What are the guidelines for fitting hearing aids in adults with hearing loss, and what follow-up is necessary?

When prescribing and fitting hearing aids in adults, explain the features that can help with background noise, such as directional microphone and noise reduction settings ¹.

Advise adults with hearing aids about choosing microphone and noise reduction settings to meet their needs in different environments, and ensure they know how to use them ¹.

Provide information on getting used to hearing aids, cleaning and caring for them, and troubleshooting ¹.

Offer face-to-face follow-up audiology appointments 6 to 12 weeks after fitting, with the option for telephone or electronic communication if preferred ¹.

At follow-up, ask if they have concerns or questions, address any difficulties with insertion, removal, or maintenance, and check that the hearing aids meet their needs by assessing comfort, sound quality, volume, microphone and noise reduction settings, and use with telephones ¹.

Ensure hearing aids and other devices are fine-tuned if needed, and review the goals in the personalized care plan, updating it and providing a copy ¹.

Consider offering a second hearing aid for adults with bilateral hearing loss who initially chose a single aid ¹.

For those who prefer other management strategies, such as assistive listening devices or communication strategies, offer follow-up appointments to evaluate effectiveness ¹.

Inform adults who opt not to have hearing aids how to contact audiology services for future support ¹.

Implement a system for regular reassessment of hearing needs and devices ¹.