Hearing Fitting & Programming

Having your hearing tested is an important step in the journey toward clearer hearing; being properly fitting for your hearing aid is an entirely different step that truly empowers the individual who wears their hearing aid to get the most out of their devices. At The Hearing Doctors, we’re your advocate for the best hearing aid experience, especially during your hearing aid fitting appointment.

What to expect

The hearing aid fitting appointment usually lasts between one and two hours. The length of the appointment typically depends on how many questions an individual has. Don’t worry – we’re here to answer any and all questions you have; in fact, we encourage them. During this appointment, your audiologist doesn’t just make sure your hearing aid fits comfortably; they will also ensure you understand how to operate and take care of your hearing aid.

During this appointment, your audiologist will:

  • Ensure your new hearing aid fit correctly
  • Ensure the fit of your new hearing aids is comfortable and not too tight
  • Program your hearing aids
  • Program any accessories or apps that come with your hearing aids
  • Ask if you have any questions – and spend the time to answer them

After all, the most important part of this appointment is that you are comfortable and confident with your new devices.

Because this appointment can be long and covers a lot of material, The Hearing Doctors recommends bringing a trusted friend or loved one along with you who can jot down notes or even ask questions. We suggest bringing someone you feel OK being in front of and talking about your health.

How to prepare

Getting your hearing aids is an exciting appointment. Because there’s a lot of material to cover, it’s a good idea to take a few minutes before the appointment to prepare. Some suggested steps that can help you prepare for your hearing aid fitting appointment include:

  • Consider writing down any questions you have leading up to this appointment. It’s not uncommon to forget questions once you’re in the appointment; having them written down can help you keep track of all the material you’d like to cover.
  • Call a friend or family member and invite them to your appointment
  • Call your insurance provider to see if any costs of the hearing aid devices will be covered
  • Clear your schedule for three hours, in case your appointment run longs
  • Set realistic expectations. While hearing aids enable people to live without hearing loss, it does take time to get used to them. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself more fatigued than usual; as you’re hearing more, your brain is working more, too.