At Link Audiology, we provide top-quality hearing aid fittings at our locations in Silverdale, WA, Vashon, WA, and University Place, WA. We know that good hearing aids can improve your life. Our team of skilled audiologists ensures that you get the best fit and the right device for your needs. We are here to help you hear better and live a fuller life.

A hearing aid fitting is when a special doctor, called an audiologist, helps you get hearing aids that fit your ears perfectly and work well for you. This is important because if the hearing aids don’t fit right, they won’t help you hear better.

The audiologist checks your hearing, finds the best hearing aids for you, and adjusts them so they are comfortable and make sounds clear. Getting fitted by an audiologist ensures your hearing aids work their best, making it easier for you to hear everything around you.

What Happens During a Hearing Aid Fitting?

When you go for a hearing aid fitting, here’s what happens:

The Process

  1. Hearing Test: First, the audiologist gives you a hearing test. You listen to sounds and words through headphones, and you let the audiologist know what you hear. This helps them understand how well you hear different sounds.
  2. Choosing the Hearing Aid: Next, the audiologist will talk to you about the different types of hearing aids. They help you choose the best one for your hearing needs and lifestyle. Some hearing aids are small and fit inside your ear, while others sit behind your ear.
  3. Fitting the Hearing Aid: Once you choose a hearing aid, the audiologist adjusts it to fit your ear comfortably. They might take a mold of your ear to make sure it fits just right.
  4. Programming the Hearing Aid: The audiologist then programs the hearing aid using a computer. They set it to match your hearing test results, so it helps you hear the sounds you’ve been missing.
  5. Real Ear Measurement: This is a special test where the audiologist puts a tiny microphone in your ear along with the hearing aid. Real ear measurement helps them see how the hearing aid is working in your ear and make any needed adjustments.
  6. Follow-Up Appointments: After the fitting, you’ll have follow-up appointments. These are important because your audiologist will check how well the hearing aids are working and make any necessary changes.

What to Expect

During the fitting, you might feel a little nervous, but it’s all about making sure your hearing aids fit well and work great. You’ll try on different hearing aids, and the audiologist will ask you how they feel and sound. It’s important to be honest so they can make sure everything is just right for you.

What are the Six Main Stages of Hearing Aid Fitting?

The six main stages ensure that your hearing aids fit well, are comfortable, and help you hear better. The audiologist guides you through each step, ensuring the best possible results.

  • Hearing Test
  • Choosing the Hearing Aid
  • Fitting the Hearing Aid
  • Programming the Hearing Aid
  • Real Ear Measurement
  • Follow-Up Appointments

Real Ear Measurement

When you get hearing aids, it’s important to make sure they work just right. This is where something called “real ear measurement” comes in. Let me explain what it is and why it’s important.

What is Real Ear Measurement?

Real ear measurement is a test that helps audiologists see how well your hearing aids are working in your ears. Here’s how it works:

  • Tiny Microphone: The audiologist puts a tiny microphone in your ear along with your hearing aid. This microphone measures the sounds that the hearing aid makes inside your ear.
  • Sound Test: They then play different sounds through the hearing aids. The microphone picks up these sounds and shows the audiologist how your hearing aid is processing them.
  • Adjustments: Using the information from the microphone, the audiologist can see if the hearing aid is making sounds too loud or too soft. They can then adjust the hearing aid settings to make sure everything sounds just right.

Verification of Hearing Aid Settings

Verification means checking to make sure your hearing aids are set up correctly. Real ear measurement is a big part of this. It helps the audiologist make sure your hearing aids are giving you the best possible sound. Here’s why it’s important:

  • Personalized Fit: Everyone’s ears are different. Real ear measurement helps the audiologist see exactly how sounds behave in your ears, which means they can customize the settings just for you.
  • Better Hearing: By using real ear measurements, the audiologist can ensure that your hearing aids help you hear all the important sounds clearly, like people talking or your favorite music.
  • Comfort: Sometimes, hearing aids can make sounds too loud, which can be uncomfortable. Real ear measurement helps the audiologist adjust the settings so that sounds are comfortable for you to hear.

Adjusting to Hearing Aids

When you first start using hearing aids, it might feel a bit strange. Here’s what you can expect and how to adjust:

What to Expect

At first, you might notice that everything sounds louder. You’ll hear sounds you haven’t heard in a while, like birds chirping or the hum of a refrigerator. Your voice might sound different, too. This can feel a bit overwhelming, but it’s normal.

How to Adjust

  • Start Slowly: Wear your hearing aids for a few hours each day. Gradually increase the time as you get more comfortable.
  • Try Different Environments: Use your hearing aids in different places, like at home, outside, and in noisy places. This helps your brain get used to hearing different sounds again.
  • Practice Listening: Spend time listening to different sounds, like music or people talking. This helps your brain relearn how to process these sounds.

Brain Relearning Sounds

Your brain has to get used to hearing certain sounds again, a process called “brain relearning.” When you wear hearing aids, your brain starts to recognize and understand these sounds better. It might take a few weeks for your brain to adjust fully, so be patient and give it time.

Remember, it’s normal for things to sound different at first. With practice and time, your brain will get used to the new sounds, and you’ll be able to hear more clearly and comfortably.

Adjustment Period

It usually takes a few weeks to get used to new hearing aids. Start by wearing them for a few hours a day and gradually increase the time. Here are some tips to help you adjust:

  • Be patient with yourself.
  • Wear your hearing aids in different environments.
  • Practice listening to different sounds.

Follow-up appointments are very important. They ensure your hearing aids are working well and are comfortable, and our audiologists will make any needed adjustments.

Hearing Aid Fitting FAQs

Does Insurance cover Hearing Aid Fittings?

Hearing aid fittings might be covered by insurance, but it depends on your insurance plan. Some insurance plans help pay for hearing aids and the fitting process, while others don’t. It’s important to check with your insurance company to find out if they cover hearing aids and fittings. You can ask your parents to call the insurance company or look at the information they gave you. If your insurance doesn’t cover it, there might be other options to help pay for your hearing aids, like special programs or payment plans offered by the audiologist.

How Can I Make My Hearing Aid Fit Better?

If your hearing aid doesn’t fit well, it might feel uncomfortable or fall out. Here’s how to make it fit better:
1. Visit Your Audiologist: They can adjust the hearing aid so it fits your ear perfectly. They might also take a mold of your ear to make a custom fit.
2. Use Ear Hooks or Clips: These can help keep your hearing aid in place, especially if you’re active.
3. Adjust the Settings: Sometimes, adjusting the settings can make the hearing aid feel more comfortable.
4. Try Different Sizes: Hearing aids come in different sizes, including tips or domes. Trying different ones can help you find the most comfortable fit.

How Long Does It Take for a Hearing Aid to Be Fitted?

Getting a hearing aid fitted usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. Here’s what happens during this time:
1. Hearing Test: First, the audiologist will test your hearing. This takes about 30 minutes.
2. Choosing a Hearing Aid: Next, you’ll choose a hearing aid. The audiologist will help you pick the best one. This takes around 20 minutes.
3. Fitting and Programming: The audiologist will fit the hearing aid to your ear and program it to match your hearing needs. This part takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

The whole process usually takes between 1 to 2 hours.

At Link Audiology, we provide expert hearing aid fittings in Washington. Our audiologists ensure you get the best fit and performance. We use advanced tests, like Real Ear Measurement, to ensure your hearing aids work perfectly.

Ready to improve your hearing?

Schedule an appointment with us today at our Silverdale, WA, Vashon, WA, or University Place, WA location. We are here to help you hear better and live better.