📍 3 The Valley Shopping Village, Team Valley, Gateshead NE11 0EN 🕘 Mon–Thu 9.00am–5.00pm  ·  📞 0191 5111 878  ·  🔑 Member login

Getting used to your hearing aids

Your simple, week-by-week guide to settling in — from your first quiet day at home to feeling completely confident. Take it steady; we're with you every step.

Better hearing takes a little practice — and that's completely normal

When you first wear hearing aids, the world can sound surprisingly loud or "busy". That's because your brain hasn't heard some of these sounds clearly in a long time, and it needs a little time to get used to them again — just like getting used to new glasses.

The secret is simple: wear them every day, start gently, and build up bit by bit. Most people feel comfortable within a few weeks, and fully settled within about three months. You won't be doing it alone — call us any time, and we'll fine-tune them for you.

The five golden rules

1. Wear them every day

Even at home in the quiet. The more you wear them, the faster your brain adjusts.

2. Start gently

Begin in calm, quiet places. Add busier situations a little at a time.

3. Give it time

Odd sounds settle down within days or weeks. Stick with it — it really is worth it.

4. Keep them clean & charged

A quick wipe each evening and a nightly charge (or fresh battery) keeps them working their best.

5. Tell us what's not right

Too loud, too soft, whistling? Don't put up with it — a quick tweak from us makes all the difference.

Hearing Club members

This support is part of looking after you all year round. See the Hearing Club →

Your first 90 days, step by step

A gentle plan to follow. If a stage feels like a lot, simply stay where you are for a few more days — there's no rush.

🏡

Week 1 — Settle in at home

  • Wear them a few hours a day in quiet rooms
  • Chat with one person at a time
  • Practise putting them in and taking them out
  • Notice everyday sounds — the kettle, a clock, birdsong
📺

Week 2 — Build it up

  • Wear them for longer each day
  • Add the TV and radio at a comfy volume
  • Move into more rooms of the house
  • Enjoy family chats around the table
🛍️

Weeks 3–4 — Out and about

  • Pop to the shops and the café
  • Try small groups of friends or family
  • Wear them in the garden and the car
  • Getting easier? Wear them most of the day
🌟

Months 2–3 — Full confidence

  • Wear them all day, every day
  • Try busier places and restaurants
  • Use them on the phone
  • This is your new normal — enjoy it!

Sounds you might notice at first (and why they're normal)

🗣️ Your own voice sounds loud or "boomy"

Very common in the early days, and it settles quickly as you get used to it. If it still bothers you after a week or two, pop in and we'll adjust it.

👕 Rustling clothes or background hum

You're simply hearing sounds you'd been missing. Your brain soon learns to push them into the background.

🎵 A faint whistle (feedback)

Usually means the aid isn't sitting snugly, or there's a little wax. Take it out and pop it back in firmly. If it keeps whistling, give us a ring.

🔊 Everything feels too loud

Turn down the volume a touch and build up over the week. We can also gently lower the settings for you — just ask.

⚠️ Ear pain, discharge, or sudden changes in your hearing aren't part of settling in — please call us on 0191 5111 878 or see your GP.

Looking after them each day

🧼

Wipe them nightly

A soft, dry cloth each evening — never water. Brush any wax off the tip.

🔋

Charge or change

Pop them on charge overnight, or fit a fresh battery when needed.

💧

Keep them dry

Store them somewhere dry overnight (a drying pot is ideal) — not on a radiator.

More help & troubleshooting →

We're with you all the way

Never struggle in silence

Settling in is much easier with a little support. If something doesn't sound right, or you'd just like reassurance, we're only a phone call away — and adjustments are quick and friendly.

  • ✔ Free fine-tuning and follow-ups as you settle in
  • ✔ Pop in, call, or message us on WhatsApp
  • ✔ Ask our hearing assistant any time, day or night
  • ✔ Ongoing aftercare with the Hearing Club
📅 Book a follow-up Call 0191 5111 878
A friendly follow-up appointment at BFG Hearing Solutions, Team Valley

Not getting on with your hearing aids? We can help.

Whether they're from us or somewhere else, a quick adjustment often makes all the difference. Book a visit or have a chat with our hearing assistant.

📅 Book online Ask our hearing assistant