After you've ordered hearing aids, you'll meet with your audiologist to have your hearing aids fitted. This process typically includes an audio test to measure how well you can hear with the aids as well as a gain and EQ adjustment to fine-tune the volume and the levels of things like treble, mid-range, and bass. You'll also be given a tutorial on how to operate your particular hearing aids. However, you can ensure the process is exceptionally successful by asking these following important questions.

1. How should you clean the hearing aids?

It's easy to forget that cleaning your hearing aids is an important part of their maintenance. Your audiologist will likely suggest obtaining two important tools: a wax pick and a brush. If you have in-canal hearing aids, it's easy for ear wax to build up in the crevices. Since the device is sensitive, you don't want to use improper tools or you could damage them. Your audiologist will know the best method and tools for cleaning your specific hearing aids and most likely will warn you not to use alcohol for cleaning as it can cause damage.

2. How often should you clean my hearing aids?

Most experts recommend a cursory cleaning every evening before you go to bed so your hearing aids are ready for you in the morning. However, your audiologist will have more specific information for you depending on the make and model of the hearing aid. 

3. Are the hearing aids water-resistant?

This is a question many people forget to ask until it's too late, but you need to know if your hearing aids are water-resistant. If they aren't waterproof, you should know how to proceed if they become wet. Because of the sophisticated technology, water can permanently damage most hearing aids unless they are rated for water resistance. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) tests hearing aids to determine this information and rates them according to the Ingress Protection or IP rating. The first digit in the rating refers to the level of protection against debris. This is a number between 1 and 7. The second digit indicates its moisture resistance and is a number between 1 and 9. Hearing aids with a rating of IP 67 or above have a high level of debris and moisture resistance.

4. Do the hearing aids come with a warranty?

Finally, you should ask whether or not your hearing aids have warranty protection in case of malfunction or loss. Make sure to ask what type of damage or repair your specific warranty covers and take home any literature on the subject that your audiologist can provide.