If you are preparing for your first ever hearing aid fitting, then congratulations are in order. Most people wait seven to ten years from the time they suspect they have a hearing exam to act around a hearing loss. During this time a lot can change in your hearing without you even realizing it. However, now that you are acting you can expect amplified sound allowing you to hear the people in your life, connect at work, increase independence, mobility and decrease the risk of cognitive decline. If you are concerned about what to expect at your next exam and fitting, we are here to help. Having a list of questions ready when you arrive ensures that you will get the most out of the experience. It can be hard to remember all your questions on the spot. The good thing is that you don’t have to! We’ve compiled a list of common questions that people ask to get the most out of their hearing experience.
Come Prepared
We are going to cover a lot of information at your consultation and fitting. This includes asking you a list of questions to determine your needs around hearing in your daily life, a physical examination, a hearing exam, and a list of possible treatment options. It may be useful to bring someone with you to help you take notes and keep track of what was discussed. Hearing treatments are ripe with options and it could be helpful to have a significant other, child or other family member come along to make the process and decisions a little less overwhelming. They can help ask questions and keep track of instructions and options. Here are some common questions to ask:
Should I Wear My Hearing Aids All the Time?
Hearing aids are an important and significant investment. Its best to understand what is expected of you as a hearing aid wearer. For hearing aids to be most effective, it’s recommended that you wear them every day from the moment you wake till the time you rest. The only times we recommend taking them out is when bathing, swimming, or any environment where they may be exposed to excessive levels of moisture. Like any electronic device, hearing aids are susceptible to short circuits and corrosion due to exposure to moisture. While many hearing aids offer water resistance, few offer complete waterproof options. It may take a while to get used to wearing your hearing aids daily, but after a week or two you’ll wonder how you ever got on without them.
What Should I Expect in Terms of Sound?
After years of living with hearing loss, hearing aids may come as a shock at first. Even the sound of your own voice may sound jarring at first. Give yourself a week to build up to wearing them every day, all day. Your hearing aids mimic natural hearing, but aren’t perfect. Over time your brain will adjust, and sounds will seem natural. Soon you’ll find yourself connecting to people in ways you may not have in years and finding yourself going places independently.
How do I Care for My Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids are exposed to a lot as they go with you just about everywhere. To make sure you get the best performance, make sure to inspect and clean them every evening along with your nighttime hygiene routine. Inspect for loose tubes or cracks and wipe away dirt and debris with a dry soft microfiber cloth. Ask lots of questions to make sure you’re doing it right.
How Do I Change the Programs and Settings?
During the hearing consultation and fitting we’ll show you how to change the programs and settings on your devices. Today, these can often be done via an app on your smartphone.
Follow-Up Visits
Once you go home with your hearing aids, don’t worry—we are always just a phone call or email away to offer advice and insight on the performance of your hearing aids and help you get the most out of your hearing aids. In addition we recommend scheduling a follow-up visit in a week or two to make sure everything is working its best. If something isn’t going right schedule a visit with us today
