Your 8-step Guide To A Successful Hearing Aid Fitting

Are you having hearing aids fitted?

While reclaiming the gift of sound is a wonderful thing, we totally understand that the thought of hearing aids doesn’t exactly excite everyone. It may remind you of that big banana of an instrument that sat behind your father’s ears which whistled like no tomorrow. Or perhaps the hearing aid that your mother keeps changing the batteries on and still doesn’t help her hear any better.

You may even be thinking of it as a device you spend exorbitant amounts of money on, only for it to end up collecting dust in the drawer.

Whether this rings true or you have no knowledge about hearing aids whatsoever, there is nothing to be ashamed of and you are not alone.

We’re here to set the record straight, give you the truth and help you understand the hearing aid fitting process better.

The common misconceptions about hearing loss

It’s not uncommon for a person with hearing difficulties to be the last one to realise it.

In fact, the standard age-related hearing deterioration happens very gradually over many years in the background and typically takes someone up to 7 years to notice a distinct difficulty in hearing. Throughout those years, spouses, family members and friends are typically the people who notice a change in their hearing capabilities and bring it to their attention.

It can be a little misconceiving during this process, as they still can somewhat hear. They mistake their hearing loss for disinterest in a conversation or assume that people speak too fast – so they fail to recognise that their decreasing ability to carry conversations in crowded situations such as restaurants or pubs is actually potential signs of hearing loss.

So, where do you go from here?

How do you find the right hearing solution for you?

Losing your ability to hear may make you feel anxious. But if you address the hearing loss signs sooner than later, you might be able to alleviate the situation with an effective solution.

To ensure you are following the right steps in achieving better hearing, here is a step-by-step guide to follow:

1. Go for a hearing test.

Whether you’ve just felt an inkling that there may be a problem or you’re quite certain that you’re experiencing hearing loss, book a hearing check. Going for a hearing test doesn’t automatically mean that you need hearing aids, however, allowing a hearing health care professional to assess your hearing levels and educate you will provide better awareness and understanding of where you are at in your journey.

2. Understand the audiogram.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! The audiogram (hearing test) will indicate which type of hearing loss you have. There are three types:

• Conductive hearing loss – there is a problem in the conduction of sound to the hearing nerve that potentially could benefit from a further referral.

• Sensorineural hearing loss – when there has been permanent damage to the hearing nerve itself, which in most cases is unlikely to see any recovery.

• Mixed hearing loss – when there’s a presentation of both types. Your next steps will vary depending on your degree and type of hearing loss.
  

3. Have a hearing aids trial.

If you do present with hearing loss and it is recommended by your hearing health care professional to seek the benefits of a hearing aid, take the hearing aids for a trial run. As they say, you are not aware of what you’re not hearing until you try! It’s not until you experience the technology for yourself that you can be the judge of the difference they can make to your life.

4. Know your options.

Your hearing health care professional should present all your options to you and will make a recommendation based on your hearing loss, lifestyle patterns and budget. However, we ultimately want to empower you as the client to have the opportunity to test out your options and come to a shared decision together as to what’s the most appropriate hearing solution for you.

5. Have realistic expectations.

Ultimately, hearing aids are a device which cannot replicate the intricacies and sophistication of a healthy human ear, so your hearing experience will never be “perfect” - but we’ll try and get you as close as possible. Whether you’re going for basic, mid or top of the range technology, there will always be limitations. However, being involved in the selection and trial process of the hearing devices and looking at the appropriate levels of technology to meet your hearing needs will offer you the most benefit.


6. Take your pick.

There are two things you should look for in a hearing aid: benefit and comfort. The hearing aids must feel physically comfortable on the ears but also help make sounds audible for you. Having the appropriate level of technology and the correct program settings on the device will also be a big help in hearing comfortably within different environments.


7. It’s all about commitment.

Like any other rehabilitation, the more you put in, the more you’ll get out. Likewise, the more you wear the hearing aids, the more you’re helping yourself adjust and adapt to using the device. We know it can be very difficult as many sounds have been absent from your life for a long time, but the more you stimulate your brain with the hearing aids, the more you’re helping it acclimatise.


8. Enjoy!

It’s not until we lose something that we realise its significance. Hearing might just be another sense, but what we don’t realise is that it connects us with people. Communication is so crucial for relationships and connection, so having an impairment that breaks down this pathway can be very isolating and damaging over time to our relationships, connections and even mental health. Rediscover the simple joys of hearing again and enjoy the process!

Seek the help of experts

Hearing loss can definitely be confusing and overwhelming. However, it’s the role of your hearing health care professional to guide you along in this process and offer a tailored approach to every individual.

With the help of hearing experts, you can feel comfortable knowing that your hearing is in highly capable hands.

Shire Hearing is here to help you hear

At Shire Hearing, we care for our clients like family. Going above and beyond to provide the best hearing health care services is a commitment we fully embrace every single day.

With innovative technology, rich expertise and hands-on support, Shire Hearing is your trusted local partner in achieving better hearing to help you enjoy life’s beautiful moments.

Book an appointment with us or drop by one of our clinics in the Sutherland Shire!

Cronulla
02 9544 4466

Engadine
02 9520 4774