While you might think that your initial hearing aid fitting is all that’s needed, your follow-up audiology appointment is equally important.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends that you have a follow-up appointment six to 12 weeks after your initial hearing aid fitting. Issues can arise during that time that were not noticeable during the initial fitting.
If these issues aren’t resolved, it can cause some people to wear their hearing aids infrequently or not at all.
Consequences of Untreated Hearing Loss 
If you stop wearing your hearing aids, it can cause many negative effects that go beyond struggling to hear, including
- Higher levels of anxiety and depression
- Increased risk of balance issues and injuries from falls
- Less confidence at work or in social situations
- Added strain to your relationships
- Social isolation
- Cognitive decline and dementia
What to Discuss with Your Audiologist at Your Follow-Up Appointment
There is always an adjustment phase when you first get hearing aids. In the time between your initial appointment and your follow-up visit, take notes on any issues or questions that may arise. No issue is too small or question too embarrassing. Your audiologist is there to provide you with the best hearing care possible.
Some concerns to tell your audiologist might include:
- Your hearing aid feels loose or otherwise uncomfortable in your ear
- You are still struggling to hear in places with lots of background noise, like L & J Café
- You’re experiencing frequent whistling in your device (known as feedback)
- You’re having trouble adjusting to the way your voice sounds
- Sounds are too loud or too quiet in certain environments
- You can’t get your Bluetooth® or other settings to work
- You would like to go over certain things you discussed in your original appointment, such as trouble-shooting techniques or the best methods for cleaning and storing your hearing aids
Your audiologist can also provide reassurance that your hearing aids are working as intended and provide you with additional literature or refer you to support groups if you are struggling to adjust to having hearing loss.
If you have additional questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our experts, call Tinnitus & Hearing Experts today.