RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.

girl getting an impression of her ear taken

At this appointment your audiologist will ask you about your hearing in everyday situations, test your hearing by playing sounds through headphones, discuss hearing aids and take an impression of your ear using soft putty. They will:

  • Ask you some questions about your medical history.
  • Ask about how well you hear in different everyday situations and what difficulties you have.
  • Look in your ears with a special instrument (otoscope) to check for any visible problems.
  • Test your hearing.
  • Talk to you about hearing aids, how you feel about wearing one, and what you can expect from it.
  • Discuss with you whether you might benefit from wearing two aids.
  • Take an impression of your ear. This involves putting in some coloured putty using a special syringe and waiting a few minutes for it to set. This is taken out and used to make the earmould (usually clear, not coloured) for your hearing aid. Taking an ear impression makes sure that the earmould is custom-made to fit you comfortably. Your earmould(s) will be ready for your second appointment.
  • Arrange your next appointment.