Yes, your audiologist can make small adjustments to how your hearing aids work without sending them back to the manufacturer
Most hearing aid adjustments happen in your audiologist's office during a regular appointment. Your audiologist has software on their computer that connects wirelessly to your devices, letting them change volume levels, frequency responses, and how the aids respond to different listening environments — all without you leaving the chair. These are called in-office programming adjustments, and they're one of the main reasons you return for follow-up visits after you first get your hearing aids.
The kinds of changes your audiologist can make depend on your specific hearing aid model and the software version they have access to. Most modern hearing aids allow adjustments to multiple listening programs (like one for quiet rooms, one for restaurants, one for phone calls), microphone settings, and feedback management. Your audiologist can also fine-tune the overall loudness and the way the aids amplify different pitches of sound.
Key Takeaways
- Your audiologist can adjust volume, listening programs, and sound quality during office visits using their programming software.
- Small tweaks usually take 15 to 30 minutes and happen the same day you request them.
- Some adjustments require sending aids to the manufacturer if they involve hardware changes or repairs, not just software changes.
- Keeping a record of what adjustments were made helps your audiologist understand what works for you over time.
What counts as a "profound minor" adjustment
A profound minor adjustment is a contradiction in terms — the word "profound" means deep or significant, while "minor" means small. What your audiologist likely means is a noticeable but limited change to how your hearing aids sound. This might be turning up the volume in one frequency range, adding a new listening program for a specific situation (like a grandchild's voice or a particular hobby), or reducing feedback in one ear.
These changes are "minor" because they don't require hardware replacement or a complete reprogramming from scratch. They're adjustments to settings that already exist in your aids. Your audiologist makes them by opening your device profile in their software, changing a slider or number, and testing the result with you right there. If it doesn't feel right, they adjust again until it does.
How the adjustment process works in the office
When you arrive for an adjustment appointment, your audiologist will ask what isn't working — maybe one ear is too quiet, or you're hearing too much background noise in a certain place. They'll have you sit in a quiet booth or their fitting room and connect your hearing aids to their computer via Bluetooth or a direct cable, depending on your model.
Your audiologist opens your programmed settings and shows you what they're changing. They might increase the volume in the high frequencies if you're missing speech sounds, or they might create a new program specifically for watching television. After each change, they'll have you listen and give feedback. This back-and-forth usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Once you both agree the sound is right, your audiologist saves the new settings to your devices, and you leave with the updated programming.
Adjustments that require sending aids to the manufacturer
Some changes go beyond what your audiologist can do in the office. If your hearing aid has a physical problem — a cracked microphone, a broken speaker, or a battery door that won't close — it needs to go back to the manufacturer for repair. Your audiologist will send it in, and you'll typically receive a loaner device while yours is being fixed.
You might also need to send aids back if you want to change the physical shell color, add a new feature that requires a hardware upgrade, or if the software your audiologist has access to is too old to support a major change you want. This process usually takes one to three weeks, depending on the manufacturer's workload. Your audiologist will explain whether a change is something they can do in-office or whether it requires a manufacturer visit.
How often you can have adjustments made
There's no limit to how many times you can return for adjustments. Many people come back several times in the first few months after getting hearing aids, as they figure out what settings work best for their daily life. After that, adjustments might happen once or twice a year, or only when your hearing changes or your listening needs shift.
Some audiologists include a certain number of adjustment visits in the price you paid for your hearing aids, while others charge a small fee per visit after the first year. Ask your audiologist what their policy is so you know what to expect. Keeping track of what adjustments have been made also helps your audiologist understand your preferences and make future changes more quickly.
When to ask for an adjustment versus waiting
If something about your hearing aids bothers you every day — they're too loud, too quiet, or feedback is constant — ask for an adjustment at your next appointment or call to schedule one sooner. Small problems that happen once in a while (like occasional feedback when you hug someone) often resolve on their own as you get used to the devices, so waiting is reasonable.
If you've had your hearing aids for less than a month, your brain is still learning to process amplified sound, so some sounds may feel strange even if the settings are correct. Your audiologist might suggest waiting a week or two before making changes, or they might make a small adjustment to help you adjust faster. Either way, they're the best judge of whether a change you're noticing is a real problem or part of the normal adjustment period.
Keeping track of your adjustments
Ask your audiologist to write down or email you a summary of what was changed at each visit. This might be as straightforward as "increased volume in right ear by 3 dB" or "added restaurant program." Over time, this record shows patterns — maybe you always ask for more volume in the high frequencies, or maybe you never use a certain listening program. Your audiologist can use this information to make smarter recommendations next time.
You can also keep your own notes about what situations feel comfortable and which ones don't. If you notice your hearing aids work great at home but feel too loud at the grocery store, tell your audiologist. They might create a new program just for shopping, or they might adjust the automatic volume control so the aids don't turn up as much in noisy places. The more specific you are about what you want, the better the adjustment will be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my audiologist adjust my hearing aids remotely?
Some newer hearing aids allow remote adjustments through a smartphone app or a telehealth visit with your audiologist. Your audiologist can change volume and listening programs from their office while you're at home. However, the first fitting and major adjustments usually still require an in-person visit so your audiologist can test the sound in their booth and watch your reaction.
What if I don't like the adjustment my audiologist made?
Tell them when ready. Your audiologist can change it back or try a different approach. Hearing aid fitting is a process of trial and adjustment — there's no penalty for asking for a change, and your comfort is the goal. If you're unhappy after you leave, call and schedule a follow-up visit.
Do I have to pay for each adjustment visit?
This varies by audiologist and by your hearing aid warranty. Many include a year or two of free adjustments with your purchase. After that, some charge a small fee (often $25 to $75 per visit), while others offer adjustments at no extra cost. Ask your audiologist about their policy before you buy.
Can my hearing aid adjustment be undone if I change my mind?
Yes. Your audiologist keeps a record of your previous settings and can restore them at any time. If you try a new program and decide you preferred the old one, just ask your audiologist to switch back. There's no permanent change — all adjustments are reversible.
How long does it take to see results after an adjustment?
You'll hear the difference when ready in the office. However, your brain may need a few days to a week to fully adjust to a new setting, especially if it's a significant change. If an adjustment feels strange at first, give it a few days before deciding you don't like it. Many people find that what felt odd on day one feels natural by day five.