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Fitting of Hearing Aid/s

Just like at the hearing assessment appointment, the audiologist will introduce themselves and take a brief history to ensure that there have not been any significant changes since your last appointment. The fitting of a hearing aid can take up to an hour to complete. If you choose to, a family member, carer or friend can accompany you to the appointment.

For more information please read the 'Adult Audiology “ Hearing Aid Fitting'

Hearing Aids Checks

The digital hearing aids will be connected to the computer and programmed based on your latest hearing test results. To ensure that the hearing device is tailored to you a procedure called 'Real-ear Measurements' will be performed. During this, a small thin tube will be placed into the ear canal and various tones will be presented from a loudspeaker. This will give an accurate reading of how the hearing aids are working when they are in your ear.

There are options available on most hearing aids that give you control on how the hearing aids operate which the audiologist will discuss with you during the appointment. A volume control can be added which gives you the ability to increase and decrease the volume at will. Also, additional programmes can be added for different environments such as background noise, music and the induction loop.


Initially, the hearing aids may feel strange to wear but at no stage should the moulds or hearing aids cause any soreness, discomfort or pain. If they do then the ear mould can be adjusted during the appointment.

If you do have new hearing aids your world will be full of sounds you forgot existed. You will be moving from what has become a quiet world back to a noisy world in which we all live. At first the level of sound may possibly seem loud but over time the sound will be tolerable. For this reason it is advised that you get used to the hearing aids slowly and increase the amount of time you wear the hearing aids gradually. Also, try to get used to quiet environments before you wear the hearing aids in noisy places. To obtain maximum benefit from your hearing aids ensure that they are worn regularly throughout the day so you become accustomed to the new quality of sound. This can take time and all depends on the individual. Patience and perseverance is the key to success.

During the appointment you will be shown how the hearing aid works and the necessary controls will be explained in detail. Also, you will be taught on how to insert the ear mould into your ear correctly. This can be very difficult at first but with practice this should become easier. You will also be provided with information about where to get batteries, how to look after your hearing aid and what to do if anything goes wrong. A booklet will be provided which will cover all the information discussed during the appointment.

Further appointment?

After the appointment the audiologist will discuss the possibility of a further appointment. A follow-up appointment is usually made to check your progress with the hearing aids. Since it takes time to get used to the hearing aid, minor adjustments are sometimes needed after you have experienced a variety of difference listening environments. Further follow-up appointments will be made until we are confident the hearing aids are tailored to your needs.

For more information please read the 'Adult Audiology “ Hearing Aid Follow-up'