In a nutshell: It's normal for your own voice to sound strange with new hearing aids, and there are two reasons for this: You hear yourself again via the airborne path, which you haven't fully perceived for a long time. Additionally, in a closed fitting, the ear canal amplifies bone conduction (occlusion effect). Both improve with habituation; if not, the acoustician can readjust.
The cassette recorder effect, only in reverse
Do you know the feeling of hearing your own voice on a recording? "Do I really sound like that?" In a recording, you only hear yourself via the airborne path; the usual proportion via the bone and its vibrations is missing, which is why your voice sounds altered. With hearing aids, the exact opposite happens: With unaddressed hearing loss, you primarily hear yourself through the vibrations transmitted to the ear via the bone when speaking, because the airborne path is restricted. Hearing aids bring back amplification via the air; you hear almost like a normal-hearing person again and are only just getting to know your own voice anew.
The occlusion effect
In addition, there is a second mechanism: If an otoplastic, a custom-made ITE, or a closed dome seals the ear canal, the bone conduction of your voice can no longer escape and is perceived louder in the ear. This sounds hollow or booming, similar to speaking with your ears covered. Experts call this the occlusion effect.
Habituation or technology?
The acoustician is most effective here: An experienced specialist can usually quickly get the annoying occlusion effect under control, for example, by drilling a ventilation hole in the otoplastic, a more open fitting, or an adjusted setting. With the right adjustments, a significant improvement can often be achieved already at the follow-up appointment. The remaining airborne portion, i.e., the unaccustomed hearing of one's own voice through the air, the ear gets used to within a few weeks. Habituation thus remains an important factor, but the biggest step is made by professional adjustment. You can find out how to get used to hearing aids in our guide to acclimatization. If the hollow feeling persists, mention it at your next follow-up appointment.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for my own voice to sound normal? Usually a few days or weeks, provided you wear the devices consistently. The more wearing time, the faster the acclimatization.
I hear myself so loudly when chewing. Is that part of it? Yes, chewing noises also occur via bone conduction and become more noticeable with a closed fitting. Habituation usually helps, and the acoustician can also improve things with adjustments.
Can I adjust something myself? No, ventilation and adjustment are the responsibility of the acoustician. Trying it yourself usually worsens the result.
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