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

Last update on Feb 18th, 2024

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all hearing aid; each hearing aid set must be adjusted according to the wearer's specific hearing needs and preferences.

For this reason, while the selection phase is important, the hearing aid fitting during the adjustment phase is even more crucial.

Audiologist in lab coat shaking hands with a happy elderly couple in an Amplifon store.

Why choose Amplifon?

By choosing Amplifon as your hearing care provider, you’re choosing to be cared and looked after by qualified and experienced Audiologists who can help change the way you listen to the world around you.

What happens during a hearing aid fitting?

During a hearing aid fitting appointment, a hearing professional offers training on the usage of a hearing aid. This appointment is followed by an adjustment phase where the user undergoes a 'trial fitting' of the new device to assess its performance based on their hearing condition.

How long does a hearing aid fitting take?

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

Hearing aid evaluation

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.

Choose the right hearing aid for you

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.

Ear impressions

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.

Programming the hearing aid

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.
A woman with her left hand resting on the headphones during a hearing test

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Have your hearing aids been properly fitted?

In addition to hearing training exercises, regular follow-up visits and discussions with your hearing care professional will help you fine-tune your experience, adjust the physical fit of your hearing aids, and receive guidance during difficult situations. 

Good maintenance and regular checks

Remember to regularly perform hearing aid maintenance for optimal performance and undergo regular check-ups.  At Amplifon, our mission is to guarantee you have the best possible hearing experience and all the necessary tools.

Contact us to learn more!

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