Tips to Adjust to Your New Hearing Aids

December 6, 2022

For a first-time user it can take anywhere from a few days to 6 months to fully adapt to your new hearing aids. This timeframe will differ from person to person, but it is completely normal for there to be an adaption period after you’re fit with a new set of hearing aids.


There are no short-cuts when it comes to adjusting to your new hearing aids, however there are things you can do to help ease into this transition and make the process more seamless.


Adapting to new hearing technology


Hearing loss is often a gradual process, and the brain adapts to hearing at a lower level over time. Likewise, when you first receive your new hearing aids, your brain will need time to adapt to the new sounds it is perceiving.  Because wearing a hearing aid is an instant change in sound levels, your brain is acutely aware of the difference and so it will take some time before it adapts, and for this new way of hearing to become your new normal.


This adjustment period is also common when going from older hearing aid technology to newer technology. The amount of time needed to adjust varies from person to person and this process depends on the cause of your hearing loss and how well your brain adapts to change.

 

Tips for adjusting to new hearing aids


Have your hearing aids professionally fitted


Hearing care professionals understand the process of adapting to hearing aids. They will ensure your new hearing aids are optimized according to your specific hearing needs and comfort level.


When hearing aids are programmed using best practices, they will be tailored to your hearing needs and adjusted in real time, while you are wearing the hearing aids, using a test known as Real Ear Measurement (REM). This ensures the hearing aids are programmed appropriately for you individually.


Without a professional hearing aid fitting, your hearing aids won’t match your hearing loss prescription and will tend to be more difficult to adapt to, less functional and can be uncomfortable to listen to.


If you experience any issues, let your hearing professional know


Most problems can be fixed, but we need to know about your issues to fix them. We recommend sharing your problems and concerns with your clinician sooner rather than later. While there is an adaption period your hearing aids should never cause you discomfort either from wearing them or the sound that you are hearing from them. If you experience this, it’s important you let your clinician know as soon as possible so they can work on a solution for you.


Some sound quality issues will resolve themselves during your adaption period, such as your own voice sounding different that you are used to. However, if you notice persistent issues with the quality of the sound from your hearing aids it’s important to let your clinician know as they can often make changes to the settings to achieve a more natural sound quality for you.


At Red Door Hearing, we are dedicated to supporting and guiding you through every step of the hearing care process. We want to hear about your challenges so we can fix any issues. That is why we include ongoing follow-up care with your purchase of new hearing aids at no additional cost.

 

Make sure to wear your hearing aids as often as possible


We recommend wearing your hearing aids all the time if possible. The more time you commit to wearing your hearing aids, the more time your brain gets to adapt to the new sounds it is receiving, and the faster the adaption process will run its course. If you are experiencing pain or extreme discomfort, you should stop wearing your hearing aids and contact us so we can help you determine the problem and help find a solution.

 

Start a new hearing aid routine right away


Getting into a routine with your new hearing aids will help integrate them into your life as they become a natural part of your day. Putting your hearing aids on first thing in the morning will be just as natural as waking up and putting on your glasses and taking them out right before bed will become apart of your nighttime routine just like turning off your lamp before sleep.


New routines take time to create, but they will get you in the habit of using hearing aids as soon as possible. Remember: you’re retraining your brain to get used to receiving sounds it may not have been hearing for a long time. Once it becomes a routine, you often forget you are even wearing hearing aids in the first place.

 

Try turning down the volume If your hearing aids are uncomfortable


Ideally you should wear your hearing aids set at their prescriptive volume as much as possible. However, if you need to turn the volume down slightly while you get used to wearing the hearing aids this will still provide more benefit then not wearing the aids at all. Even with the volume turned down, wearing hearing aids gives your brain an opportunity to adjust to new sounds. Again, the longer you wear your hearing aids, the more time your brain has to adjust to them. It's all about finding a balance between comfort and training your brain.


It’s not a bad idea to keep track of your progress. Take notes of the time, situations or environments where you find your hearing aids to be uncomfortable. This information can help us improve the settings and programming of your hearing aids.

 

Keep an open mind with this new experience


Getting hearing aids is often a brand-new experience and for many people it’s a big change that happens later-on in life. This can sometimes make it difficult to tolerate the adaption period, so it helps to be open to the experience and be willing to adjust as you go along in your hearing health journey.


We recommend patience and a willingness to share your experiences. Be sure to keep your clinician informed of any updates or challenges and let your close family and friends know what you are going through. Most people will be understanding and accommodating when they know what you are working on, and a strong support system will help you be successful with your hearing aids in the long run.

 

We’re here to help

At Red Door Hearing, we offer ongoing services that continue well after you’ve initially received your new hearing aids from us. We aim to minimize any issues you might have and maximize your level of comfort and success.


Take back control of your hearing health and get the most out of your life. Book an appointment with Red Door Hearing today.

Why Hearing Care Is Never One-Size-Fits-All

June 17, 2025
There’s no single solution to hearing challenges — and that’s a good thing. Every person’s hearing loss is unique, shaped by their specific hearing profile, lifestyle, and overall health. That’s why at Red Door Hearing, we take a personalized approach to care. Even for something as common as hearing aids, the path to success varies from person to person. But while individual experiences differ, there are shared milestones and proven factors that contribute to long-term success in hearing health. What Does Success in Hearing Care Look Like? The definition of success in hearing care is different for everyone. For some, it means hearing conversations more clearly in noisy environments. For others, it means reducing the impact of tinnitus or improving their sense of well-being. Still, most journeys follow a similar path, built on three essential milestones: - Booking a hearing test - Committing to a treatment plan - Consistently using hearing aids in daily life The First Step: Booking a Hearing Test Getting your hearing tested is a major success in itself. Many people delay hearing exams — often because of uncertainty, stigma, or simply not realizing how much their hearing has changed. But early action makes a real difference. Key motivators that often lead to scheduling a hearing test include: - Support from family and loved ones - Missing out on favorite activities - Frustration with ongoing hearing issues Short-Term Success: Wearing Your Hearing Aids Short-term success means taking action — and actually wearing your hearing aids regularly. It’s more common than you’d think for people to invest in hearing aids, only to leave them unused. Maybe they’re uncomfortable. Maybe they don’t seem to help. Or maybe the style just doesn’t feel right. That’s why Red Door Hearing takes the time to find the right hearing aid for your needs and preferences. From fit to function to features, our audiologists help you choose devices that work for your life. Long-Term Success: Making Hearing Aids Part of Daily Life Long-term success happens when hearing aids become second nature. You put them in first thing in the morning without hesitation. You don’t feel the need to remove them throughout the day. And you notice the difference — from catching soft sounds to feeling more relaxed in social settings. That’s when you know your hearing care plan is truly working. What Factors Lead to Hearing Success? While the journey is personal, the following factors play a big role in achieving better hearing outcomes — and they don’t require any extra cost, just commitment. Involvement of Family Family support can be a game changer. For adults, bringing a loved one to your appointment can offer emotional support and help reinforce communication goals. For children, family involvement is even more critical in teaching advocacy skills and building confidence. Letting Data Guide Decisions A hearing test isn’t just a pass/fail check — it gives us valuable information about your hearing thresholds, potential causes of hearing loss, and treatment options. Our audiologists use this data to tailor your care, ensuring you get the right device and support. Choosing Technology Based on Your Needs It's easy to get caught up in features like Bluetooth and rechargeable batteries — and while they’re helpful, the most important thing is matching technology to your hearing profile. We focus on what will actually benefit you, not just what’s new. Professional Hearing Aid Fitting Even the best hearing aids need to be programmed correctly. Using real ear measurements, we fine-tune your devices to ensure they’re delivering the right amplification — exactly where you need it — while they’re in your ears.\ Staying Positive Adjusting to hearing aids takes time. Practice, patience, and a positive mindset can make all the difference. Celebrate your wins, stay committed to the process, and remember that better hearing is within reach. Ready to start your hearing journey? Book a hearing test with Red Door Hearing and let us help you take the first step.

What is Hearing Aid Fitting (and Why is it So Important)?

June 10, 2025
A hearing aid fitting is a crucial part of your journey toward better hearing. After your hearing test and hearing aid selection, your audiologist will schedule a fitting — not just to ensure your devices are comfortable, but to fine-tune them so they work perfectly for your unique hearing needs. At Red Door Hearing, we believe professional hearing aid fitting is essential to long-term success with hearing aids. Why Hearing Aid Fitting Matters Many people think a fitting is just about comfort — but it’s so much more. A hearing aid fitting is a diagnostic and adjustment process that ensures your hearing aids match your hearing prescription. With expert fitting, you’ll get the most out of your technology and experience significantly improved results. Steps to Getting Hearing Aids Your journey to better hearing starts with a comprehensive hearing test and consultation. We’ll take the time to understand your lifestyle and listening needs so we can recommend hearing aids that fit both your hearing profile and your daily routine. Once you’ve selected your devices, we’ll book a hearing aid fitting. This isn’t the end of your care — we follow up within the first month to ensure your hearing aids are comfortable and effective, and we continue to offer support and adjustments as needed. What Happens During a Hearing Aid Fitting? The fitting process ensures your devices are properly programmed. Hearing aids arrive with default factory settings, but our audiologists use the results of your hearing test to adjust the volume, output, and features of each device specifically to your hearing needs. We also perform **real-ear measurements**, where a small microphone is placed in your ear canal to measure the actual sound delivered by the hearing aid. This confirms that the devices are meeting your prescription in real-world conditions. Why Real-Ear Measurements Matter Real-ear measurements are one of the most effective ways to ensure hearing aids perform accurately and comfortably. Since every ear is different, testing how sound behaves in your ear canal while the device is in use gives us the clearest picture of how well it’s working. This step isn’t offered at every clinic — but at Red Door Hearing, it’s a standard part of our fitting process because it leads to better outcomes and a more personalized experience. Your Role in a Successful Fit A hearing aid fitting is also a hands-on appointment for you. We’ll show you how to use, clean, and maintain your hearing aids. You’ll leave with confidence in your devices — and support just a call away. Have Your Hearing Aids Been Properly Fitted? Not every hearing clinic provides full professional fittings with real-ear measurements. If your current devices haven’t been properly fitted, we can help. Our team is happy to test and reprogram your existing hearing aids to make sure they’re working for you — not against you. Your hearing aids should feel comfortable, deliver clear sound, and help you stay connected. Book an appointment at Red Door Hearing and let’s make sure they do just that.