Getting used to hearing aids

When you first get your hearing aids, it's natural to struggle with the basics such as mixing up the left and right aids, how to use the controls, and how to change the batteries.

We explain what you can expect from your hearing aids, and offer guidance on when you should go back to your audiologist, and where you can get further support.

Still deciding whether to buy hearing aids privately or get them from the NHS? Find out what Which? members thought about private providers vs the NHS when we surveyed 2,192 hearing aid users in June 2022.

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Getting used to your hearing aids

It usually takes people about a month to adjust to wearing hearing aids. Without you realising it, your brain will have adapted to your hearing loss, so everything can initially sound loud and strange.

You should wear the hearing aids as regularly as possible, and have a follow-up appointment four - 12 weeks after getting them. 

At your follow-up appointment, the audiologist should check that the aid fits properly and comfortably, and make any adjustments needed. This may take a few appointments to get right.

Learning how to handle your hearing aids, such as putting them in your ears and changing the batteries, can also take some time. Your audiologist should explain hearing-aid maintenance, what your aids can and can’t do, and give advice on how to get used to them.

But do give them time and get help if you're struggling, rather than giving up on your aids.

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Common hearing aid problems and how to fix them

1. My hearing aids aren't working as well as I hoped 

Hearing aids can improve your quality of life and interaction with others, but they can't completely restore your hearing to how it was originally, so it's important to temper your expectations.

Give it time though, as it can take a little while to get used to wearing them, and get the settings right for you.

The most common problem in our 2022 survey of hearing aid users was the sound not being right, e.g. too much background noise. If this is the case, it could be that they're not set up properly, and you should ask your audiologist for adjustments.

2. My hearing aids keep whistling

There are many causes of whistling or squeaking noises, which can be very annoying. These include:

• the hearing aids not being inserted correctly in your ear
• the volume being too high
• excess ear wax or an infection.

Make an appointment with your audiologist and they should be able to identify the problem. 

Good hearing aid practice, including storing and cleaning your hearing aids properly, and keeping them away from moisture, should also help you avoid issues.

3. My hearing aids are uncomfortable

This may be because you haven't fitted the hearing aids properly in your ear or your audiologist needs to adjust them. Arrange a follow-up appointment to pinpoint the problem.

4. My hearing aids are more visible than I expected

Hearing aids are becoming smaller and smarter-looking, as well as lighter and more comfortable to wear. You can get less visible open-fit hearing aids on the NHS, depending on your individual hearing. You'll get an even wider choice if you buy privately.

'Invisible' hearing aids, however, are only suited to people with mild to moderate hearing loss. If your hearing loss is more severe, you're better off with a behind-the-ear model with ear moulds.

Learn more about the pros and cons of different types, and their typical cost, in our full guide to types of hearing aid.

How to clean and maintain your hearing aids

• Ask to be shown how to clean and store your hearing aids, and how to keep them free from wax. You should also have precautions explained, such as not getting them wet.
• If you get an NHS hearing aid, keep the booklet or card you're given. It proves you have NHS aids and can go to the audiology department to get free batteries and repairs. Your audiology centre may have a drop-in clinic - you can arrange an appointment if it doesn't.
• If you lose or damage your hearing aid, you may be asked to pay towards repairing or replacing it, so you may want to check your aids are covered on your home insurance. We’ve heard about people being asked to pay for another pair when they’ve lost just one aid.  
• For privately bought aids, check if the cost of batteries is included in the contract. Otherwise you’ll need to buy replacements, which typically cost between £25 and £40 per year per aid if you wear them all day. 
• Check what repairs are included in your warranty or maintenance contract. Repairs to the hearing aid can cost £100 or more.

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Hearing problem support and further help

Simply acknowledging you have hearing loss and need hearing aids is often a daunting step. Once you've got them, you may feel you want extra support or want to meet others who also have hearing loss.

Ask your audiologist about local support groups and tinnitus clinics. For example, there may be a local hard-of-hearing group you can join.

There may also be a support service available in your area: check RNID's help with hearing aids page. Support from someone else can help you to not give up on your hearing aids before you've had a chance to get used to them.

Think about lip-reading classes, too. You'll be able to learn tips, practise with people with hearing loss, and also give and receive support with others in your situation.

Talk to your friends and family about your hearing loss, and ask them to make an effort to talk clearly to you. RNID has a communication tips card available online or from its freephone information line: 0808 808 0123.

Hearing aid complaints

Whether you have an NHS or private hearing aid, your first step is to discuss your concerns with the audiologist. A lot of the problems listed above can be easily resolved.

If you're experiencing technical problems with your hearing aids, keep notes of what's happening over several days, and note when and where the problems occur. If you’ve bought your aids privately, keep track of the trial period and try to resolve issues during this time.

If your problems aren't resolved, keep a detailed account of correspondence and documentation. 

For NHS hearing aid complaints, your first step is to talk to the hearing aid service manager of the audiology department. If this doesn't resolve the issue, you can make a complaint in writing, highlighting all your concerns.

If you bought your hearing aid privately, your first step will be to talk to the audiologist or the company you bought from. They are required to have a complaints procedure.

If your complaint is about the sales process or the goods you've bought, check whether the audiologist/company is a member of the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists (BSHAA), as it operates a no-cost, independent client mediation service. You could use this if you are not satisfied with the outcome of your complaint to the company.

How do I complain about my private hearing aid dispenser?

If you have concerns about the professional competence of a private hearing aid dispenser, refer your complaint to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). By law, anyone offering to test your hearing and sell you hearing aids on the high street must be qualified, or in supervised training, and registered with the HCPC.

The HCPC regulates training, skills and conduct, and investigates complaints about private hearing aid dispensers. It can caution or suspend them from the register, subject to an investigation.

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