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Hearing aid fitting: What to expect

By Joy Victory, managing editor, Healthy Hearing

Reviewed by Megan Gerhart, audiologist

Last updated on: June 5th, 2025

An important step in getting new hearing aids is the fitting appointment. Here's a step-by-step guide of the process.

Key points:

A hearing aid fitting is when you try on your new hearing aids at your hearing care clinic.
Your provider will run tests and calibrations to make sure the hearing aids are customized to your hearing loss.
It's OK to ask questions and take notes at the fitting appointment, as it's a lot of information you'll be learning.

The hearing aid fitting is an important part of the process of buying new hearing aids. It generally happens after you have received a hearing test and tried on different types of hearing aids to see what works best for you.

After your test, you may need to wait a couple of weeks for your new hearing aids to come in from the manufacturer.

When the devices are ready, your provider will call you in for the fitting. After the fitting, you get to take your hearing aids home. In some cases, you may have a "trial period" where you can wear them for a few weeks before paying for them.

This article provides an in-depth look at what happens during the hearing aid fitting appointment, step-by-step.

Note: OTC hearing aids are self-fitting. The process below will not apply.

A woman smiles during her hearing aid fitting appointment. — *Getting new hearing aids can be an exciting moment for you and your loved ones.*

Steps for your hearing aid fitting appointment

Your hearing aids will first be hooked up to a computer and calibrated according to your hearing loss and preferences. Some professionals choose to do the programming before you arrive and some prefer to do it while you’re there.
Many providers also will perform real ear measurement to verify the amplification levels are correct. You'll be involved in this step but it's painless and easy.
You'll then receive instructions on how to insert and remove your hearing aids, how to take care of them, how to charge them (or change the batteries), how to troubleshoot any problems, how to connect to your smartphone (if your device comes with that option) and generally what to expect. You may want to take notes at this step, as it can be "information overload."
You'll be asked if you have any questions or concerns. It's important for you to feel comfortable and informed. Be sure to ask what kind of warranties you have, and review the return policy. If your hearing aids feel odd or uncomfortable, tell your provider.
If you have complex hearing loss, such as asymmetrical hearing loss, the fitting may take multiple appointments to get the sound quality just right, especially to help you create programs for specific sound settings for different environments.

For the appointment, you may want to bring a notebook with your or have your phone notes open so you can jot down information and questions. You'll be learning a lot about your hearing aids. You can also ask a partner or family member to come with you to help remember information and provide support.

How long does a fitting take?

The process generally takes about an hour, maybe a little longer. You should never feel rushed at a fitting appointment. If you do, speak up and let them know you need more time.

You can request custom hearing aid settings

A man touches his hearing aid during an appointment. — Don't hesitate to ask questions during the
fitting appointment.

The "default" setting for most hearing aids is focused on picking up speech in quiet environments. But out in the real world, sound is a lot more complex, particularly if you're a musician or work in a noisy environment. Fortunately, your hearing care provider can add custom hearing aid settings for you, including music settings.

Adjusting to hearing aids takes times

It's not as simple as new eyeglasses

Once the hearing aids are out of the box and in your ears, you’ll start hearing lots of things you haven’t heard for years.

In fact, you might feel like everything is too loud at first. It will take time for your brain to relearn which sounds to ignore, like the sound of your own footsteps or the rustle of your clothing.

Adjusting to hearing aids takes time. Some people only need a day or two, but most people need a few weeks to a few months to adjust to using hearing aids. Many patients wait years with a hearing loss before getting a hearing aid. During this time, your brain has gotten used to not hearing well. Your brain will develop its "new normal" as you listen to the world around you with your new hearing aids.

New to hearing aids? FAQs for (nearly) all you need to know

Wear them as much as you can

The important thing to remember is to wear them, even if just for a few hours the first day, an hour longer the following day, and so on until you are wearing hearing aids all day. The more you wear them in the beginning, the better off you will be in the long run.

More:

Find a hearing aid clinic near you

Successful hearing aid fittings are as individual as you are. The right hearing care provider will take the time to understand your specific needs and tailor an approach that will get the best results. There is not one hearing aid that is right for everyone. The best hearing experience blends together great technology customized for you, in addition to a hearing care professional who will take all of your needs into consideration.

Use our consumer-reviewed directory to find hearing aid clinicians near you. You can read reviews and book an appointment.

Joy Victory, managing editor, Healthy Hearing

Joy Victory has extensive experience editing consumer health information. Her training in particular has focused on how to best communicate evidence-based medical guidelines and clinical trial results to the public. She strives to make health content accurate, accessible and engaging to the public. Read more about Joy.