Once you have selected your hearing aids after an evaluation, your hearing professional will program them to meet your hearing needs. The hearing professional will explain how to use the devices, how to put them in the ear and how to remove them, how to change or charge batteries and how to care for and clean the devices. This appointment will generally take at least one hour, possibly more, so ensure you allot enough time. It is also a good idea to bring a family member or close friend to the hearing aid fitting so they can help remember all the information that is given and be a support to you. Additionally, written instructions will be provided which can help you better retain the information.
Understanding your hearing aids
When you put your hearing aids in for the first time, you may have different emotions about the sounds you hear. This is normal and to be expected as many people experience a transition period as they become accustomed to hearing aids.The goal of the hearing aids is to make everyday sounds audible and comfortable, but the sound you hear should be clear and pleasant. Small changes can be made to the hearing aids at your first fitting if there are things that you feel should be adjusted right away. At follow up appointments, the hearing professional will do additional testing to make sure that the hearing aids are giving you enough sound where you need it. Additionally, any questions are welcomed to help discuss any concerns you may have.
Fitting your hearing aids
Be honest about what you hear so that the hearing professional can work with you to create the best listening experience with your new hearing aids. Your hearing aid fitting is only a starting place; other changes to customize the hearing aid to your liking may need to take place over a few appointments.
Adjusting to hearing aids
Attitude and motivation are important keys to success with hearing aids. Hearing aid studies have shown that people who have a positive attitude do better with hearing aids. If you, as well as your spouse or family, approach your hearing aid fitting with a positive outlook you will have a much better listening experience more quickly. Keep in mind that it may take some time to get used to the sounds you were missing, and by working closely with your hearing professional, you will get the most out of your new hearing aids.
Live Speech Mapping
Your hearing aids will be ordered and take about 10 days to arrive. We encourage you to bring along a friend or family member to this fitting appointment. During the appointment, we’ll test the programming of your devices and adjust as appropriate.
Gavin Audiology and Hearing Aids uses live speech mapping to give you the best possible hearing experience. We will place a small microphone in your ear canal to measure how your hearing aid is working in your ear. This high-tech method allows us to individualize your settings for your ears and your hearing loss.
Routine maintenance and care
Before you leave, you’ll be comfortable inserting and removing your hearing aids and understand how and when to change the batteries. Daily maintenance will be covered, and you will be given instructions on how to adjust to your hearing aids. Just like wearing new glasses, wearing hearing aids takes some time. But a positive attitude is a great start to a positive outcome.