Why “Getting Used to Hearing Aids” Takes Time (And What Helps)

If you’ve just started using hearing aids, you might be wondering:

“Why does everything sound weird?”
“Shouldn’t I be hearing normally by now?”
“Is it supposed to feel like this?”

You’re not alone. One of the biggest frustrations people face with new hearing aids is expecting them to feel natural immediately—and feeling discouraged when they don’t.

The truth is, adjusting to hearing aids takes time because your brain is re-learning how to process sounds it hasn’t heard clearly in a while. Soft sounds, background noises, and even your own voice can feel overwhelming or sharp at first. That’s not a failure of the devices—or of you—it’s a normal part of the journey.

Here’s what can help:

✅ Give it time. Most people need a few weeks to a few months to fully adjust. Start wearing your hearing aids for a few hours a day, gradually increasing as you get comfortable.

✅ Practice in different environments. Begin in quiet settings, then slowly try more challenging places like restaurants or church. Your brain needs these opportunities to relearn how to filter sounds.

✅ Communicate with your provider. If certain sounds are too sharp or if your aids feel uncomfortable, don’t give up. Adjustments can be made to improve your experience.

✅ Be patient with yourself. It’s normal to feel tired or overstimulated at first. Take breaks when needed, but keep going. The effort you put in now will pay off in the long run.

At Side B Publishing, we believe in meeting life’s changes with practical steps and encouragement. Learning to live fully with hearing aids is part of your Side B journey—and it’s worth it.

If you want a clear, honest guide to help you navigate hearing aid use without the hype or overwhelm, check out The Hearing Aid Handbook: Everything You Wish They Told You. It’s designed to help you feel confident and informed as you step into this next chapter of your life. Grab your copy of [here].