You may be wondering what to expect if you or a loved one is getting fitted for hearing aids soon. Here is what to anticipate.
You could be evaluating your options if you just underwent a hearing test and were found to be an excellent candidate for hearing aids. Your journey with hearing aids should have a positive outcome, such as enhanced hearing and a higher quality of life. Finding assistance for your hearing loss and starting the fitting process are necessary before you can start enjoying the advantages of hearing aids.
Selecting hearing aids
Choosing the sort of hearing aid you desire is the first step. Many people believe that all hearing aids are equivalent. Simply put, this is not the case. Depending on your demands and expectations, the market offers a wide range of solutions. The level of technology you want will be the major variable here. Modern hearing aids feature a high level of technology, such as Bluetooth compatibility and noise cancellation. You can choose the best option for your needs with the assistance of your hearing instrument specialist. This will solely depend on your personal lifestyle.
Creating custom hearing aids
Your hearing aids must completely fit your ears. It's crucial to remember that no two ears are same. Usually, there will be a lot of obvious differences between your ears and those of another person in terms of their size and form. To ensure a great fit, it is crucial to ensure that the hearing aid mould is the proper size and shape.
Your ear will be moulded by your hearing aid professional. It may take up to five minutes to complete the process. Your hearing aids will be designed once the mould is finished and you have decided which ones are best for you. Usually, they can be delivered in a few weeks.
Test of sound
A sound test will always be the next step. To measure the impact of both gentle and loud noises on your eardrum, utilise a sound test. Making ensuring your hearing aids are configured properly is the goal of this. This is accomplished by inserting a tiny tube in your ear near the eardrum. The entire procedure is absolutely painless and uncomfortable just to the barest minimum.
The hearing aid is then inserted into the ear canal and the tube after this step is finished. The second time the sound is evaluated for amplification is now done while wearing hearing aids. Once more, the settings will be modified appropriately to guarantee that they are offering the highest possible degree of support.
A hearing instrument specialist will also assess your hearing aids' comfort at this point. Keep in mind that these gadgets will play a big role in your life. It's critical that they blend in with your ear naturally. Your ears shouldn't be in any way irritated or damaged by them. If so, they might have to be changed to offer a better fit.
How to Choose an Aid for Hearing
Finding out what you need from your experience and evaluating your needs are the first steps in selecting a hearing aid. You may have the chance to share your thoughts on the matter during a thorough discussion. Your choice of hearing aids may be influenced by a number of factors, including:
1. Receiving test outcomes
Be sure to go over your audiogram results with your hearing care professional (HCP), since the alternatives available to you depend on the severity of your hearing loss. For instance, certain models made for mild or moderate hearing loss may not work for those with profound hearing loss.
2. Preferences
You can explore the options with your HCP if you have a preference for a certain style of hearing aid. Although not everyone can use every form of hearing aid, as was already explained, your preferred shape may be among your alternatives. If you have a specific hearing aid in mind, be sure to mention it.
3. Lifestyle
You might want a hearing aid that can keep up with your active and social lifestyle. On the other hand, people who don't require additional accessories and functions could choose a hearing aid that is less complicated. Don't forget to discuss your lifestyle, goals, and expectations for your new hearing aid.
4. Previous encounters
You may have strong feelings about what you want from your new hearing aids if you've used them in the past. Your wish list can include more features, improved sound quality, or a different shape or appearance. Tell your HCP about your current experience with hearing aids and your goals for enhancing your hearing.
Once they have the necessary data, your hearing care professional can start building a list of potential hearing aids for you. These recommendations will be made with you and your experiences in mind, so maybe you'll find one that you're excited about.
Putting In A Hearing Aid
You might be permitted to use a demonstration hearing aid, which will allow you to test out your new hearing aids. After you've made your decision, the hearing aid fitting will start whether or not you undergo a trial. Your HCP will place an order for your hearing aids, and after they are delivered, you can visit for initial programming.
A crucial stage in customising your hearing aid to you is the programming. Because every person is unique, your HCP will take into account your preferences and conduct tests to ensure that your fundamental needs are being satisfied. The first programming will give you a basic notion of what your hearing aids are like, but over the course of the following few months, he may adjust your hearing aids to fine-tune them more precisely.
The Adjustment Process
If you've never worn hearing aids before, it could seem overwhelming. Establishing a wearing schedule so that you can spend some time each day getting used to new sounds may be advised by your HCP. The process of restoring hearing can take some time because the area of your brain that controls hearing is not acclimated to processing sound. Your first hearing aid may require several weeks to several months for you to become used to it completely. Make sure to stick to your daily wearing routine because doing so will assist speed up the process!
- Utilise email or apps like the Signia app to stay in touch with your HCP. To make sure you're adjusting appropriately, they might give you "homework". These tasks could include:
- In your home, wear your hearing aids. Start by wearing them in quiet settings before starting to expose yourself to unfamiliar sounds.
- Listen to lyrical music, radio programmes, or audiobooks. Can you clearly understand speech?
- Outside, wear your hearing aids. At first, concentrate on listening to nature; after that, try going around the block. If the background noise, such as traffic, is too loud, don't give up. Even for those without hearing problems, it can be loud.
- Increase the time you spend wearing your hearing aids gradually. Ideally, if done gradually, this would be completed.
You can fine-tune your experience, modify the physical fit of your hearing aids, and seek guidance for tricky circumstances during your follow-up visits and chats with your HCP. Before starting the fitting process, consider finding a new HCP if you don't already have one on your side or are dissatisfied with your present one.
It's ideal to keep yourself as educated with your hearing aids and a new breakthrough in the technology. Ask your query via Book an Appointment today. For more information visit https://hearing.careinc.ca or you can call us today at (403)605-6300