Getting used to your hearing aids

Your simple, week-by-week guide to settling in — from your first quiet day at home to feeling completely confident. Take it steady; we're with you every step.

Better hearing takes a little practice — and that's completely normal

When you first wear hearing aids, the world can sound surprisingly loud or "busy". That's because your brain hasn't heard some of these sounds clearly in a long time, and it needs a little time to get used to them again — just like getting used to new glasses.

The secret is simple: wear them every day, start gently, and build up bit by bit. Most people feel comfortable within a few weeks, and fully settled within about three months. You won't be doing it alone — call us any time, and we'll fine-tune them for you.

What the research shows: A major 2025 review found that improvements in understanding speech (especially in noise) typically emerge between four and twelve weeks. Brain scan studies show changes starting as early as two weeks. One finding stood out clearly: wearing your aids for at least four hours a day was strongly linked to better outcomes. That daily consistency really does make the difference.

The five golden rules

1. Wear them every day

Even at home in the quiet. The more you wear them, the faster your brain adjusts.

2. Start gently

Begin in calm, quiet places. Add busier situations a little at a time.

3. Give it time

Odd sounds settle down within days or weeks. Stick with it — it really is worth it.

4. Keep them clean & charged

A quick wipe each evening and a nightly charge (or fresh battery) keeps them working their best.

5. Tell us what's not right

Too loud, too soft, whistling? Don't put up with it — a quick tweak from us makes all the difference.

Hearing Club members

This support is part of looking after you all year round. See the Hearing Club →

Your first 90 days, step by step

A gentle plan to follow. If a stage feels like a lot, simply stay where you are for a few more days — there's no rush.

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Week 1 — Settle in at home

Wear them a few hours a day in quiet rooms
Chat with one person at a time
Practise putting them in and taking them out
Notice everyday sounds — the kettle, a clock, birdsong

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Week 2 — Build it up

Wear them for longer each day
Add the TV and radio at a comfy volume
Move into more rooms of the house
Enjoy family chats around the table

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Weeks 3–4 — Out and about

Pop to the shops and the café
Try small groups of friends or family
Wear them in the garden and the car
Getting easier? Wear them most of the day

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Months 2–3 — Full confidence

Wear them all day, every day
Try busier places and restaurants
Use them on the phone
This is your new normal — enjoy it!

Sounds you might notice at first (and why they're normal)

🗣️ Your own voice sounds loud or "boomy"

Very common in the early days, and it settles quickly as you get used to it. If it still bothers you after a week or two, pop in and we'll adjust it.

👕 Rustling clothes or background hum

You're simply hearing sounds you'd been missing. Your brain soon learns to push them into the background.

🎵 A faint whistle (feedback)

Usually means the aid isn't sitting snugly, or there's a little wax. Take it out and pop it back in firmly. If it keeps whistling, give us a ring.

🔊 Everything feels too loud

Turn down the volume a touch and build up over the week. We can also gently lower the settings for you — just ask.

⚠️ Ear pain, discharge, or sudden changes in your hearing aren't part of settling in — please call us on 0191 5111 878 or see your GP.

Looking after them each day

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Wipe them nightly

A soft, dry cloth each evening, never water. Brush any wax off the tip with the small brush, always downwards so particles fall away rather than in.

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Charge or change

Pop rechargeable aids in their case overnight. If yours use batteries, fit a fresh one when sound starts to fade — battery life is usually three to seven days.

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Keep them dry

Moisture is the most common cause of hearing aid breakdown. A dry pot or electric dryer overnight can roughly triple the time between repairs. Avoid the bathroom and never use a hairdryer.

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Check the wax filter

The tiny filter at the tip stops wax reaching the speaker. If sound becomes muffled even with a full charge, the filter is the first thing to check. Replace it when you see wax on it, or every two to four weeks. We can show you how.

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The companion app

Many modern aids connect to a phone app so you can adjust volume and programmes yourself. If the Bluetooth drops out, switching it off and on usually fixes it. Ask us to set up your app at your next visit if you haven't already.

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When to come back

Whistling that won't stop, muffled sound that cleaning doesn't fix, or anything that feels uncomfortable. These are almost always a quick fix. Never put up with them.

Never struggle in silence

Settling in is much easier with a little support. If something doesn't sound right, or you'd just like reassurance, we're only a phone call away — and adjustments are quick and friendly.

✔ Free fine-tuning and follow-ups as you settle in

✔ Pop in, call, or message us on WhatsApp

✔ Ask our hearing assistant any time, day or night

✔ Ongoing aftercare with the Hearing Club