Many people who begin using hearing aids for the first time experience an adjustment period. Experts say that it is common to need time to get used to new sounds, including one’s own voice.
To ease this transition, professionals recommend starting by wearing hearing aids at home or in quiet settings. This allows users to focus on simple conversations and gradually build confidence before moving into noisier environments. Informing friends and family about the new devices can also help, as their support can be valuable during this period.
Users are encouraged to practice identifying sounds in their environment and try activities such as listening to audiobooks or talk radio alone at home. Taking breaks is also advised; start with a few hours per day and slowly increase usage over time.
Follow-up visits with a hearing care professional are important for fine-tuning the devices and addressing any challenges that arise. “You’ll want to see your hearing care professional for as many follow-up visits as you need to fine-tune the sounds you’re hearing, adjust the fit in your ear and talk about the situations that are most challenging for you.”
Orientation classes offered by some providers may further improve satisfaction with hearing aid use. New users should also expect some frustration as they adjust; background noises may seem unusually loud until the brain adapts.
Comfort is another key factor. If pain occurs when wearing custom-fitted earmolds or other styles of hearing aids, users should consult their audiologist promptly: “While hearing aids can cause slight tenderness at first, if they cause any amount of ear pain, you should return to your audiologist immediately to fix the problem.”
Family members play an important role in supporting loved ones through this process. Practicing together, offering encouragement, attending appointments, and maintaining patience can make a significant difference.
Professionals emphasize that degrees of hearing loss vary among individuals—similar to eyeglass prescriptions—so evaluation by a qualified specialist is essential for proper fitting and device selection. Those dissatisfied with their current devices are urged not to abandon them but instead discuss concerns openly with their provider.
Additional resources—including directories of local specialists—are available online for those seeking further assistance.
