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Wearing hearing aids for the first time is a huge step for your hearing wellness. Getting fitted for your first set of hearing aids can make you feel relieved, curious, nervous, or all three at once. That’s completely normal.
Your first hearing aid fitting is where your devices are adjusted to suit your hearing needs, comfort, and daily life. It’s also where you’ll learn how to use them correctly, care for them, and ask any questions. The goal of your first fitting is to have you leave feeling supported, informed, and more confident.
Your Hearing Aids Are Programmed for You
Unlike your wireless earbuds, hearing aids aren’t a one-size-fits-all device. During your fitting, the audiologist programs the hearing aids based on your individual hearing test results, the type of hearing loss you have, and how the devices fit around your ears. Ongoing comfort is also important, so getting a feel for the shape of your ears is a big part of the fitting process.
Hearing aid fitting at The Hearing Loss Clinic involves programming devices to fit prescription targets based on your hearing loss and ear shape. Our audiologists will take into consideration additional aspects as well, such as lifestyle, listening needs, and personal goals. As the clinic works with all major hearing aid manufacturers, recommendations are made around what suits you, and not a specific brand.
Sounds May Seem Different at First
Hearing aids aren’t worn just to turn up the volume. They reintroduce sounds that your brain needs time to get used to again. At first, everyday noises will seem sharper, brighter, louder, or maybe even a little strange. You’ll start to notice footsteps, clinking of dishes, rustling of leaves, and clothing moving more than expected.
That doesn’t mean something is wrong with your hearing aids. It’s because the brain takes time to get used to hearing details it hasn’t heard for quite a while. Your audiologist will explain this adjustment period, answer any questions, and fine-tune the settings so your hearing aids feel natural over time.
You Will Learn How to Put Them In and Take Them Out
Some people can find putting in hearing aids awkward at first, especially if they’re not used to something being behind their ears. Your audiologist will show you how to insert and remove them safely and give you time to practice getting it right during the first fitting appointment.
They’ll also check that the fit is secure. Different hearing aid styles sit differently, so a small in-the-ear device will feel different from one that sits behind the ear. At The Hearing Loss Clinic, practising insertion and removal is all part of our service.
You Will Be Shown How to Care for Them
Hearing aids are small and complex pieces of technology, so daily care goes a long way in preventing damage and loss. At your first fitting, you’ll be shown how to clean them, change and charge batteries, and store them safely when not in use. You’ll also learn how to protect them from moisture, dust, and everyday bumps.
Your audiologist will point out some of the features of your new hearing aids, like:
- Wax guards: Tiny filters that stop earwax from blocking sound.
- Domes: Soft tips that sit in the ear canal and make the hearing aids more comfortable.
- Microphone covers: Protective covers that keep dust out of the microphone.
The Hearing Loss Clinic also provides maintenance and repair support, including cleaning, replacement parts, and dehumidifying.
Apps, Remotes, and Extra Features Are Explained
Many hearing aids can connect to smartphones, apps, remotes, and external headsets. Getting used to new technology can be overwhelming, so during your fitting, your audiologist will explain which of these features are likely to be useful for your hearing needs and lifestyle.
The appointment usually involves pairing your hearing aids with your phone and showing you basic volume controls and which accessories to use in specific situations. The Hearing Loss Clinic will go over any additional technology with you during your first fitting, including apps, remotes, external microphones, and digital modulation systems. There’s no need to master everything on the first day.
Give Yourself Time to Adjust
Your first hearing aid fitting is your time to ask questions, get comfortable with your new hearing aids, and feel supported as you start something new. It is normal to need time, practice, and small adjustments after you begin wearing your hearing aids daily.
The Hearing Loss Clinic can help with hearing aid fittings, maintenance, repairs, and follow-up care, so you’re never left figuring things out alone. If you’re preparing for your first fitting or have any questions, contact us at The Hearing Loss Clinic to book an appointment.