Questions to Ask Your Audiologist When Being Fitted With Hearing Aids

It is important to know your audiologist is taking a thorough, evidence-based approach. Asking the right questions helps you understand your hearing loss, make informed decisions about technology, and get the best long-term results from your devices.

Below are key questions to ask during your hearing aid assessment and fitting.

Assessment & Diagnosis

• How comprehensive was the hearing test?
  Did it include:

  • Speech-in-noise testing (to see how you manage in real-world, noisy situations)?

  • Real-ear measurements (REM) to verify the hearing aids are meeting your prescription in your ear, not just “on the computer”?

• Do you test extended high frequencies?
  Higher-than-standard test frequencies can sometimes show early changes from noise exposure or ageing, and can be important for people with tinnitus, a history of noise, or musicians.

• Can you explain the type and degree of my hearing loss and how it will impact everyday listening?
  Your audiologist should be able to explain:

  • What your audiogram shows in plain language

  • How this affects things like following conversations, hearing in noise, enjoying music, or hearing soft sounds at home

Hearing Aid Selection & Fit

• What brands or models do you suggest for me?
  An independent Audiologist will be able to recommend from a range of brands, depending on your situation. They will be able to discuss;

  • Widex, Phonak, Oticon, Signia, ReSound, Starkey, etc.
    Ask how the recommended device matches:

  • Your hearing test results

  • Your main priorities (speech clarity in noise, music, tinnitus relief, discreetness, rechargeability, etc.)

• How will this device address my primary hearing challenges?
  For instance:

  • “I struggle most in restaurants and meetings”

  • “I want better sound quality for music”
    The audiologist should link features of the device to those specific problems.

• Will the hearing aid be custom-fitted? How do you ensure it fits comfortably and effectively?
  Ask whether:

  • Custom earmoulds or custom shells are recommended

  • Comfort and acoustic seal are checked and adjusted over time

  • Ask how the prescribed amplification is adjusted to your hearing loss.

Technology & Features

• How do the features of this hearing aid benefit my specific hearing profile?
  For example:

  • AI-based personalisation or “learning” features

  • Tinnitus therapy or sound enrichment programs (such as Widex Zen)

  • Directional microphones and noise reduction for complex listening environments

• How does this device integrate with my other technology?
  Ask about:

  • Direct streaming to iPhone or Android

  • Compatibility with TV streamers, remote microphones, or other assistive listening devices

  • The app used to control volume, programs, and personalisation

Personalisation & Follow-Up

• How do you personalise the hearing aid settings over time?
  Good fittings are rarely “set and forget”. Ask how your audiologist:

  • Uses your feedback to fine-tune the sound

  • Uses apps, in-clinic adjustments, and possibly remote care

  • Reviews and adjusts settings as your brain adapts to amplified sound

• What is the follow-up plan? How often should I return?
  Clarify:

  • How many follow-up appointments are included

  • How often reviews are recommended (e.g. at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and then annually or as needed)

  • Whether you can come back easily for extra support if something doesn’t feel quite right

Outcome Measurement & Support

• How do you measure success with the hearing aids?
  Ask whether they use:

  • Objective verification such as real-ear measurements

  • Standardised questionnaires about your hearing in daily life

  • Goal-setting tools (e.g. specific situations you’d like to improve)

• What support and warranty services are available?
  Clarify:

  • Manufacturer warranty length and what it covers

  • What happens if there’s a fault or repair

  • Whether ongoing cleaning, checks and adjustments are included or attract a fee

Lifestyle, Care & Maintenance

• What is involved in day-to-day care and maintenance?
  Ask about:

  • Cleaning, filters, domes or earmould care

  • Battery or recharging routines

  • How to handle sweat, moisture, or water exposure (e.g. swimming, heavy exercise)

• Are there lifestyle or environmental considerations I should know about?
  For example:

  • Managing very noisy or dusty workplaces

  • Using hearing protection around loud sounds (concerts, tools, machinery)

  • How to get the best performance in windy or very busy environments

Cost, Rebates & Trial Periods

• Can you explain the cost structure clearly?
  Ask for a breakdown of:

  • Hearing aid/device cost

  • Professional fees for assessment, fitting, and follow-up

  • What’s included (cleaning, adjustments, repairs under warranty)

• What trial periods, guarantees, or cooling-off periods apply?
  This might include:

  • A trial or adjustment period with the option to change devices or return them within a set timeframe

  • Any re-stocking or fitting fees if you decide not to proceed

• What is covered by private health insurance, pension or government programs?
  Depending on your situation, ask about:

  • Extras cover rebates from your health fund

  • Eligibility for the Hearing Services Program (HSP)

  • Any other government rebates or schemes that may apply

Asking these questions helps you gauge how thorough your audiologist is in diagnosis, device selection, personalisation and ongoing care. A good audiologist will welcome these discussions, answer clearly in language you understand, and tailor every part of the process to your hearing profile, lifestyle and goals.

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