Losing your hearing can understandably be such a frustrating experience. But getting hearing aids can help you deal with your hearing loss. Of course, it will need some getting used to as you transition to using hearing aids. So to help you prepare for your first hearing aid fitting, here’s what you need to do.
Prepare a List of Questions
Before your hearing aid fitting, you’ll want to prepare a list of questions regarding your hearing loss, your in-home care, and your hearing device options. This list will help you communicate your specific needs and address any questions you may have.
Before your fitting, talk with the hearing care professional to ensure that your questions are within the scope of the appointment.
When meeting with your hearing care professional, you should ask questions related to:
- What type of hearing loss do you have?
- What causes your hearing loss?
- What is the progress of your hearing loss?
- What has been prescribed as a course of treatment?
- What treatments have you tried?
- Is there anything else you can do to prevent your hearing loss from getting worse?
- What situations in your life cause your hearing to suffer the most?
- Will your hearing loss keep you from doing the things you need to do?
Ask a Friend or Family Member to Come with You
In addition to preparing a list of questions, you’ll probably want to bring a friend or family member with you to your hearing aid fitting. A hearing care professional will usually look at the specific hearing loss characteristics of the patient. This means that they may not be able to fully explain the fitting process or cons of different hearing aids. After your hearing aid fitting, your friend or family member can help you understand the answers you were given.
It’s also helpful to bring someone along because you may sometimes feel self-conscious about having hearing aids in. You may not feel ready or confident to wear hearing aids in front of other people, particularly if you’ve had hearing loss for some time. Having someone with you will help you feel more comfortable with the process.
Set Aside Plenty of Time for the Appointment
Your hearing aid fitting will take some time. You’ll want to schedule at least a few hours to allow for the entire process. Your hearing care professional will look at your ears and ear canals, examine the hearing loss, check for any damage to the eardrum, and determine if you’re a candidate for hearing aids.
Expect to have your impressions taken, try on several hearing aids, and discuss questions and concerns. Because each patient’s hearing loss is unique, the time it takes to find the right hearing aid will also vary.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for your hearing aid fitting is an important step in ensuring that you get the right hearing aids for your hearing loss. Make sure that you ask your hearing care professional any questions that you have. And bring along a friend or family member to help you understand what the hearing care professional is saying.
Get the right hearing aids for your needs from Hear More Associates Enterprise. We are a hearing clinic in Massachusetts that provide an honest and transparent approach to hearing care. We’re the experts, but we’re on your side to help you make the most informed and intelligent decision, explaining everything and helping you to make the right decision for you. Schedule an appointment now!
