Getting used to the sounds you hear
It can take some time to get used to sounds when you first start wearing hearing aids. You might find that things sound louder than you expect.
You may also hear your own voice differently to how you’re used to. Some people describe this as sounding like an echo, or like hearing your voice on an answering machine. This is nothing to be worried about, even though it might sound strange at first.
The more you wear your hearing aids, the faster you’ll get used to them. Go at a pace that feels right for you, and follow any advice from your audiologist.
Starting slowly
To get used to your hearing aids, start by using them once or twice a day for an hour or two in quiet surroundings.
If you have two hearing aids, you should wear them both at the same time.
When they start to feel more comfortable, you can choose to wear your hearing aids outdoors and build up to keeping them on all day.
You should not wear them for showering or sleeping.
Listening to everyday noises
At first, you might find normal background noises louder than you’re used to. These might include things like the kettle boiling, the fridge humming, footsteps, and doors opening and closing.
This is because your brain might not have heard these sounds at their correct levels for some time, and it will take a while for your brain to learn that this sound is normal.
This doesn’t mean that hearing aids aren’t right for you. It just takes a bit of time for your brain to adapt, so it’s important you keep going with your hearing aids.
If things just don’t seem right after wearing hearing aids for a while, you should see your audiologist in case they need to change anything.
Using your hearing aids when you watch TV
This will help you adjust to hearing different sounds.
You can also try watching TV with the sound at different volume levels. Compare how you would normally have the volume to what sounds better now.
Having conversations with others
Start by trying a conversation with one person. Ask them to sit facing you in a quiet room with good lighting.
As you get more comfortable with your hearing aids, build up to group conversations. Your hearing aids should help you follow conversations more easily and enjoy group situations more.
You may want to explain to others that you’re getting used to wearing hearing aids. Suggest ways they can help you understand them better – for example, by getting your attention before speaking to you.
You could also share our tips for communicating with someone who has hearing loss.
Using your hearing aids outside
You might notice some things more, such as birds chirping and traffic noise.
Noisy places like restaurants or train stations are the most difficult listening situations, so try these when you feel ready to.
The more you’ve worn your hearing aids, the better you’ll manage with background noise.
Using technology to make the most of your hearing aids
Your audiologist may set up additional programs on your hearing aids to suit your hearing needs in different situations.
For example, some hearing aids have a program that helps you pick up sounds in front of you, rather than at the side or behind. This can help you focus on what you want to listen to in noisy places.
Hearing aids cannot cut out background noise completely, so you might still struggle to hear one voice in a noisy place. There are various types of technology to make conversations clearer, such as hearing loops and assistive listening devices.
For more help with making the most of your hearing aids, read the Which? guide to hearing aid features.