Ask Anna: Will hearing aids make my hearing go back to “normal”?

 Ask Anna is a weekly advice column for the hearing loss community.

Dear Anna: I had normal hearing until about age 65, and now my audiologist tells me I have a moderate hearing loss of about 30 percent. I still feel like I can here fine, except when people are behind me or I’m in a loud public place. If I get a hearing aid, would it restore my hearing back to normal? – Jenny in Illinois

Hi Jenny,

Hearing aids will never restore your hearing back to “normal,” but they can make things a lot easier to hear in many different listening situations. Modern hearing aids are very good at being able to adapt to your listening needs.

The important thing to remember when getting your first pair of hearing aids, is that unlike eyeglasses, which can produce instant results, it takes time to adjust to hearing aids. Hearing aids ask your brain to process sounds it hasn’t heard in a long time – or ever. Be patient and give yourself at a month or two acclimatize. Try out your hearing aids in different situations and note where you hear well and where it might be more challenging. If certain listening environments never seem to improve over time it could be an indication that your hearing aids might need adjusting for those specific environments.

Also, don’t be afraid to go back to your audiologist or hearing care professional to make adjustments. You might find that in some situations you’d like extra adjustments, or hearing aid accessories, to make your listening situations better. This can make an especially big impact for musicians or people who spend time in loud spaces. Your audiologist will be able to make these adjustments and discuss with your how your hearing aids work in various situations.

The good news: most people who stick with their hearing aids have higher hearing satisfaction than before they used the technology.

To learn more about reactions to hearing aids, you can also check out these blog posts:

Getting new hearing aids: What I hear, what I don’t, and two places I love using them

Hearing Aid Fitting Day: Ups, Downs and Why It’s Worth It!

How new hearing aids helped me hear new sounds

Real Housewives star gets Phonak CROS hearing aid

Do you have a question for Anna? Email: feedback@hearinglikeme.com

The information provided through this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Hearing Like Me website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency medical services immediately.

• Author Details

Author Details

Anna Biggins

Anna is currently the Senior Audiology Manager at Phonak. She has worked in the field of audiology and hearing aids for 25 years, and is passionate about all things audiology.