New Hearing Aids: What You Need to Know

While the benefits of hearing aids are well-documented, it’s completely normal for new hearing aid users to experience a brief adjustment period. During the first few weeks, your ears and brain are adapting to all the new sounds you’re now able to hear. You might notice that your own voice sounds strange, that background noises feel overwhelming, or that the physical sensation of wearing hearing aids takes some getting used to.
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Hearing aid technology has advanced rapidly, offering rechargeable batteries, discreet styles, and improved sound quality. However, even with the best devices, your body still needs time to adapt. Understanding what’s normal and how to manage new hearing aid side effects helps make the transition smoother and ensures you get the best out of your new hearing devices. This article covers what to expect with new hearings aids.

​The Adjustment Period

The hearing aid adjustment period is different for everyone. For most people, it takes a few weeks to feel fully comfortable wearing hearing aids throughout the day. During this time, your brain is re-learning how to process different sounds like voices, footsteps, birds, traffic, and echoes.

At first, the world may sound unusually loud or “sharp.” You might also experience mild discomfort around your ear canal as your skin adjusts to the new device. These side effects are usually temporary and improve as you continue to wear your hearing aids regularly.

A hearing care professional will often recommend starting slowly. Try wearing your hearing aids for just a few hours each day, then gradually increase the time. Begin in quiet environments before moving on to noisier spaces like cafés or busy streets. This gradual exposure helps your brain get used to hearing and reduces feelings of being overwhelmed initially.

During your follow-up visits, your hearing care provider can fine-tune the programming, adjust the fit, or make other small changes to improve comfort and performance. The key to success is patience, most side effects fade as you and your brain adapt.

​Common Hearing Aid User Side Effects

Most side effects from new hearing aids are mild and temporary, but knowing what to expect beforehand will make them easier to manage.


1. Itchy Ears or Mild Irritation
Itchy ears are one of the most common side effects of new hearing aids. The skin in the ear canal is very delicate, and even a small change in airflow can make it itch. Keeping your ears clean and dry, and ensuring your devices fit properly, usually solves the problem.


2. Earwax Buildup
Wearing hearing aids can change how earwax moves through the ear canal, leading to earwax buildup. This can block sound, cause feedback, or make the ears feel blocked. Regular cleaning of both your hearing aids and your ears helps prevent buildup. Learn how to clean hearing aids.


3. Discomfort or Soreness
If your hearing aids don’t fit properly, you may experience discomfort or pressure around the ear canal. An adjustment by your hearing care professional can usually fix this quickly.


4. Feedback or Whistling
Hearing aid feedback sounds like a high-pitched squeal and usually happens when the device doesn’t seal properly in the ear. Cleaning the microphone ports, adjusting the fit, or removing earwax can eliminate this problem.


5. Emotional Adjustment Period
Hearing all the new sounds around you can be overwhelming. Many new hearing aid users feel frustrated or even bit lost during the early days. This is completely normal, with support and consistent use, your brain learns to filter and prioritise sounds again.

​Managing Discomfort

If you’re experiencing discomfort while wearing your hearing aids, don’t ignore it. A few small changes can make a really big difference.

Start by visiting your audiologist for a check-up. They can assess whats going on, whether the hearing aid is too tight, if there’s a buildup of earwax, or if an allergic reaction to the hearing aid material is causing irritation. Switching to hypoallergenic domes or adjusting the fit often resolves the problem immediately.

If your ears become dry or itchy, applying a few drops of natural oil (such as olive or almond oil) around the outer ear can soothe the skin. Avoid inserting anything into your ear canal, cotton swabs can push earwax deeper and cause further irritation. By maintaining proper care and addressing discomfort early, you can prevent negative side effects and ensure your hearing aids fit comfortably every day.

​Getting Used to the Sound

One of the most noticeable parts of wearing hearing devices for the first time is how different everything sounds. You may hear your own voice more clearly, but it might sound strange or echoey. Everyday noises like running water, rustling paper, or footsteps can seem louder than expected.

This happens because your brain has adjusted to hearing loss over time and forgotten how these sounds should be perceived, these sounds have dulled over time. When you begin using hearing aids, your auditory system suddenly receives a full range of sound frequencies again, something it hasn’t processed in years.

​Tips for a Smooth Transition

Adapting to new hearing aids doesn’t happen overnight, but a few simple habits can make the process easier and more rewarding.

1. Start slowly. Wear your hearing aids for a few hours a day at first, then extend the duration each week.
2. Begin in calm environments. Wearing hearing aids in quiet settings helps you focus on familiar sounds before tackling noisy environments.
3. Keep a hearing diary. Writing down what you hear, how things sound, and any discomfort helps your audiologist fine-tune your devices.
4. Ask for help. Bring a friend or family member to your appointments, having support can make the journey easier.
5. Stay consistent. Wearing your hearing aids regularly trains your brain faster and helps you adjust to all the new sounds.

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Remember, this process is about progress, not perfection. Most people report that after the first few weeks, they can wear their hearing aids all day comfortably and enjoy better hearing without effort.

​Overcoming Challenges

Even with proper care, new hearing aids can present challenges. Common frustrations include background noises, echoing voices, or difficulty identifying the direction of sounds. These issues are normal and usually temporary. Check your hearing aid documentation for maintenance and user tips.

Your audiologist can adjust the programming to reduce unwanted noises or improve speech clarity. Some advanced devices like the Phonak Audéo Lumity and ReSound ONE even adapt automatically to different environments, lowering background noise and enhancing conversation.


Emotionally, it’s also important to stay patient. Feeling frustrated or overwhelmed is all part of the process, but focusing on the benefits, improved communication, independence, and connection can help you stay motivated. With time and support, most hearing aid users find that the positive results far outweigh the initial adjustment.

​Maintenance and Care

Proper care extends the life of your hearing aids and helps prevent side effects like earwax buildup or ear infections.

• Clean your hearing aids daily using the tools provided by your audiologist.
• Avoid exposing them to water, hairspray, or lotions.
• Store your hearing aids in a dry case or dehumidifier overnight.
• Schedule follow-up visits every 6–12 months for professional cleaning and adjustment.

If you use rechargeable batteries, charge them nightly. For hearing aids with disposable batteries, replace them as needed and keep spare ones on hand.

Taking good care of your hearing aids ensures optimal performance and comfort, allowing you to hear clearly and maintain better hearing for years to come. Devices not working 100%? Try these troubleshooting tips.

​Staying Informed

Modern hearing aid technology evolves rapidly. Staying informed about the latest features, such as Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable batteries, and AI-driven noise reduction, can help you get the best results.

Your hearing care professional is your best resource for advice on upgrading devices, managing common side effects, and protecting your hearing health. Joining support groups or reading online forums for hearing aid users can also provide useful tips from people going through the same experience. The more you learn about your hearing aids, the more confident and comfortable you’ll feel wearing them every day.

​Conclusion

Wearing hearing aids for the first time marks an important step toward better hearing and improved quality of life. By maintaining your devices, following professional advice, and focusing on the long-term benefits, you can enjoy clearer conversations, richer sound quality, and a renewed sense of confidence in everyday life. Your journey to better hearing begins with understanding, care, and persistence and the rewards are truly life-changing.

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