Once you have selected your hearing aids through detailed evaluation, your audiologist at Rocky Mountain Hearing & Balance will program them, based on a prescription, to meet your hearing needs. The hearing professional will explain how to use the devices, how to insert and remove them from the ear, how to change or charge batteries and how to care for and clean the devices. This appointment will generally take about an hour. It is also a good idea to bring a family member or close friend to the hearing aid fitting so they can help remember all the information that is given and be a support to you.
Fitting your hearing aids
When you put the hearing aids in your ears for the first time, you may have different emotions about the sounds you hear. This is normal and to be expected. First time hearing aid users usually leave the appointment with the device settings below their target prescription to allow for a smoother adjustment period. Devices are often programmed where the individual will receive the majority of the benefit immediately with the expectation of subsequent improvement in hearing as devices are “turned up” to prescription level and personalized fine tune adjustments are made. The goal of the hearing aid is to make every day sounds audible and comfortable with clear and pleasant sound. Additionally, remember to ask any questions and be open with your audiologist on how you are hearing for a better experience.
Adjusting to hearing aids & ongoing care
Your hearing aid fitting is only a starting place; other changes to customize the hearing aid to your liking will take place over multiple appointments in the first few months. Keep in mind that it may take some time to get used to the sounds you were missing. By working closely with your audiologist, you will get the most out of your new hearing aids. Additional changes may be needed over time as your needs can change. At Rocky Mountain Hearing and Balance, we feel follow-up care is just as important, if not more important, than the initial fitting. Your audiologist will complete additional testing, questionnaires, and follow-up visits over the lifetime of the hearing device to make sure the devices are working optimally. We are happy to provide live speech mapping consistent with industry best practices to ensure you are getting your best possible hearing.