How To Get Used To Hearing Aids

Adjusting To Hearing Aids

Adjusting to new hearing aids can take some time and patience, especially for those who have lived with hearing loss for a long time. Because of the gradual onset of most hearing losses, a person suffering from hearing loss may not realise their concept of “normal” hearing will continue to change as their hearing loss develops. As a result, wearing hearing aids can initially be a bit overwhelming, and it may take some time to retrain your brain to recognise and interpret sounds that were previously missed or ignored.

Additionally, our brain subconsciously selects and highlights sounds that are important to us. Unimportant sounds are heard, but not fully perceived, unless we consciously pay attention to them.

Getting Used to Hearing Aids

When you are fitted with your new hearing device, your concept of “normal” hearing and the process of subconscious selection will need to be relearnt. If you are being fitted with hearing aids for the first time, you will hear sounds that you may not have heard for a long time.

Environmental sounds can seem unnaturally prominent or noticeable for the first few weeks. It takes time for the brain to re-learn all these sounds, which is why we gently ease you into the level of amplification you need.

It takes time to adjust to the feel of your hearing aids/moulds/domes in your ears and the effect they have on your ear canal resonance. They need to fit comfortably in your ears and not move out of your ears with jaw movement. Audiological support is essential during this initial period.

How Long Does It Take To Adjust To Hearing Aids?

In general, it may take several weeks or even a few months to adjust fully to hearing aids, but with regular use, most people find that the benefits outweigh the initial challenges. We work closely with our patients over this period to:

Provide support as you adapt to amplification
Complete the fine-tuning of your hearing aids, so they are optimally matched to your individual communication and listening requirements. Your aim is to have what you hear through the hearing aids become “normal”.

Wearing your hearing aids most of the time will ensure that you adapt more quickly, and your concept of “normal” hearing will be successfully redefined. As a result, you will become reliant on your hearing aids and will find it harder to communicate without them. This is an inevitable part of a successful hearing aid fitting and does not mean that hearing aid use has aggravated your level of hearing loss

Supporting Your Brain, Beyond the Fitting

Hearing aids are a meaningful first step – but getting the most from them is a process that goes beyond the device itself. The adjustment you experience isn’t just about getting used to something in your ear. It’s your brain relearning how to make sense of the world of sound it’s now receiving.

To support this process, DWM Audiology now offers LACE AI Pro as part of our aural rehabilitation program – a clinician-monitored, evidence-based auditory training program that helps your brain work in step with what your hearing aids can hear.

What is LACE AI Pro?

LACE (Listening and Communication Enhancement) AI Pro is an auditory training program backed by over 20 years of clinical research and more than 10 published clinical trials. Developed by Neurotone, it’s designed to be used at home – just 15 minutes a day – and works by training the areas of your brain responsible for processing speech and sound.

Research shows that regular use can improve speech understanding in noisy environments by up to 40%, with results lasting at least six months.

What does it involve?

The program is self-guided and works on your phone, tablet, or computer. Your DWM audiologist will onboard you to the program and monitor your progress – so you have professional support throughout, without needing to come in for every session.

Training targets five key listening skills:

Understanding speech in background noise
Following rapid or fast-paced speech
Working memory and concentration during conversation
Filling in missed or unclear words
Following face-to-face conversation (coming soon)

As you progress, you’ll earn achievements and badges to mark your milestones – and you can even train using a recording of your loved one’s voice, which research shows makes the experience more meaningful and effective.

Who is it for?

LACE AI Pro is available to all DWM patients:

New hearing aid patients – onboarding to LACE AI Pro is included as part of the aural rehabilitation program with every hearing aid fitting from 2026.
Existing patients – available for a small one-off fee. No annual subscription.

Whether you’ve just been fitted for the first time, or you’ve been wearing hearing aids for years and still find noisy environments a challenge, LACE AI Pro can help.

Why DWM offers it

DWM Audiology is a certified LACE AI Pro provider. Our commitment to your hearing goes beyond the fitting appointment. We want you to hear clearly, stay sharp, and feel confident in every conversation that matters to you.

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