Essential Tips for Fitting Hearing Aids Well: What Matters Before, During, and After the Fit

Hearing aids can transform lives by improving communication and connection. Yet, the benefits depend heavily on how well the device fits.

Most hearing aids don’t fail because the technology is poor. They fail because the hearing aid fitting process is rushed, expectations aren’t set properly, or follow-up is missing. A successful hearing aid fitting is a planned rehabilitation process, not a one-off appointment.

Here’s what I consider essential — and what patients should look out for at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 3 months after fitting hearing aids.

Hearing Aids Fitting at Brighter Ears

Before fitting hearing aids: getting the foundations right

1) Confirm the diagnosis (don’t skip the basics)

A good hearing aid fitting starts with accurate information:

• Otoscopy and middle ear checks (including tympanometry where indicated)

• A reliable hearing test (audiogram), including speech testing where possible

• Identification of red flags such as asymmetry, sudden hearing changes, pain, or discharge

If the diagnosis is incomplete, hearing aid fitting becomes a guessing game — and outcomes suffer.

2) Match the hearing aid to real life, not the brochure

The “best” hearing aid is the one that fits your daily listening needs, not the one with the most features.

Consider:

• Listening environments (quiet home vs noisy social settings)

• Dexterity and vision (small batteries vs rechargeable hearing aids)

• Phone use and Bluetooth confidence

• Personal goals (TV clarity, conversation, safety, balance awareness)

• Falls or memory concerns.

3) Set expectations honestly (this prevents disappointment)

Hearing aids help you hear more clearly, but they do not restore normal hearing.

Even advanced hearing aids cannot completely remove background noise. The goal is:

• Clearer speech

• Reduced listening effort

• Better confidence and safety

On fitting day: what a proper hearing aid fitting includes

1) Comfortable "clarity" beats "loudness"

Many first-time hearing aid users struggle because devices are set too aggressively.

We would rather start comfortably and build up than overwhelm the brain and trigger rejection or overloading the auditory system.

2) Real-ear measurement (REM) matters

Real-ear measurements confirm the hearing aids are delivering the correct sound levels inside your ear canal, not based on a "default" estimate.

If we want consistent outcomes, this is a key step.

3) A simple plan for home use

Patients do better when expectations are clear:

• How long to wear hearing aids each day

• What changes to listen for

• When to contact the audiologist

The first 2 weeks: hearing aid acclimatisation is normal

Common experiences in the first 2 weeks

• Voices sound sharper or “too clear”

• Everyday sounds (cutlery, paper, footsteps) feel loud

• Background noise feels more noticeable

This is not failure. It is the brain re-learning sounds it has not processed properly for some time. Evidence around hearing-aid “acclimatisation” is mixed, but the clinical reality is: most people improve with consistent use and sensible adjustments.

What helps during the first 2 weeks

• Wear hearing aids daily (short breaks are fine)

• Note three situations that improved and three that were difficult

• Avoid constant app or button changes — stability helps adaptation

Around 4 weeks: where real progress happens

By four weeks, the brain has had enough exposure to give meaningful feedback.

What I assess at the 4-week hearing aid review

• Are hearing aids worn most days?

• Are soft voices clearer without strain?

• Are you still avoiding noisy environments?

• Are you adjustment the volume frequently?

Typical hearing aid adjustments at 4 weeks

• Gradual increase in gain if tolerance improves

• Refinement of noise management and directionality

• Checking domes or moulds for comfort and retention

• Repeat real-ear verification if required

For some people, adding simple auditory listening exercises can help with speech-in-noise adaptation.

At 3 months: hearing aid outcomes should be stable

By three months, most people experience:

• Less listening fatigue

• Improved day-to-day speech clarity

• Greater confidence in social situations

This is also when progress can be measured using speech testing and functional outcome tools.

Hearing aids, brain health, and memory

Large trials and reviews suggest that hearing intervention can support cognitive outcomes in certain groups. The ACHIEVE randomised trial found that in older adults at higher risk of cognitive decline, a hearing intervention slowed cognitive decline by almost 50% over 3 years (notably in the higher-risk subgroup).

Other longitudinal research has also reported better cognitive performance over time in hearing aid users, though results vary and not all studies show the same effect.

You can read on the relation of Hearing loss, cognition and memory in one of other blogs - click here.

Hearing loss, balance, and falls

Hearing loss is associated with reduced balance and increased fall risk. While hearing aids are not a balance treatment, improved sound awareness and reduced strain may support overall safety as part of a broader falls-prevention approach.

What to look out for after hearing aid fitting

✅ At 2 weeks

• Wearing hearing aids most days

• Feeling less tired after conversations

• No ongoing pain, squealing, or blocked sensation

✅ At 4 weeks

• Better TV and family speech clarity

• Difficulties limited to specific environments

• Hearing aids stay comfortable and secure

✅ At 3 months

• More social participation

• Reduced listening effort

• Reliable day-to-day performance

If these are not happening, it is usually fixable with review and adjustment.

The biggest predictor of hearing aids fitting success: Follow-up.

A great fitting is a process: fit → adapt → fine-tune → verify → maintain.

Hearing aids need adjustment as your brain adapts, your listening needs change, and confidence improves.

At Brighter Ears, hearing aid fitting includes:

• Structured follow-ups

• Gradual adjustments

• Verification of sound levels

• Long-term support

Hearing aids work best when fitting is done properly — and revisited regularly.

If you or loved one is wearing hearing aids and feel they’re not delivering the clarity or comfort you expected, it’s worth having the fitting reviewed. In many cases, small changes to settings, fit, or follow-up can significantly improve results.

At Brighter Ears, we offer independent hearing aid reviews to assess how your current devices are performing and whether adjustments can help. If you’d like clarity on your options, you’re welcome to book a review or speak with our team.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Aid Fitting

How long does it take to adjust to new hearing aids?

Most people take 2–6 weeks to adjust to new hearing aids.

During this time, the brain is relearning sounds it hasn’t processed clearly for a while, which is why consistent daily use is important.

Is it normal for hearing aids to sound too loud at first?

Yes, this is very common in the early stages.

Sounds like footsteps, cutlery, or paper may seem sharp initially, but this usually settles as the brain adapts.

Do hearing aids get better over time, or do I just get used to them?

Both.

Modern hearing aids adjust automatically, and research shows the brain also improves its ability to process speech and reduce background noise with regular use.

Why are follow-up appointments important after hearing aid fitting?

Follow-up appointments allow your audiologist to fine-tune settings as your tolerance and listening ability improve.

Most meaningful improvements happen after the initial fitting, not on the first day.

How often should hearing aids be adjusted after fitting?

Adjustments are usually recommended at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and around 3 months after fitting.

This staged approach improves comfort, clarity, and long-term outcomes.

Can hearing aids help with memory or cognitive health?

Treating hearing loss may help reduce listening effort and support cognitive health.

Large studies show that hearing intervention can slow cognitive decline in some older adults, particularly those at higher risk.

Do hearing aids help with balance or falls?

Hearing loss is linked to balance and fall risk. While hearing aids are not a balance treatment, improved sound awareness and reduced strain may support overall safety.

Why do hearing aids work better with daily use?

Daily use helps the brain adapt more quickly and improves speech understanding.

Inconsistent use slows acclimatisation and often leads to poorer outcomes.

What should I do if my hearing aids don’t feel right after fitting?

Contact your audiologist rather than stopping use.

Most comfort or clarity issues can be resolved with adjustment, not replacement.

What makes a hearing aid fitting successful?

Accurate assessment, realistic expectations, real-ear verification, and ongoing follow-up care.

The fitting process is just as important as the hearing aid itself.

Can I come to Brighter Ears for a hearing aids adjustment?

Yes absolutely, we are here to help any individual with and ear related issues. Please call us on 1300 1050 30 and book an appointment.