After your hearing aid evaluation, your next step is just as important: the hearing aid fitting.
This appointment ensures your hearing aids do more than just amplify sound. It helps them work precisely for your hearing loss, your ear shape, and your everyday life.
Too many people stop after the hearing test or try to self-fit their hearing aids. But without a professional fitting, you’re likely missing out on sound quality, comfort, and real performance.
Here’s why the hearing aid fitting—done in person at your local hearing center—matters more than you think.
Haven’t taken a hearing test in a while? Learn all about hearing tests.
What Happens at a Hearing Aid Fitting?
Your hearing aid fitting is a hands-on, personalized appointment. It happens after your hearing test.
At this visit, your hearing care provider will do the following:
- Program your hearing aids to match your hearing test results
- Fit the device to your ears for comfort and performance
- Train you to use, clean, and care for your devices
- Adjust settings based on your lifestyle and preferences
- Set realistic expectations and help you adapt gradually
A professional hearing aid fitting turns your devices from generic tools into personal hearing solutions.
Find out more about our Starkey hearing aid models.
Programming Tailored to You
During your hearing test, your provider creates an audiogram that shows your hearing ability at various pitches.
At your fitting, they use this audiogram to program your hearing aids. This makes sure:
- You hear soft sounds that were previously lost
- Loud sounds stay comfortable and don’t overwhelm you
- Speech sounds clear—not distorted or muffled
This programming is only possible in person with specialized software. Without this step, your hearing aids are just guessing.
Real Ear Measurements Improve Accuracy
A professional fitting often includes Real Ear Measurements (REMs).
This test places a tiny microphone in your ear canal to measure how sound travels in your ear.
Your provider uses this information to:
- Fine-tune amplification for your unique ear anatomy
- Make sure sounds match your prescription accurately
- Avoid over-amplifying or under-amplifying key frequencies
This step makes your hearing aids perform precisely the way they should. It’s one of the most important reasons to come in person.
Better Fit = Better Hearing
Your hearing aids must sit correctly and comfortably in your ears.
If they’re too loose, they can fall out or cause feedback (whistling). If they’re too tight, they can hurt.
At your fitting appointment, your provider will:
- Check how the device fits in or behind your ear
- Adjust tubing, domes, or custom molds if needed
- Ensure the microphone and speakers are positioned properly
The result? A secure, pain-free fit that improves sound delivery.
Your Lifestyle Shapes the Settings
Your provider won’t stop with your audiogram. They’ll ask questions about your daily life to customize your hearing aid settings.
For example, they may ask:
- Do you work in a noisy office or spend time in quiet settings?
- Do you enjoy music, phone calls, or television?
- Do you attend church, meetings, or social gatherings?
Your answers help create listening programs that match your routine. You may get special settings for:
- Background noise reduction
- Directional microphones
- Music or theater settings
- Phone or Bluetooth use
This kind of customization can’t happen with a one-size-fits-all approach.
Find out more about how hearing aid accessories can support customization.
Your Hearing Preferences Matter Too
Every person hears differently—even if they have the same hearing loss level.
Your fitting is a chance to share your preferences:
- Do some sounds feel too sharp or too dull?
- Is speech clear enough in conversation?
- Are you comfortable with the volume levels?
- Would you like to control the settings manually or automatically?
Your provider will adjust your hearing aid settings in real time. This dialogue is critical for long-term success.
Get Help Using Your Devices
New hearing aids come with a learning curve.
At your fitting, your provider will walk you through everything you need to know:
- How to insert and remove the hearing aids
- How to clean them and store them safely
- How to charge or replace the batteries
- How to switch listening programs or use an app
- How to manage feedback, comfort, or other issues
This training gives you the confidence to use your hearing aids right away.
Adjusting Takes Time—Support Helps
Your brain needs time to adjust to the sounds you’re hearing again. That’s why ongoing support matters.
Your provider will explain:
- What to expect during your first few days or weeks
- How to wear your hearing aids for gradually longer periods
- What sounds may surprise you
- When to schedule a follow-up visit for further fine-tuning
You’ll leave knowing this is just the start—and you’re not alone.
Why Follow-Up Visits Are Essential
Your first fitting is just the beginning. Most people need at least one follow-up appointment to fine-tune their settings.
These appointments allow your provider to:
- Make adjustments based on real-life experience
- Address any discomfort or frustration
- Add programs for new listening environments
- Ensure your hearing aids continue to meet your needs
Remote adjustments may help later, but initial fittings and follow-ups should happen in person.
Why You Should Avoid Self-Fitting or Skipping the Fitting
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are appealing because they seem easy and affordable. But most don’t include a fitting.
Here’s why skipping the fitting is a mistake:
- You may over-amplify or under-amplify sounds
- You miss out on real customization
- You risk discomfort, poor sound quality, or low satisfaction
- You lose the support and training that ensure long-term success
Even the best hearing aid won’t help if it isn’t programmed and fitted properly.
Who Should Schedule a Hearing Aid Fitting?
If you’ve had a hearing test and received a hearing aid recommendation—schedule your fitting right away.
You should also schedule a fitting if:
- You purchased hearing aids but haven’t worn them consistently
- You’re unhappy with how your current hearing aids sound
- You’ve had trouble adjusting to your devices
- You want to get the best performance out of your investment
This appointment helps turn your hearing aid into a solution that works.
Hearing Aid Fitting: A Personalized Path to Better Hearing
Here’s what happens at a typical in-person hearing aid fitting:
- Audiogram review and programming
- Physical fit check and comfort adjustments
- Real Ear Measurement testing
- Lifestyle and preference-based customization
- Hands-on training and usage instructions
- Adaptation guidance for daily wear
- Scheduled follow-ups for ongoing support
This process ensures your hearing aids work well for you and your life—not just your ears.
Why In-Person Fittings at Local Hearing Centers Matter
Online options might sound convenient, but nothing replaces face-to-face hearing care.
Local hearing centers offer:
- Hands-on support and real conversations
- Accurate measurements and personalized adjustments
- Long-term follow-up and relationship-based care
At American Hearing + Audiology, we take time to understand your hearing and your goals.
We don’t hand you hearing aids and wish you luck—we walk beside you every step of the way.
Understand why avoiding hearing tests could make the problem worse.
Ready to Get the Most Out of Your Hearing Aids?
Don’t let your hearing aids fall short. Get the fitting that makes them truly work.
Contact American Hearing + Audiology today to schedule your in-person hearing aid fitting.
We’re here to help you hear your best—comfortably, confidently, and clearly.
