logo

 

 

Royal National Institute for Deaf People Website

Department of Health Website

Existing Hearing Aid Users

If you already use a hearing aid, but need to be reassessed or re-fitted, you will normally need to attend for two appointments. Your audiologist will need to have detailed information about your hearing levels and listening needs to make sure that you get the maximum benefit from your hearing aid.

1. Reassessment/Re-fitting visit (at least 60 mins)

You can expect the audiologist to:

  • Ask you if there are any changes or additions to your medical history.
  • Ask you some specific questions about how you use your current hearing aid and how much it helps in certain situations.
  • Carry out Otoscopy, to look for wax, blockages, or any problems with your ear canal or ear drum which need to be taken into account when fitting an aid.
  • Insert the earmould into your ear, and trim the tube to the correct length.
  • Check that the earmould is comfortable and can be inserted/removed easily. If it is too tight or uncomfortable in places, the audiologist can modify it using various tools.
  • Perform a ‘real ear measurement’ to check that the new aid is working correctly. The audiologist will put a narrow tube down your ear canal, which can tickle, but should not hurt. She or he will then play some sounds through a loudspeaker, and measure the sound in your ear both without and with your new hearing aid in place. This makes sure that the hearing aid is amplifying sounds correctly for your hearing loss and your ear.
  • Ask you how things sound, and make any necessary adjustments to the aid.
  • Teach you how to do the following:
    • Change the battery
    • Operate the controls
    • Insert and remove the aid
    • Use loop systems where available. Your audiologist will explain this to you, but more information is available. [Link to RNID factsheet on loop systems].
    • Take care of your hearing aid
  • Give you advice on using your hearing aid and getting used to it, including written information.
  • Book your next appointment for 8-12 weeks.


Follow up at 8-12 weeks

back button Back