Step 3: Using your hearing aids

It is a good idea to get used to your hearing aids in familiar and comfortable situations, such as watching television or speaking to family. Start by wearing them for short periods and gradually increase it.

Once you have got used to your hearing aids you can wear them all the time.

When you first start using your hearing aids you will notice several things:

* Speech, music and television will all sound louder, sharper and clearer, making it easier to hear.
* Consonants such as 's', 't' and 'ch' will sound more defined.
* You may now hear sounds around you that before were inaudible or very quiet: things like footsteps on wooden floors, ticking clocks, and bird song.
* Your own voice will also sound different.

As you use your hearing aids in your normal life, you will get more and more of an idea of how much they are helping you, and where any adjustments need to be made.
After you have worn your hearing aids for two weeks it will be time to come back and see us for fine-tuning and follow up