It is easy to overlook hearing loss. This condition can not only affect older people, but it can also affect younger people, particularly those who are exposed to loud noises. It can be more severe that most people think. This condition can be very frustrating and could indicate other serious problems. It is important to properly fit your hearing aid and consult a qualified audiologist if you have hearing loss.
This list will help you be prepared for your hearing aid fitting.
1. TEST AND EXAMINATION – THOROUGH
Fitting hearing aids can take a long time. Many people think they take longer than other hearing exams due to the number of factors that must be analyzed and the demonstrations required. Your audiologist will perform a variety of tests to determine the extent of your hearing loss. Although some sounds may not be pleasant, they are necessary to allow your audiologist to determine the amount of tuning required for your hearing aids. Balancing your hearing aids can be a tedious process so expect to spend at least an hour.
2. A DEMONSTRATION OF YOUR HEALING AIDS
If you’ve never tried hearing aids before, it can be difficult to understand how they work. It is important that you listen to your audiologist as he or she explains the various features and provides guidance on how they work. You will usually find many of the instructions that your audiologist gives at the fitting in the booklets or leaflets. Information is not enough. Ask your audiologist for a visual guide and he/she will show you how to do certain things. This will be your first time hearing aids are tried on. You might feel uncomfortable or strange wearing them, or changing the battery. Your audiologist will show you how to use the hearing aids.
3. INFORMATION REGARDING THEIR MAINTENANCE
Following a thorough demonstration, you will usually receive information about how to maintain your hearing aids. Audiologists will often give information about how to clean your hearing aids, how they should be stored, what chemicals to avoid, and how to adjust settings. You will be overwhelmed by all the information so ask them for manuals or leaflets if you don’t have any. This information will make it easier to use hearing aids. Make sure to take notes if you have trouble understanding the details.
As you can see information will make up a significant portion of your hearing aid fitting. It can be difficult to take in all the information, so make sure you have a notebook handy or request manuals and leaflets.
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