Tips for Adjusting to Your New Hearing Aids :

Southwest Hearing Solutions – Expert solutions. Compassionate care.

Congratulations on your new hearing aids! You’ve taken an important step toward better hearing, confident communication, and a deeper connection to the world around you. Like any new experience, adjusting to your hearing aids takes time and patience—but with consistency and support, you’ll soon be hearing comfortably and naturally again.

Why Your Brain Needs Time to Adjust

When hearing loss is left untreated, the parts of your brain responsible for processing sound become underused—like a muscle that hasn’t been exercised in a while. Once you start wearing hearing aids, your brain suddenly begins receiving much more sound information: the sound of your own voice, soft background noises, footsteps, and even birds chirping.

This can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s a good sign! Your brain is “working out” and relearning how to make sense of all those sounds. The more consistently you wear your hearing aids, the faster your brain will adapt.

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What to Expect During the Adjustment Period

It’s completely normal to experience the following during your first few weeks:

✔️ Sound overload – Your brain may feel overstimulated as it adjusts to new sounds.

✔️ Fatigue or mild headaches – Your brain is working harder as it reprocesses sound.

✔️ Physical awareness – Hearing aids may feel strange, itchy, or warm in your ears at first.

✔️ Annoyance at background noise – Sounds like chewing, footsteps, or rustling papers may stand out initially, but your brain will soon relearn to filter these out.

Patience is key—these sensations improve steadily with regular use.

Tips to Make the Adjustment Easier

1. Start at Home

Begin wearing your hearing aids in quiet, familiar environments where you can anticipate sounds. Gradually work up to noisier places like restaurants or stores once you feel more comfortable.

2. Make Sure They’re Inserted Correctly

Discomfort is often caused by improper placement rather than poor fit. Make sure your devices are snug but comfortable, and that domes or earmolds are correctly positioned. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to review insertion with you at any time.

3. Increase Wear Time Gradually

Wear your hearing aids for a few hours the first day, then add an hour each day until you’re wearing them comfortably all day long. Consistency helps your brain adjust faster.

4. Practice Listening

Read aloud, listen to audiobooks, or watch TV to get used to hearing your own voice and other familiar sounds. Try identifying where different sounds come from—it’s great “exercise” for your brain.

5. Expect Frustration (and Be Kind to Yourself)

It’s normal to feel irritated or overwhelmed at times. Take short breaks if you need them, but keep putting your hearing aids back in. Every day you wear them; you’re helping your brain relearn how to hear effortlessly again.

6. Attend Your Follow-Up Appointment

Your follow-up visit (usually 2 weeks after fitting) is essential. This is when we fine-tune your hearing aids for comfort and clarity, address any concerns, and celebrate your progress.

We’re Here to Help Every Step of the Way

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At Southwest Hearing Solutions, we understand that adjusting to hearing aids is both exciting and challenging. Our goal is to make sure you never feel alone in the process.

If you have questions or need support, please call us anytime at 815-846-7180.

You’re not just improving your hearing—you’re improving your quality of life.

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Hear From Our Patients

Don't take our word for it; take a look at what our real patients have to say!

Many times, I need adjustments to benefit fully from my hearing aids. Jamie is attentive to my needs and very patient with my questions. Knowing I can sit and have a conversation with Jamie about what is working well and what needs to be improved is a positive experience. I never feel rushed during our consultations. I’m very appreciative of her willingness to continue to work with me as my hearing changes!

Mary C.

I really can’t say enough good things about Jamie, other than, if you should find yourself in need of an exceptional audiologist, you may find as good but never, ever better than she. And while her warm, amiable nature will endear her to you, it is her skillful, knowledgeable attention to detail that will calm your apprehensions in the recognition that she has your best interest at heart. In conclusion, I am rating her at 5 stars though she really deserves 10.

Merle Hudgins

Jamie made me feel so comfortable. She explained my hearing loss in a way that I could understand and helped me with my tinnitus. Gave me options on hearing aids and how they would work for me, made sure I was comfortable with my choice in wearing and adjusting myself. When I did need her help she was always so welcoming and supportive. I wear my hearing aids with confidence and love how I hear everything now, from my music to the birds singing outdoors. I look forward to seeing her for any future appointments.

Julianne OConnell

Meet Your Audiologist

Dr. Jamie Sikora, Au.D.

Dr. Sikora is passionate about helping people regain their confidence through better hearing. With 25 years of experience in audiology and hearing aid technology, she brings expert care with a patient-first approach.

🩺 Education & Experience:

✅ Doctor of Audiology

✅ Certified Hearing Aid Specialist

✅ Member of The Academy of Doctors of Audiology

✅ Years of Experience Helping Morris, IL Patients

Contact

  • 1(815)576-7178

1802 North Division Street #218

Morris, Illinois 60450

© Copyright 2025. Southwest Hearing Solutions, PLLC. All rights reserved.

© Copyright 2025. Southwest Hearing Solutions, PLLC. All rights reserved.

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