Tips for Adapting to New Hearing Aids

Here is what to expect when you start wearing new hearing aids

When you start wearing new hearing aids, your brain receives new or different sound signals than it is used to. Over time, your brain will adapt to optimize the signals it is receiving, but that process may not be immediate.

It is expected that you will need days to months to get used to new hearing aids. We understand this process may be unwelcome or frustrating, but there is also some good news: your brain’s ability to adapt to new sounds means it can continue adapting and learning – even after you are comfortable with your hearing aids.

To help you get the most out of the process of adapting to new hearing aids, we have collected the tips that we share during appointments at Audiology First. Our goal is to help you adapt as quickly as possible so you can get the most benefits out of your new hearing aids.

Adapting to New Sounds

When you walk into a bakery, the smell of freshly baked bread and pastries is hard to ignore. But the smell quickly fades and soon will be unnoticed.

Our brains have the incredible ability to process and prioritize senses to let us know what has changed in our environment. New sensory inputs can be alarming and overpowering, but over time we get used to them and adapt to the conditions.

The sense of hearing is the same.

The role of our brains

Our brains do an incredible job at analyzing the sounds it receives – even if hearing loss inhibits this process. The role of the brain in hearing is to translate the sensory signals into comprehensible sounds and speech, all while filtering unwanted sounds and focusing on the people or things you want to hear.

Progressive hearing loss is often difficult to perceive because the brain adapts over time to do the best it can with missing or incomplete sound signals.

How the brain adapts

When you get new hearing aids, your brain is immediately introduced to signals it is no longer used to. Without the right approach, new hearing aid users can find the change overwhelming. Patients often report:

- Being more aware of ambient noise

- Difficulty focusing on specific sounds, such as speech

- Finding some sounds too loud at first

- Exhaustion or tiredness while using the hearing aids for a few hours

This is because the brain of a new hearing aid user is used to processing less complex sound - with some areas of the hearing system of the brain becoming more and more dormant over time.

When a hearing aid reactivates the ear, those dormant areas begin to fire once more. Researchers have observed with MRI as the auditory parts of the brain increase in density and complexity after being fitted with a hearing aid. While at first a hearing aid can sound strange, tinny or new, the brain rewires itself to become able to process sounds more efficiently and meaningfully.

Adaptation is not without limits, but with time we can help you reach your potential.

How to Adapt to Hearing Aids

When you get hearing aids from Audiology First, our team will be astute and flexible to your progress over the first few weeks. Our post-fitting plan includes multiple formal, and informal follow-up appointments to help you adapt at a pace that works for you.

Here are the top recommendations to help you adapt to new hearing aids.

Expect the process to take time
Get your hearing aids professionally fitted
Share your concerns and issues
Wear the hearing aids as much as possible
Slowly introduce new sound situations

1. Expect the process to take time

Your brain needs time to get used to the different sound signals it is receiving. For some people, they quickly get used to new hearing aids. For others, it can take months.

We understand the process can be frustrating, especially if it takes longer than you expect. Our goal is to provide as much information and support that you need to streamline the process and avoid any major hurdles.

You should not expect pain or unreasonable discomfort. If you are struggling to wear your hearing aids, book an appointment with a clinician at Audiology First. We are able to quickly identify the issue, and provide a different solution or sound quality if needed.

2. Get your hearing aids professionally fitted

Hearing aid fitting is the process to ensure your devices fit your ears – in terms of physical fit and your hearing loss. We will use the results from your hearing test to program the devices according to the sounds you can hear well and the ones you struggle with. Then we will verify the programming produces the sounds that will provide the most help.

Without professional hearing aid fitting, your devices may not be optimized for your ears and hearing loss. At Audiology First, we recognise the importance of individual sound tolerance, the range in which a hearing aid should operate, and what we might predict as a benefit level to expect from it.

It takes years of experience to recognise the individual needs of a patient with hearing loss, and maybe just as importantly, when to stop attempting to fix elements of the hearing that cannot be managed or treated further.

3. Share your concerns and issues

Most issues that you may experience with your new hearing aids can be resolved – but your audiologist needs to know there is a concern. You can start a daily journal to track the successes and challenges of your hearing aids, or you can write notes whenever you experience something that was not expected.

Your audiologist will make adjustments to your hearing aids or recommend strategies to mitigate the challenges you are experiencing.

4. Wear the hearing aids as much as possible

To adapt to new hearing aids, your brain needs to experience the different sound signals.

Try wearing your new hearing aids as much as possible. If you have discomfort or exhaustion after a long period of the devices in your ears, then take a break and note how you are feeling. And always let us know if you experience discomfort either from loud sounds, or the fit of the hearing aids.

5. Slowly introduce new sound situations

To help you get started with your hearing aids, our clinicians will often provide a training mode for the first few weeks - where the hearing aids are a set a little quieter than you may actually need, to help you gradually get used to them.

If you are struggling to get used to your hearing aids, you can also help your brain get used to new sounds by starting off in simple situations and environments, such as watching the television or talking to someone one-on-one. Reading a book aloud can help you get used to the way a hearing aid changes the sound of your own voice. Over time, you can introduce more complex situations and work up to wearing your hearing aids in daily life.

We’re here to help

Our audiologists and clinicians have more strategies and tips to streamline the process of adapting to hearing aids. We will ensure your devices are appropriately fitted and programmed, and we can recommend options to manage the specific challenges that you experience.

Book an appointment or contact your audiologist at Audiology First if you have any hesitations about your hearing aids. You are not alone in facing these challenges, and it’s our goal to help you get the most out of your hearing aids.

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Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Medical Emergency You Can't Ignore

October 3, 2025

When it comes to audiology, there’s only one true emergency: sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) . Unlike gradual hearing loss that develops over years, SSNHL appears abruptly and requires immediate medical attention. Audiology First specializes in rapid emergency hearing care, with diagnostic protocols and treatment pathways designed to act fast when every hour matters. Quick intervention can mean the difference between full recovery and permanent hearing damage. Let’s learn how to recognize warning signs and understand what a treatment plan would look like. Understanding Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Definition and Criteria To an Audiologist, sudden sensorineural hearing loss is defined as a 30+ dB hearing loss (which in layman's terms would be a very noticeable change) across three different pitches of hearing within 72 hours. For it to be a true sudden sensorineural loss, it cannot be related to anything else, like wax blockage, fluid buildup or a blockage. It happens without warning and is often mistaken for a minor issue like earwax buildup or fluid in the ear, but the stakes are often much higher. Prevalence and Demographics SSNHL affects about 5 to 20 per 100,000 people annually , with thousands of cases reported across Canada. While it can strike at any age, adults in their 40s and 50s are more commonly affected. Unilateral vs. Bilateral Most cases are unilateral (one ear), but in rare circumstances, hearing loss can affect both ears. Bilateral cases are especially urgent and may point to underlying systemic or autoimmune conditions. Associated Symptoms Patients often experience additional warning signs such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, or a sensation of fullness in the affected ear. Audiology First’s Emergency Assessment Our clinic prioritizes same-day evaluations , including audiometric testing and immediate physician referral when needed. By identifying SSNHL quickly, we aim to maximize the window for effective treatment and recovery. Remember that hearing care centers like Audiology First cannot treat sudden loss, but play a role in identifying it. If you cannot see an audiologist or another trained hearing care professional right away, you should not delay seeking medical help from a physician. If same day testing is not available, you should continue to seek help as a matter of urgency. We recommend using one or more of the following resources: Call Alberta Healthlink on 311 Visit an Urgent Care center Visit your local Emergency Room or Call a local Ear Nose and Throat specialist’s office Recognizing the Warning Signs Immediate Symptoms The hallmark sign is sudden hearing loss in one ear , which may feel like muffled sounds or difficulty understanding speech. Secondary Indicators Other red flags include persistent tinnitus, balance issues, and ear pressure that can accompany the hearing loss. When to Seek Emergency Care Time is of the essence. Some research shows that treatment is most effective when started within the first 72 hours . While some people’s hearing may recover spontaneously with or without treatment, delaying medical attention can lead to permanent hearing impairment . In some cases, hearing does not recover, even with prompt treatment. If you are experiencing dizziness at the same time as a hearing loss, do not drive yourself to seek help, but consider getting someone to drive you to any immediate appointments. Self-Assessment Techniques At home, a simple test is to cover one ear at a time when listening to a familiar sound (such as your phone or TV). If one side sounds significantly quieter or distorted, it’s an urgent signal to seek help. If you are a hearing aid user, it is important to check that your hearing aid is not blocked or malfunctioning in some way, giving the appearance of a sudden change in hearing. Treatment Options and Protocols Audiologists and Hearing Care Professionals cannot prescribe medications, but these are some of the options offered to people with sudden loss when they visit a medical professional. Corticosteroid Therapy The primary treatment for SSNHL is corticosteroids, delivered either orally or through intratympanic injections. These reduce inflammation and improve the likelihood of hearing recovery. Prednisone is often prescribed. Treatment Timing Prompt treatment is crucial. Patients who start therapy within 14 days of onset have significantly better outcomes. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For patients who don’t respond to steroids, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can serve as a salvage treatment, improving oxygen delivery to the inner ear. Supportive Care Managing related issues like tinnitus or dizziness may require additional therapies, including hearing aids or vestibular rehabilitation. Audiology First’s Treatment Approach We have a great relationship with the local ENT specialists, and coordinate all aspects of care with them to ensure each patient has access to the best possible recovery options. Recovery and Rehabilitation Recovery Timelines: Recovery can range from a few days to several months, depending on the severity and speed of treatment. Some patients regain full hearing, while others experience only partial improvement. Hearing Aid Considerations: For those with lasting deficits, modern hearing aids can provide amplification and restore communication confidence. Tinnitus Management: Persistent ringing in the ears is often a consequence of hearing loss that can be managed through sound therapy, well fitted hearing aids, counseling, and tinnitus retraining techniques. Follow-up Care: You should return to the clinic for a series of routine follow up tests over the weeks and months following a sudden hearing loss. This allows us to measure whether treatments have been successful, and to treat any residual hearing loss. Audiology First’s Rehabilitation Services For those who need it, Our team provides comprehensive recovery support, including custom hearing aid fittings, counseling, and personalized rehabilitation plans. Prevention and Risk Factors Known Risk Factors Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss has been linked to the following: Viral infections Autoimmune disorders Circulatory problems Certain medications Age-related vulnerabilities Protective Measures Protecting your hearing from loud noise, avoiding ototoxic medications when possible, and treating systemic health issues can lower risk. Early Detection Baseline hearing tests and regular audiology check-ups can help detect changes early and establish a benchmark for comparison. Lifestyle Factors It is difficult to note which factors may reduce the risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, but a healthy lifestyle—including balanced nutrition, exercise, and cardiovascular health—supports long-term hearing preservation. Audiology First’s Prevention Programs We provide preventive screenings, personalized risk assessments, and educational resources so patients can take proactive steps toward protecting their hearing health. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss is not a typical hearing problem…it’s a medical emergency. If you or someone you know experiences sudden hearing loss, don’t wait, contact Audiology First immediately during business hours, or contact any other trusted hearing care clinic. If you cannot reach us, please seek immediate medical attention. Book your hearing evaluation today and take the first proactive step in protecting your long-term hearing health.