Your First Hearing Aid – What to Expect
Post on 25th February 2026
Most people put off getting hearing aids for years. Not because they don’t need one, but because accepting their hearing loss and having to wear hearing aids can feel harder than just living with it.
Getting your first hearing aid is a significant step towards better hearing and improved quality of life. If you’ve recently been fitted with hearing aids or are considering getting some, it’s natural to have questions about what the experience will be like.
At Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care, with over 85 years of hearing and optical experience, we’ve helped thousands of people through this journey and we’re here to guide you through what to expect.
Getting used to your hearing aids: what feels strange at first and why that’s normal
There is a period of initial adjustment when you first start wearing a hearing aid, as your brain needs time to readjust to sounds you may not have heard clearly for months or even years. This adjustment period is completely normal and typically lasts between a few days to several weeks.
- In the first few days, sounds might seem louder or different than you remember. You might notice background noises like the hum of the refrigerator, traffic noise, or even the rustle of paper. This is because your brain has been compensating for hearing loss and now it needs to relearn which sounds to focus on and which to filter out. Don’t worry – your brain will adapt to this quite quickly.
- Some first-time hearing aid users are surprised by how their own voice sounds. It may seem louder or have a different quality, almost as if you’re speaking in a barrel. This is known as the ‘occlusion effect’ and usually diminishes as you become accustomed to your hearing aids. If it persists, your hearing aid audiologist can make adjustments to help.
Your hearing aid fitting
Your hearing aid fitting is a crucial appointment where your audiologist will programme your devices specifically for your hearing loss and lifestyle needs. During this appointment, your audiologist will explain how to insert and remove your hearing aids, change batteries or charge them, clean them properly, and adjust volume and settings.
Building up wearing time
You wouldn’t run a marathon without training and the same principle applies to hearing aids. Start by wearing your hearing aids for a few hours each day in quiet, comfortable environments at home. Gradually increase the wearing time and introduce more challenging listening situations as you feel ready.
By the end of the first few weeks, aim to wear your hearing aids during all waking hours. Consistent use helps your brain adjust more quickly and gives you the full benefit of better hearing throughout your day.
Common early experiences
- Listening fatigue is something many new hearing aid users experience. After years of straining to hear, your brain is suddenly processing more sound information, which can be mentally tiring. This is temporary and will improve as your brain becomes more efficient at processing sounds again.
- Feedback or whistling can occasionally occur, especially when inserting or removing your hearing aids, or if they’re not seated properly in your ear. If you experience persistent feedback, contact your hearing aid audiologist, as this often means an adjustment is needed.
Follow-up care
Your journey with hearing aids doesn’t end after your fitting appointment. Scrivens offers follow-up appointments to fine-tune your hearing aids based on your real-world experiences. These appointments are essential for achieving optimal hearing.
During follow-ups, be honest about your experiences. If something isn’t working well, if you’re struggling in particular situations, or if you’re finding the devices uncomfortable, let your audiologist know. Modern hearing aids are highly programmable, and small adjustments can make a significant difference to your comfort and hearing experience.
Practical tips for success
- Keep your hearing aids clean and dry.
- Establish a routine for inserting and removing your hearing aids.
- Store your hearing aids safely when not in use.
- Start conversations face-to-face where possible.
Improved quality of life
Most people find that after the initial adjustment period, their hearing aids become as natural as wearing glasses. You’ll likely notice improvements in your conversations with family and friends, increased confidence in social situations, better awareness of your surroundings for safety and reduced listening fatigue at the end of the day.
Many of our customers tell us they wish they’d got hearing aids sooner. They talk about their regret at waiting so long and the relief once they have acted. Whilst the adjustment period requires patience, the rewards of better hearing are well worth the effort.
We’re here for you every step of the way
At Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care, we’re with you every step of the way on your hearing journey. From your initial hearing assessment through to aftercare and adjustments, our experienced audiologists are here to ensure you get the most from your hearing aids.
If you’re concerned about your hearing or would simply like a thorough hearing check, you will find help and advice on our website or alternatively visit your local Scrivens branch. Often, getting help sooner rather than later leads to better outcomes, and there’s absolutely no reason to struggle in silence. We are always here for you.
If you found this article useful, you may also be interested in reading about how to discuss hearing loss with your loved ones.