Hearing Aid Acclimatisation: give it some time!

Dr Jeff
6 days ago
3 min read

Helping Your Brain and Ears Work Together Again

If you've recently started using hearing aids—or are considering them—you may wonder why everything sounds so different at first. From the rustle of paper to the hum of a refrigerator, ordinary sounds can seem strange, even overwhelming.

This experience is completely normal, and it's part of a process called hearing aid acclimatisation. Understanding what acclimatisation is—and how to support it—can make your transition smoother, more comfortable, and ultimately more successful.

What Is Hearing Aid Acclimatisation?

Acclimatisation is the process your brain goes through to adjust to new, amplified sounds. For many people with hearing loss, their brains have gradually adapted to reduced sound input over time. When hearing aids suddenly restore these sounds, the brain must re-learn how to interpret them.

Think of it like adjusting to bright sunlight after stepping out of a dim room. At first, the brightness is uncomfortable. But over time, your eyes adjust. The same is true for your ears and brain when you begin wearing hearing aids.

Why Acclimatisation Is So Important

Without proper acclimatisation:

Sounds may feel unnatural or overwhelming
Speech may seem too sharp or harsh
You might become discouraged and stop using your hearing aids

But with support and patience, the brain adapts, helping you regain better speech understanding, especially in noisy environments. Research shows that acclimatisation plays a critical role in long-term hearing aid success.

What Does the Research Say?

Studies show that many new hearing aid users experience noticeable improvements in speech clarity and listening comfort over several weeks or months:

One study by Gatehouse (1992) found that users showed improved speech understanding after 6 to 12 weeks of consistent hearing aid use.
A more recent review by Wright & Gagné (2020) indicated that most users report improved listening experiences within the first 4–8 weeks.
Although not everyone experiences dramatic changes in test results, subjective improvement—how much better it feels—is often significant.

The Stages of Acclimatisation

Acclimatisation isn’t instant. It’s a journey with several stages:

🗓️ Week 1–2: Adjustment Period

Sounds may seem loud, sharp, or overwhelming.
Your own voice might sound different (this is called the "occlusion effect").
Many people wear their aids for a few hours at a time to build tolerance.

🗓️ Week 3–4: Increased Familiarity

Your brain begins to filter out background noise more effectively.
Speech becomes clearer, especially in quieter settings.
Confidence in using your hearing aids grows.

🗓️ Month 2 and Beyond: Stability and Comfort

You can wear your hearing aids for most of the day without discomfort.
Your brain has adapted to a wider range of sounds.
Speech understanding in real-world situations continues to improve.

How You Can Support the Process

Acclimatisation is a partnership between your brain, your devices, and your audiologist. Here’s how you can help make it successful:

✅ 1. Wear Your Hearing Aids Consistently

The more you wear them, the faster your brain adjusts. Aim for full-day use as soon as it's comfortable.

✅ 2. Start in Quiet Environments

Begin in calm settings like home. Gradually work up to more challenging situations like restaurants or social gatherings.

✅ 3. Be Patient with Background Noise

Your brain needs time to learn what sounds to prioritize. This improves over time.

✅ 4. Use Follow-Up Appointments

Here at Ear Care Specialists, we like to follow up all our new hearing aid patients. This provides a great opportunity for support and even some tweaks.

✅ 5. Ask About Gradual Gain Features

Many hearing aids include settings that gradually increase volume over days or weeks to make the transition easier. This is a popular feature that we like to use in our clinic.

What If Things Still Feel Off?

It’s okay to feel uncertain. If sounds are uncomfortable or you’re struggling with clarity, don’t give up—reach out to your audiologist. Fine-tuning, reprogramming, or even additional listening training may help. Don't be afraid to adjust things using your smart phone. Subtle adjustments to volume or microphone directionality can make a big different to your listening comfort and audibility.

Final Thoughts

Acclimatisation isn’t just about your ears—it’s about retraining your brain to hear the world again. With time, support, and consistent use, most people find that sounds become more natural and speech becomes easier to follow.

If you’re starting this journey or have questions about your hearing aids, we’re here to help. Acclimatisation may take time, but the reward—reconnecting with the sounds of life—is worth every step.