Hearing Aids and The Trial Period

I can’t believe how fast time flies. A year ago, I was finishing up my practicum hours with Living Sounds Hearing Centre, and it has been almost a year working independently as a professional hearing aid practitioner. It is so rewarding looking back on this past year and thinking how many people I have helped hear better and live with an improved quality of life. I have also gained so much more knowledge of the field and experience with understanding the adjustment period with new hearing aid users.

New hearing aid users

When we first fit a new client with hearing aids, there is always a 60-day trial period in which we work together to make sure our clients are hearing the best they can. As a new hearing aid user, you can expect a few visits to make “fine tuning” adjustments to make sure that your hearing aids are set to your preference and comfort. Frequently, the people we fit with hearing aids have had hearing loss for many years before they have decided to have their hearing checked. Reintroducing the brain to common sounds you have been missing is an adjustment process. This is why we have a 60-day trial period. Within a couple of weeks to a month, I have seen my clients adapt well to their new hearing aids as they enjoy the things they once did before like going to restaurants or a play. I admit, not every trial period process has been easy. Expect after your initial hearing aid fitting, that the hearing aids may not be perfect, but after a couple of appointments, we hope to have the hearing aids set right for you.

Your hearing is unique

Every individual has their own unique hearing and how you interpret sound will be different from the person beside you. Hearing is a complicated process that involves the brain. I can have two clients with the exact same hearing test results, but the way they adjust to hearing aids will be very different. When my client comes in for their fitting, I take into account that this individual is unique, and I really try to explore and ask questions of expectations and where their hearing loss is most bothersome (ex: noisy places) so together we can have a successful trial period.

If you are reading this blog, odds are you want to find out more about hearing aids and hearing loss. Just know that as hearing aid professionals, we are here for you, and we are here to help you hear well. This is your life. I believe every day should be lived with the people you love and the things you enjoy doing. Communication is such a vital part of that. Come in for a hearing assessment and we will give you our undivided attention.

Danielle De Roose
Registered Hearing Aid Practitioner
Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences