Brief summary: It's normal for new hearing aids to feel too loud and unfamiliar at first: your brain needs to re-categorize forgotten sounds. The most important practical advice: Wear the devices for as long as possible from the beginning, because the more you wear them, the faster it will get better. Always discuss the procedure individually with your audiologist.
Why does everything sound so loud at first?
When hearing loss has been present for a long time, the brain has forgotten how to process quiet everyday sounds: the rustling of the newspaper, footsteps, one's own cutlery. With the new devices, all these sounds are back, and the brain initially classifies them as loud and important. This subsides, but only through training, i.e., by wearing them.
The wearing schedule from the specialist store
Our recommendation: Wear the devices for as long as you can from the beginning. If it gets too much in between, a break is fine; for example, take the devices out for 1 to 2 hours at midday and then definitely put them back in. Many customers also find a gradual increase helpful: 5 hours for the first few days, then 6, then 7, and so on. Important: Don't extend this increase for too long, a maximum of 1 to 2 weeks. The more consistently you wear them, the faster the acclimatization effect will set in. Please note: These are empirical values from our practice; it's best to discuss the appropriate approach for you individually with your audiologist.
Your own voice sounds strange
Almost every new wearer notices it: their own voice initially sounds hollow or too loud. This is also a matter of getting used to it and improves within a few weeks. We explain why this is and what's behind it in the guide to your own voice. If the feeling persists, the audiologist can readjust it.
When to schedule a follow-up adjustment?
One or two fine-tunings in the first few weeks are common, which is what the check-up appointments with the audiologist are for. Make an appointment if individual sounds remain unpleasantly loud, speech in company is difficult to understand, or the devices are causing discomfort.
Proper care from the start
Those who establish the right routine from day one will enjoy their technology longer: clean and dry them in the evening and keep an eye on the filter. You can find an introduction in our Master Knowledge Library and the Care Category.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the adjustment period take? The biggest progress happens in the first 2 to 4 weeks, provided you wear the devices consistently.
Can I only wear the devices for a few hours at first? Better as much as possible. A lunch break of 1 to 2 hours is fine, then put them back in. Discuss the appropriate strategy for you with your audiologist.
In the evenings, I feel tired from listening. Is that normal? Yes, the brain is doing real development work during this time. This subsides with increasing acclimatization.
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