A hearing aid is not simply a volume booster. It is programmed to your audiogram, calculating how much amplification is needed at each frequency.

Fitting steps

1. Testing. Audiometry is performed first and the degree of loss is established.

2. Initial programming. The specialist connects the device to a computer and loads a program based on the audiogram.

3. Adaptation period. Over several weeks the brain adjusts to new sounds. Some sounds may feel unusual — this is normal.

4. Fine-tuning. At a follow-up visit the settings are refined based on what you noticed.

Why not self-adjust?

An incorrectly set device either fails to help or causes discomfort from excessive loudness. That is why fitting is done by a specialist.