Your child's Baha® fitting
This is an important time in your child’s hearing journey. Prepare with questions to ask their audiologist.
What you'll find on this page
- Questions to ask your child's audiologist.
- Information about your child’s first fitting and programming session.
- Tips for the first few months after the sound processor is turned on.
As your child's fitting (programming) day approaches, you'll feel nervous and excited.
To help you prepare, we've compiled a list of questions to ask your child's audiologist.
These questions will help you know what to expect at the first programming appointment and help get your family ready for life with your child's new hearing device.
Questions for parents to ask about fitting day and beyond
- What happens during the appointment?
- What does programming the sound processor feel like?
- Will my child hear right away?
- How will it sound?
- How long will it take my child to adjust to the new sound?
- How do I put on my child's device and can they put it on themselves?
- How does it work?
- What tips do you have for using the new device?
- How often will I need to charge or change the batteries?
- How do I store and care for the device?
- What resources do you recommend for rehabilitation?
- What happens if my child's hearing changes over time?
- Is there a network of families of bone conduction implant recipients that I can connect with?
What usually happens on fitting day?
Your child's audiologist will explain how the sound processor works and how to care for it.
They may then fine tune the settings on your child’s sound processor and set the volume and pitch levels that are right for your child. This may take some time, but it's normal.
Your child may start by listening to a series of tones — similar to a hearing test — as the audiologist calibrates the sound processor.
Next, the audiologist usually tests to see if your child can hear your voice.
Your child's brain may need time to adjust, or he or she may immediately begin to recognise the sounds they had been missing. Individual responses may vary.
"The moment we put the Baha 5 [Sound Processor] on him (Jackson), it was magical. He smiled and looked at me as I softly spoke and said his name. My heart melted and that moment validated any questions we had about whether or not we were doing the right thing."
- Amanda, mother of Jackson C, Cochlear™ bone conduction implant recipient
What to expect after your child's sound processor is turned on
When your child’s sound processor is turned on, all the new sounds can seem a little overwhelming for them at first – it will take them some time to adjust and get used to the new sounds.
Over the next several months, your child will have a series of appointments with their audiologist to fine tune the sound processor’s programs. This is to make sure your child is hearing at their best.
You should also follow the guidelines for care and maintenance, which vary for each device.
We offer many "how to" videos, and our customer service team can answer your questions.
Patience and persistence will pay off
As with any surgery, rehabilitation (at home and with specialists) is important to your child's hearing success. They'll need to practice listening and speaking as much as possible.
Please remember that progress may take time. However, being patient, persistent and consistent can help a great deal.
Your child can start using the sound processor at home doing everyday things, and in their own time move on to more challenging environments like outdoors or public places.
Cochlear has a range of rehabilitation materials that your clinic can advise you about.
More information
Disclaimer
Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always follow the directions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.
For a full list of Cochlear’s trademarks, please visit our Terms of Use page.
Views expressed are those of the individual. Consult your health professional to determine if you are a candidate for Cochlear technology.