

Hearing loss tends to occur gradually, but if you notice any changes to your hearing between your initial consultation and fitting, be sure to discuss these with your audiologists. This means that they can conduct additional tests, if necessary, to ensure that you’re choosing the right style of hearing aids based on your needs.

Research the Style of Hearing Aid You’re Trying Out

During your initial consultation, your audiologist will likely have recommended a specific style of hearing aids. This recommendation is based upon a variety of factors, like the severity of your hearing loss and your lifestyle. This could include in the ear (ITE), behind the ear (BTE) and in the canal (ITC) styles. Researching each style, you’ll be trying out ahead of time can help you to better understand how hearing aids work and how to care for them appropriately.

Know What to Expect

Knowing what to expect from your hearing aid fitting can also be useful when it comes to preparing for this appointment. For example, it will likely begin with a quick consultation, after which they’ll take accurate measurements of your ear. This ensures that your hearing aids will be the perfect fit, both in terms of functionality and comfort.

Write Down a List of Questions

A hearing aid fitting is the perfect time to ask your audiologist any questions you may have about life as a hearing aid wearer. However, if you struggle to come up with questions on the spot or feel as though you might forget something, writing down your questions or concerns ahead of time can be useful. This way, you can put your mind at ease so that you feel as confident as possible when it comes to wearing your hearing aids.

Bring Family or Friends

When preparing for a hearing aid fitting, it’s a good idea to bring family or friends with you. They can provide support and help you remember important information. Sometimes, having a familiar voice during the fitting can help the audiologist fine-tune your hearing aids more accurately. Your loved ones can also ask questions you might not think of, ensuring you get all the details you need. Additionally, they can help you feel more comfortable and confident during the process. Bringing someone along can make the experience smoother and more reassuring.