Taking the step to get hearing aids fitted for the first time is a significant decision, and we understand that you might have questions about what to expect. At Sussex Audiology Centre, we’re here to guide you through every stage of your hearing aid fitting journey in Eastbourne. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from your initial appointment to adjusting to your new devices and ongoing aftercare.
Getting fitted for hearing aids is not simply a matter of choosing a device and wearing it. The fitting process is a carefully tailored experience designed to ensure that your hearing aids work optimally for your specific hearing loss, lifestyle, and personal needs. According to RNID, over 18 million adults in the UK experience hearing loss, and modern digital hearing aids can make a transformative difference to quality of life when properly fitted and programmed.
The fitting appointment typically takes between 60 to 90 minutes, allowing us plenty of time to ensure everything is comfortable and working as it should. We encourage you to bring a family member or friend with you to your appointment. Having someone else present can help you remember important information and provide valuable input about the listening situations you encounter together.
When you arrive at our Eastbourne clinic for your first hearing aid fitting, we’ll begin by reviewing your hearing assessment results. We’ll have already taken a full health history, conducted a thorough hearing test to determine the degree of your hearing loss, and discussed your lifestyle and the listening environments you find most challenging. This information forms the foundation for our tailored recommendations.
At the fitting appointment itself, we’ll introduce you to your new hearing aids and explain how they work. Modern hearing aids use microphones to pick up sounds around you, process them digitally, and then amplify and play them through a speaker into your ear. We’ll show you the different components, including how to handle them, insert and remove them correctly, and operate any controls or buttons. This hands-on introduction is essential, as it helps you build confidence in managing your devices independently.
One of the most important aspects of your hearing aid fitting is ensuring the physical fit is comfortable and secure. Depending on the hearing aid style you’ve chosen, this might involve custom earmoulds or standard domes.
Custom earmoulds are created from impressions we take of your ear canals. These moulds are designed specifically for your ears, providing a secure fit and excellent sound quality. If you’re being fitted with custom moulds, we’ll check that they sit comfortably without causing any soreness or pressure points.
Alternatively, you might be fitted with soft silicone or foam domes that attach to the end of the hearing aid. These come in various sizes, and we’ll try different options to find the most comfortable and effective fit for you. The right fit prevents feedback (whistling sounds) whilst ensuring sound is delivered properly into your ear canal.
During this stage, we’ll ask you about how the hearing aids feel. It’s perfectly normal for them to feel a bit strange at first. Many first-time hearing aid users notice an ‘occlusion effect’, where your own voice sounds different or louder than you’re used to. We’ll explain that this sensation typically diminishes as you adjust to wearing your hearing aids.
Modern digital hearing aids are sophisticated devices that can be precisely programmed to match your unique hearing loss pattern. We use advanced programming software to adjust various parameters, including amplification levels for different frequencies, noise reduction settings, and feedback management.
The programming is based on your audiogram (the results of your hearing test), but it’s also tailored to your personal preferences and listening needs. We’ll start with settings that match your prescription, then make adjustments based on your feedback. You might find that some sounds seem too loud initially, especially if you’ve been living with hearing loss for some time. This is completely normal, as your brain needs time to readjust to hearing sounds you may not have heard clearly for years.
We work with leading hearing aid brands, including Phonak, Oticon, Signia, ReSound, Widex, and Starkey. Each manufacturer offers different features and technologies, and we’ll ensure your devices are programmed to take full advantage of the capabilities that matter most to you.
To ensure your hearing aids are providing the right amount of amplification, we use Real Ear Measurements (REM) as part of the verification process. This involves placing a tiny microphone in your ear canal alongside your hearing aid to measure the actual sound levels being delivered to your eardrum.
REM is considered best practice in hearing aid fitting because it accounts for the unique acoustics of your individual ear canal. Two people with identical hearing loss might need slightly different programming due to variations in ear canal size and shape, and REM helps us achieve the most accurate fit possible.
Today’s hearing aids offer remarkable features that go far beyond simple amplification. During your fitting appointment, we’ll set up and explain the various programmes and functions available on your devices.
Many modern hearing aids include multiple listening programmes optimised for different environments, such as quiet conversation, noisy restaurants, music listening, or outdoor settings. We’ll show you how to switch between these programmes, either using buttons on the hearing aids themselves or through a smartphone app.
If your hearing aids have Bluetooth connectivity, we’ll help you pair them with your smartphone, tablet, or television. This allows you to stream phone calls, music, and other audio directly to your hearing aids, providing excellent sound quality and convenience. We’ll walk through the pairing process step by step and ensure you’re comfortable with the technology.
For those who experience tinnitus alongside hearing loss, many hearing aids include special programmes that can help manage tinnitus symptoms. If this applies to you, we’ll discuss tinnitus therapy options and configure the appropriate settings.
It’s important to understand that when you first wear hearing aids, sounds may seem unnaturally loud or different. Background noises you haven’t heard for a long time, like the hum of a refrigerator or the rustle of paper, might seem intrusive. Your own voice and chewing sounds may also seem much louder than expected.
These experiences are completely normal and temporary. Your brain has adapted to hearing loss over time, and it now needs to readjust to a fuller range of sounds. We call this the adjustment period, and it’s a crucial part of your journey to better hearing.
During your fitting, we’ll set your hearing aids at a comfortable starting level. In some cases, we might programme them slightly below your full prescription initially, then gradually increase the amplification at follow-up appointments. This gradual approach can make the adjustment process more comfortable, particularly if you have a significant degree of hearing loss.
Successfully adjusting to hearing aids requires patience and consistent use. We recommend gradually building up your wear time during the first few weeks. You might start by wearing your hearing aids for a few hours each day in quiet, familiar environments, then progressively increasing the duration and trying them in more challenging listening situations.
A suggested wear-time schedule might look like this: Start with two to four hours per day in your home for the first few days. Increase to six to eight hours per day over the following week, including some outdoor use. Aim for full-day wear within two to three weeks, including various listening environments.
The more consistently you wear your hearing aids, the more quickly your brain will adapt to the new sounds. It typically takes several weeks to a few months for your brain to fully adjust, though many people notice improvements much sooner.
Throughout this adjustment period, keep notes about any challenges or situations where you feel the hearing aids aren’t working as well as you’d hoped. This information is invaluable for fine-tuning your devices at follow-up appointments.
Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your hearing aids working optimally. During your fitting appointment, we’ll provide detailed instructions on caring for your devices.
For rechargeable hearing aids, we’ll explain how to use the charging station and how long the batteries typically last on a full charge. Most modern rechargeable hearing aids provide a full day’s use from an overnight charge. For hearing aids with disposable batteries, we’ll show you how to change the batteries and provide information about battery life expectancy.
Daily cleaning is important to prevent wax and debris from affecting performance. We’ll demonstrate the proper cleaning technique using the tools provided with your hearing aids. Generally, this involves gently wiping the devices with a soft, dry cloth and using a small brush or wax pick to clear any wax from the microphone ports or receivers.
We’ll also discuss moisture protection. Whilst modern hearing aids are built to withstand normal daily exposure to moisture, it’s best to remove them before showering, swimming, or applying hairspray and other aerosols. Using a dehumidifier or drying kit overnight can help extend the life of your devices.
Your hearing aid fitting doesn’t end when you leave our Eastbourne clinic after the initial appointment. We provide comprehensive patient aftercare as part of our commitment to your hearing health.
We’ll schedule a follow-up appointment typically within two to four weeks of your initial fitting. This appointment allows us to check how you’re adjusting to your hearing aids, address any concerns, and make programming adjustments based on your real-world experiences. Many people find that small tweaks at this stage make a significant difference to their satisfaction and comfort.
Further follow-up appointments can be scheduled as needed. We offer ongoing support throughout your time as a hearing aid user, whether you need adjustments, troubleshooting assistance, or simply reassurance that everything is working as it should.
If you experience any issues between appointments, such as discomfort, reduced sound quality, or whistling feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Many problems can be resolved quickly with simple adjustments or cleaning.
As part of our service, we also provide information about hearing aid packages that include extended aftercare, warranty coverage, and other benefits. These packages are designed to give you peace of mind and ensure you receive the support you need throughout the lifespan of your hearing aids.
Even with a perfect fitting, you might encounter occasional issues with your hearing aids. Here are some common problems and solutions:
If your hearing aids aren’t producing sound, check that they’re switched on and the battery isn’t dead. Ensure the microphone and receiver aren’t blocked with wax. For rechargeable devices, make sure they’re properly charged.
Whistling or feedback sounds usually indicate that the hearing aid isn’t sitting properly in your ear or that wax buildup is causing sound to leak out and back into the microphone. Reinserting the hearing aid correctly often solves this issue. If feedback persists, contact us for an adjustment.
If sounds seem muffled or quieter than usual, the hearing aid may need cleaning, or the battery might be running low. Check for any visible wax blockage and clean the device according to our instructions.
Remember, we’re here to help with any issues you encounter. Don’t struggle alone or leave problems unresolved, as this can impact your adjustment process and satisfaction with your hearing aids.
At Sussex Audiology Centre, we’re an independent, family-run audiology provider dedicated to delivering exceptional hearing care across Sussex. Our Eastbourne clinic is staffed by experienced audiologists who take the time to understand your individual needs and provide personalised care.
We offer free hearing aid assessments, allowing you to explore your options without any financial commitment. Our assessment process includes taking a full health history, conducting comprehensive hearing tests to determine the degree of your hearing loss, and discussing your lifestyle and the listening environments you find most challenging. Based on this information, we provide tailored recommendations that suit your hearing needs and budget.
Our patients consistently praise the care and attention they receive. As one recent patient shared, “What a first class experience! From making the appointment to getting the hearing aid fitted, the team at Sussex Audiology have been outstanding.” Another noted, “Katie at Sussex Audiology made my whole experience of getting hearing aids very positive and so easy! Was supported the whole way through.”
We also understand that travelling to our clinic isn’t always convenient, which is why we offer home visits throughout Eastbourne and the wider Sussex area. Our home visit service operates within a two-hour appointment window, and your audiologist will call 30 minutes before arrival. We ask that you’re prepared and seated upright with access to both ears for the appointment, and we’ll complete any necessary consent forms at your home.
As part of our comprehensive audiology services, we offer more than just hearing aid fittings. If you’re experiencing wax buildup, which can affect both your hearing and the performance of your hearing aids, we provide professional ear wax removal services using safe and effective microsuction techniques.
For those experiencing balance issues related to inner ear problems, we offer vestibular rehabilitation. We also provide custom hearing protection for musicians, industrial workers, and anyone regularly exposed to loud environments.
Our commitment to your hearing health extends beyond the initial fitting and adjustment period. We’re here to support you for as long as you need us, with ongoing aftercare, regular check-ups, and expert advice whenever you need it.
How long does a first hearing aid fitting appointment take in Eastbourne?
Your first hearing aid fitting appointment typically takes between 60 to 90 minutes. This allows us sufficient time to explain how your hearing aids work, ensure the physical fit is comfortable, programme the devices to your specific hearing loss, set up any connectivity features, and answer all your questions. We never rush appointments because we want you to leave feeling confident and comfortable with your new hearing aids.
Will my hearing aids feel or sound strange at first?
Yes, it’s completely normal for hearing aids to feel and sound different at first. You might notice an occlusion effect where your own voice sounds louder or unusual, and background noises you haven’t heard for a while may seem prominent. Your brain needs time to adjust to hearing a fuller range of sounds again. Most people adapt within a few weeks, and these strange sensations diminish significantly. We’re here to support you through this adjustment period and can make programming changes if certain sounds remain uncomfortable.
Can I bring someone with me to my hearing aid fitting appointment?
Absolutely, and we actually encourage it. Having a family member or friend accompany you to your appointment can be very helpful. They can help you remember the instructions we provide, ask questions you might not think of, and offer valuable input about the listening situations you experience together. Many of our patients find it reassuring to have someone they trust with them during this important appointment.
How often will I need follow-up appointments after my initial fitting?
We typically schedule your first follow-up appointment within two to four weeks of your initial fitting. This allows you time to adjust to your hearing aids and experience them in various listening environments. At this appointment, we’ll discuss your experiences and make any necessary adjustments to the programming. After that, follow-up appointments are scheduled based on your individual needs. Some people require more frequent visits initially, whilst others are comfortable with less frequent check-ups. Our ongoing aftercare ensures you always have support when you need it.
What should I do if my hearing aids feel too loud or uncomfortable?
If your hearing aids feel too loud or cause discomfort, please contact us straight away. Don’t simply stop wearing them or struggle through the discomfort. In many cases, we can resolve these issues quickly with programming adjustments or fit modifications. Some loudness is normal during the adjustment period, but persistent discomfort or sounds that feel painfully loud should be addressed promptly. We want you to be comfortable and successful with your hearing aids, and we’re here to make any necessary changes.
What maintenance routine should I follow for my hearing aids?
Daily maintenance involves gently wiping your hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth and using the provided cleaning tools to remove any wax from the microphone ports or receivers. Store your hearing aids in a safe, dry place when not in use, ideally in a dehumidifier case overnight. For rechargeable hearing aids, place them in the charging station each night. For devices with disposable batteries, replace the batteries when you notice reduced volume or sound quality. Avoid exposing your hearing aids to water, extreme temperatures, or hairspray and other aerosols. We’ll provide detailed maintenance instructions during your fitting appointment and are always available to answer questions about caring for your devices.
Getting hearing aids fitted for the first time is an important step towards improving your quality of life, and we’re here to make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible. At Sussex Audiology Centre, our Eastbourne clinic provides expert, personalised care in a friendly and professional environment.
If you’re ready to explore how hearing aids can help you, or if you have questions about the fitting process, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today at info@sussexaudiologycentre.co.uk or call us to book your free hearing assessment. We serve patients throughout Eastbourne and the wider Sussex area, with additional clinics in Hove, Haywards Heath, Goring, Lewes, Ferring, and Storrington.
Your journey to better hearing starts here, and we’re with you every step of the way.
4 July 2023
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