What is hearing aid fitting and why is it so important?

The hearing aid fitting phase is simple for the patient and can last from a few weeks to a couple of months.

A hearing aid evaluation is the first step in understanding the patient's condition. Following this assessment, the hearing specialist can recommend the most suitable hearing aid. However, this evaluation may also identify additional hearing-related problems or diseases, in these circumstances the patient will be referred to appropriate specialists to resolve it.

A hearing aid is a highly personal device that requires an extensive analysis of the ear anatomy, the patient's lifestyle and individual needs.

There are three models available: in-the-ear (ITE),  where the receiver is positioned inside the ear; behind-the-ear (BTE),  which sits discreetly behind the ear; and in the ear canal (RIC), which is the perfect compromise between aesthetics and functionality.

To ensure optimal fitting that respects the ear's anatomy, a hearing specialist can create an impression of your ear by inserting special otological paste. This painless procedure typically takes around ten minutes and should always be done by a professional.

If the part of the brain that handles hearing is not regularly stimulated, it may have difficulty receiving and processing sounds. That is why the adjustment process of a hearing aid can take time, ranging from about two weeks to a couple of months. 

To facilitate this process, the doctor might recommend daily exercises, such as:

• Listening to speeches to monitor comprehension, increasing exposure gradually.
• Exposing oneself to sounds of a different nature and keeping an eye on possible changes.
• Practice sound localisation by closing the eyes and focusing on the source of the sounce.