Things To Expect At A Hearing Aid Fitting Appointment
Hearing impairments can negatively affect the quality of your life since holding continuous conversations may be challenging. Hearing problems may also result in low self-confidence as people may notice your impairment quickly during interactions. Fortunately, hearing aids can improve your hearing capability. Nonetheless, your doctor needs to establish the cause and extent of your hearing issues before recommending a hearing aid. After your hearing assessment, you will have to attend a hearing device fitting appointment. Here are the things to expect during the appointment.
Hearing Device Analysis
Once your audiologist understands the existing hearing problems, they will provide various hearing devices to enhance your hearing. Your doctor will explain every device's features, benefits, and costs, which helps you with decision-making. Your audiologist will then recommend the ideal option. You can also share your views about the hearing aid's functionality, design, and color preference. Finally, you get to choose the perfect hearing aid that suits your needs.
Hearing Device Programming and Testing
Sounds that are too loud or too low can alter your hearing sense. Therefore, you need a hearing aid with the correct sound amplification or suppression settings. This allows your hearing device to amplify soft sounds, making them more audible. Likewise, proper settings enable your device to suppress loud sounds that may cause discomfort. Adequate programming of your hearing device can enhance your hearing significantly.
Real-ear measurements usually determine whether your hearing aid provides the correct sound amplification. The tests enable your audiologist to determine the sound loudness level in your ear by inserting a tube with a microphone into your ear. The tube measures the sound volume in the eardrum without a hearing aid. Inserting a hearing device in your ear follows while ensuring that the previously inserted tube remains intact. Then, audiologists measure the sound loudness on the device. Audiologists usually play various sound volumes to ascertain that the sound amplification remains at comfortable levels.
Hearing Aid Fitting and Maintenance
After successfully programming your hearing aid, your audiologist fits the device in your ear. They will demonstrate how you will fit and remove your hearing device correctly during the process. Moreover, your audiologist will give you some maintenance advice that includes proper cleaning and storage of your hearing device. This helps your hearing device to last longer.
During your hearing aid fitting appointment, expect your audiologist to analyze various hearing aids, program and test your hearing aid, and provide device fitting and maintenance advice. Understanding this information will help you attend your appointment more confidently.
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