Why wearing hearing aids all day

Published on Feb, 28, 2025

Why wearing hearing aids all waking hours matters

Adjusting to hearing aids is a journey—and wearing them consistently throughout your day is key to getting the most out of your devices. Many new users wonder if it’s really necessary to keep their hearing aids on all waking hours, especially in quiet settings or when they’re alone. The truth is, regular, full-day use helps your brain relearn how to process sounds, improves speech understanding, and enhances overall quality of life.

In this article, we’ll explore why wearing your hearing aids every day—from morning to night—supports better hearing, cognitive health, and social engagement. At Amplifon Canada, we’re here to guide you every step of the way toward a richer, more connected hearing experience.

Tips for getting used to hearing aids

Hearing aids are a powerful tool in reconnecting with the world around you—but just like any new experience, they require an adjustment period. At first, everyday sounds may seem unfamiliar, exaggerated, or even overwhelming. That’s completely normal. Your brain is relearning how to process sound, which takes time, patience, and consistent use.

To help you transition smoothly, try these tips from Amplifon Canada:

  1. Start at home: Begin by wearing your hearing aids in quieter, more familiar settings—like your home. This allows you to ease into the experience without being overwhelmed by background noise. Engage in conversations with a partner or family member to get used to the sound of your own voice and the rhythm of dialogue.
  2. Ease into full-day use: While wearing your hearing aids all day is the goal, it’s okay to build up gradually. Start with a few hours per day and slowly increase the duration. Limit long breaks, though—consistency helps your brain adapt more quickly to amplified sounds.
  3. Be patient with the process: It’s perfectly natural to feel a little tired or irritated during the early days. Some sounds may seem sharp or unusual—but over time, your brain will adjust. Be kind to yourself and know that this learning curve is part of the journey toward better hearing.
  4. Stay in touch with your hearing care professional: If you experience discomfort, difficulty hearing in certain situations, or concerns about fit or volume, connect with your local Amplifon hearing clinic. Our specialists can make personalized adjustments to improve comfort and clarity—ensuring you get the most from your devices.
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How many hours a day should you wear hearing aids?

To get the most benefit from your hearing aids, it’s recommended to wear them during all your waking hours, which typically means 8 to 16 hours each day, depending on your lifestyle. Wearing your hearing aids consistently helps your brain adjust to new sounds, improves speech clarity, and supports your overall hearing health.

If you’re new to using hearing aids, it’s normal to start slowly—try wearing them for a few hours at a time and gradually increase your daily wear time. With patience and consistent use, wearing your hearing aids throughout the day will soon feel comfortable and natural, allowing you to fully reconnect with the sounds around you and enjoy a richer, more vibrant listening experience.

The benefits of wearing your hearing aids consistently

  • Boosted speech understanding: Wearing your hearing aids throughout the day helps your brain become more efficient at interpreting speech—especially in complex listening environments like restaurants, family gatherings, or public spaces. Over time, you’ll find it easier to follow conversations, even when background noise is present. This improved comprehension enhances communication, confidence, and social connection.
  • Increased awareness of everyday sounds: Many people don’t realize how much they’ve been missing until they begin wearing hearing aids again. From subtle household sounds like running water or a ticking clock to important auditory cues like doorbells, timers, or alarms—consistent hearing aid use brings these sounds back into focus. This renewed auditory awareness improves your ability to respond to your environment and enhances overall quality of life.
  • Support for long-term brain health: Untreated hearing loss can place extra cognitive strain on the brain, increasing the risk of memory problems, social withdrawal, and even cognitive decline. By wearing your hearing aids regularly, you're helping your brain stay actively engaged in processing sounds and conversations, which supports better mental clarity, emotional well-being, and social engagement.
  • Higher satisfaction and better outcomes:At Amplifon Canada, we understand that adjustment and long-term success depend on consistent support. Our easy-to-use mobile app offers personalized coaching, usage tracking, and helpful reminders to guide you through your hearing journey. Research shows that users who wear their devices for eight or more hours daily report greater satisfaction and hearing performance over time.
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The risks of inconsistent wear

Falls and Balance Issue

Hearing and balance are closely connected through the inner ear and the brain. Untreated hearing loss can lead to reduced spatial awareness, making it harder to detect your surroundings—like footsteps, movement behind you, or environmental cues. This increases the risk of imbalance, dizziness, or even dangerous falls, especially among older adults. By wearing your hearing aids consistently, you're not just improving hearing—you’re actively supporting safer mobility and coordination.

Social Withdrawal

Without hearing aids, even familiar environments like your home can feel isolating. Missing conversations, asking for repetition, or struggling to follow along can lead to embarrassment, frustration, and social withdrawal. Over time, this disconnection can contribute to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Regular hearing aid use supports stronger communication, helping you stay involved and emotionally connected to the people and moments that matter most.

Strain on Brain Function

When your ears don’t provide enough information, your brain has to work overtime to fill in the gaps—often with limited success. This extra effort can cause mental fatigue, reduced focus, and difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments. Over time, this cognitive strain may contribute to long-term cognitive decline and increase the risk of conditions such as dementia. Wearing your hearing aids consistently helps your brain process sounds naturally and effortlessly, supporting better mental clarity and long-term brain health.

When should you wear your hearing aids?

Here’s when and where it’s most important to wear your hearing aids:

  • At Home: Even if you're alone or in a quiet environment, wearing your hearing aids at home is still important. Everyday sounds like the hum of the fridge, a knock at the door, the ring of the phone, or the bark of a pet help your brain stay attuned to your surroundings. Consistent wear can also help you stay alert to potential hazards, like smoke detectors or a boiling kettle, improving safety and situational awareness. Plus, maintaining auditory input throughout the day supports balance, mental sharpness, and overall well-being.
  • While Exercising: Some people assume they should remove hearing aids during physical activity—but modern hearing aids are built to keep up with active lifestyles. Whether you’re going for a walk, attending a fitness class, or doing yoga at home, your hearing aids help you stay engaged and aware. Most Amplifon-supported devices come with moisture-resistant technology, offering protection against sweat and light rain. If you live an especially active lifestyle, your Amplifon hearing care professional can recommend models designed for enhanced durability and water resistance.
  • Everywhere Else: From grocery stores and restaurants to appointments and family events, wearing your hearing aids in all environments helps you stay connected, confident, and socially engaged. Amplifon Canada encourages full-time wear so you can fully participate in everyday life—whether you're chatting with friends, navigating public spaces, or simply enjoying nature. The more consistently you wear your devices, the more natural and effortless hearing becomes, even in noisy or unpredictable settings.

When should you wear your hearing aids?

Here’s when and where it’s most important to wear your hearing aids:

  • At Home: Even if you're alone or in a quiet environment, wearing your hearing aids at home is still important. Everyday sounds like the hum of the fridge, a knock at the door, the ring of the phone, or the bark of a pet help your brain stay attuned to your surroundings. Consistent wear can also help you stay alert to potential hazards, like smoke detectors or a boiling kettle, improving safety and situational awareness. Plus, maintaining auditory input throughout the day supports balance, mental sharpness, and overall well-being.
  • While Exercising: Some people assume they should remove hearing aids during physical activity—but modern hearing aids are built to keep up with active lifestyles. Whether you’re going for a walk, attending a fitness class, or doing yoga at home, your hearing aids help you stay engaged and aware. Most Amplifon-supported devices come with moisture-resistant technology, offering protection against sweat and light rain. If you live an especially active lifestyle, your Amplifon hearing care professional can recommend models designed for enhanced durability and water resistance.
  • Everywhere Else: From grocery stores and restaurants to appointments and family events, wearing your hearing aids in all environments helps you stay connected, confident, and socially engaged. Amplifon Canada encourages full-time wear so you can fully participate in everyday life—whether you're chatting with friends, navigating public spaces, or simply enjoying nature. The more consistently you wear your devices, the more natural and effortless hearing becomes, even in noisy or unpredictable settings.

When not to wear hearing aids

  • While sleeping: It’s best to remove your hearing aids before going to bed. Wearing them overnight can lead to discomfort from pressure on the ears, potential skin irritation, and a higher risk of accidentally damaging or losing the devices while you sleep. In addition, keeping them on all night can unnecessarily drain the batteries. For rechargeable models, use this time to place them in their charging station so they’re fully powered for the next day. If you use disposable batteries, store your hearing aids in a safe, dry place overnight to preserve battery life and extend the device’s longevity.
  • During water-related activities: Hearing aids should always be removed before swimming, bathing, or showering. While many modern devices are designed to resist moisture and light perspiration, they are not fully waterproof. Direct contact with water—especially from pools, lakes, or showers—can lead to internal damage and affect sound quality. To protect your hearing aids, store them safely in a waterproof case or drying container when engaging in water-related activities. After any exposure to humidity or sweat, it's a good idea to gently dry your devices and check for signs of moisture before using them again.
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