Olive Nguyen
Losing your hearing, even a little, can feel… strange. Frustrating. Confusing. And yes, scary at times. That’s why a proper hearing aid fitting matters. It’s not just about popping a device in your ear; it’s a journey. One that makes things easier if you know what’s coming.
1. The First Meeting
You’ll probably sit down with an audiologist, maybe nervously. They ask questions, lots of them. About your lifestyle, your hearing struggles, your medical history. Then there’s the test, tones, speech, quiet, noise. It might feel like a game, but it’s serious. This tells them exactly what your ears need.
2. Choosing Your Device
There are options. Lots of them. Tiny in-ear devices. Behind-the-ear models. Some nearly invisible, others robust. Lifestyle comes into play. Meetings? Outdoors? Music lover? Each choice changes how well it works for you.
3. Making It Fit
Custom moulds, ear impressions, adjustments… it sounds technical, but it’s practical. A snug fit avoids whistling, slipping, that annoying little feedback noise. Sometimes you even pick a colour. Why? Confidence. Simple as that.
4. Programming It Right
Now the magic happens. The device is programmed. Volume, frequency, noise reduction. But it’s not perfect yet. Not at first. Sounds might feel strange. Voices too sharp, background noises too loud. Adjustments follow. Slowly, it starts to feel… right.
5. The Trial Period
Weeks of real-world testing. Shops, cafes, parks. You notice things—birds chirping, your fridge humming, conversations clearer than ever. Some days feel off. Frustrating even. That’s normal. Audiologists tweak settings. You find your rhythm.
6. Getting Used to It
It’s awkward. At first. You forget it’s there. Then you notice it. Conversations become easier. You catch words you’d been missing. Sometimes your brain struggles. Patience helps. Listening exercises help more.
7. Looking After Your Hearing Aids
Batteries. Cleaning. Updates. Small things, but they matter. Regular check-ups prevent problems. Minor tweaks keep the device working perfectly.
A proper hearing aid fitting is not a single step. It’s a process. Personal. Sometimes slow. Always worth it. Your hearing aids repairs can help you reconnect with sounds you forgot existed. Birds, laughter, rain… even the hum of your own kettle. Life feels richer.