Once you have decided to trial hearing aids, the process usually takes about 6 weeks from the time the hearing aids are ordered. The 60 day trial system allows you to be sure you are getting benefits of owning the new hearing aids before finalising (deciding you want to keep them). It usually takes a few weeks to adjust to the new sound, so 60 days is plenty of time for you to get used to your new hearing aids.

Hearing aids are always paid for in full on the day you take them home from the clinic (after the fitting appointment). If you decide that hearing aids are not for you, you can hand them back with in the 60 day time frame. If you do, you will be refunded the cost of the aids minus the fitting fee (to cover the time spent with you). We also have the option of changing to other hearing aids at this time. 

Below we discuss the what is involved in the hearing aid fitting process.

Hearing Assessment

& Discussion

A full hearing assessment is completed by the audiologist to establish hearing levels. This test allows us to see where in your ear the hearing loss is coming from. Hearing loss may be described as:

• conductive - where sound is blocked from reaching the cochlear (outer or middle ear)
• sensori-neural - where the cochlear is not able to detect all the sounds
• an auditory processing disorder (APD) - where the brain cannot process the sound it detects.

From here we will discuss the degree of hearing loss, how it is effecting you, whether you are interested in getting help with your hearing and possible options that might suit you.

During the needs assessment appointment we spend time getting to know you.  This helps us to understand your real needs and challenges that you are having with your hearing. From here we can design a solution that is personalised to you. At this point we record specifically the areas that you want to be improved so that we can check that we have achieved this at the end of the trial. To choose the right hearing aids for you we take into account your:

• Hearing loss and other physical factors
• Lifestyle and your hearing needs 
• Preferences i.e. what the hearing aid will look like or specific functionality
• Funding - you may be eligible for funding from a government agency

We match the best hearing aids for your needs by finding out about the listening environments you are in, where you are having the most hearing difficulty hearing, as well as your preferences like for what the hearing aid will look like or the functionality you prefer.  For example, often clients prefer their hearing aids to work automatically all day, others would like more control or connectivity to other devices like the phone, TV and or a external microphone.

Order - we will measure your ears or make impressions then send the order to the manufacturer.  

Book fitting appointment - in 1 - 2 weeks time depending on the style chosen.

As you have seen there are many brands, models, styles and even colours of hearing aids.  Each brand has its own strength and new models are being released regularly. Luckily, being an independent clinic means, that at Auckland Hearing we have the freedom to choose from all the models and brands of hearing aids available in New Zealand. You will not be penalised if the "non preferred supplier brand" is the best one for you.

Our main goal at the fitting is to get you comfortable with the sound and management of your new hearing aids.  We will:

• Calculate the sound required and your program hearing aids
• Do real ear measures - use a small soft microphone to measure the sound in your ear canal.  This verifies that the hearing aids are doing what we expect of them
• Discuss the management of hearing aids, cleaning, using the phone
• Talk to you about adjusting to sound and wearing the hearing aids as much as you can
• Book the follow up appointment - usually in about in 1 or 2 weeks time

Follow ups(s)

Follow up appointments allow us to check how you are going with the hearing aids and make adjustments, as required. Usually people have got used to the initial settings of the hearing aids and are ready for a clearer sound. The number of follow up appointments required will vary for different clients.

Once you are happy with the hearing aids and have adapted to the sound, we will check that most of the needs you told us about before you got your hearing aids have been met. At this stage we will finalise the hearing aids.

Finalising means that you are happy with your hearing aids and have decided you want to keep them. We will not schedule another appointment at this time but you are welcome to contact us again if you have further questions or need adjustments to your hearing aids.

All appointments in the first year are included in the initial fitting fee.

6 Month Check

We will call you up in six months for a check up.  This appointment and any appointments up until this time are included in the initial fitting fees.  We will check how you are going with you hearing aids and can make adjustments or modification if needed.

Annual Review

You will be called up each year for your annual review, which will include a hearing assessment and adjustment of your hearing aids. We will also check over your hearing aids over and make sure they are working as they should.

It is worth coming along to these appointments each year as often hearing gradually continues to change.  When we refit your hearing aids to your up to date hearing test your hearing aids will sound clear and crisp again.  You will notice the clarity difference especially in difficult listening environments like in groups or noise.

Replacing your

hearing aids 

Traditionally hearing aids lasted about 4-5 years as they would be affected by wax, moisture, dust and dirt. Now most hearing aids are covered by high tech coatings that make them much more resistant to moisture, some hearing aids are even guaranteed to be water proof and you are able to swim in them.

Hearing aid life time - It is not possible to tell how long these current aids will last but with good care possibly 6-8 years. Obviously you will need regular hearing assessments and adjustments over that time to keep them working the best for you. 

Insurance - It is important that you have your hearing are listed on your insurance policy just in case they do fall into water or get crushed or lost.

Hopefully you are feeling clearer about the hearing aid fitting process now. As an Auckland Hearing client you will become part of our Auckland Hearing community. As long as you are interested we will keep you up to date about the hearing world from hearing care to the latest hearing aids.

Please feel free to add any questions or comments in the section below. Or browse among the other articles about hearing loss and hearing aids.