Having an appointment for a hearing consultation and fitting on the horizon is exciting! This is a major step in transforming your hearing health and overall quality of life. It is important to think about the questions you have about hearing loss and hearing aids so that you can gain a greater understanding of your health and best ways to manage (and meet) your needs.
Questions to Consider
You probably already have several questions you would like to ask your hearing healthcare expert. We encourage you to write down as many questions as you have and be as specific (and detailed) as needed! Here are a few suggested questions you can ask during your appointment:
1. What does my hearing loss look like?
Hearing loss can manifest differently in both ears. This means that your ears can experience different degrees of hearing loss. It is important to thoroughly understand the results of your hearing test which identifies your hearing thresholds for each ear. When hearing loss in both ears is similar, it is referred to as symmetrical. And asymmetrical hearing loss is when impairment differs between the ears. Additionally, you can ask about the specific types of sounds that are more challenging for you to hear. The audiogram, which is the graph that shows your hearing test results, represents the details of your hearing loss so be sure to have a solid understanding of it!
2. What should I expect from my hearing aids?
During your fitting, your new hearing aids will be fitted to your ears to ensure a comfortable fit. The device will also be calibrated with the specific settings that meet your hearing needs and preferences. You will be trained on how to use, care for, and maximize your hearing aids. It is important to walk away from this appointment feeling comfortable with your device so be sure to take the time to familiarize yourself with the different components, settings, and features your hearing device offers. Ask about how to properly use the features, switch between settings, volume control, etc.
3. Should I wear my hearing aids continuously?
It takes time to adjust to hearing aids, especially for new wearers. A great question to ask your hearing healthcare provider is how long you should wear your hearing aids during the day. As you start to integrate hearing aids into your daily life, you will likely notice that you are hearing sounds you haven’t heard in quite some time. Taking in these new stimuli can feel like sound overload initially as your brain relearns how to process all of this incoming sound. You may need to take breaks which is completely normal. Be sure to ask about ways to ease into your hearing aids, taking breaks, and transitioning into all-day wear.
4. How do I properly maintain my hearing aids?
Another component of a hearing aid fitting is learning about how to best maintain your hearing aids. These devices are highly durable and made to last awhile (on average, 5-7 years). But they also require consistent care which includes cleaning and storing them effectively. Hearing aids can be affected by daily wear and tear – moisture, ear wax, and other natural debris which needs to be regularly removed. This prevents damage and allows your device to operate effectively. Make sure you are aware of how to best clean and care for your hearing aids so that they are long lasting and operate to their fullest potential.
5. What happens if I experience difficulty adjusting?
It is incredibly important to know that there is an adjustment period when transitioning to wearing hearing aids. Unlike glasses for example, which one wears and vision is immediately enhanced; hearing aids work differently. Your auditory system – ears, and brain – are being retrained on how to absorb and process sound. It takes time to become fully comfortable with hearing aids and all the new sounds you are able to hear. It is also important to be mindful of the possibility that your device is not meeting your specific needs. This is why it is important to discuss warranty options with your hearing healthcare provider. This includes trial periods that allow you to test your new device and return it if it is not working out, damage insurance, and other warranty benefits that your device comes with.