Ask an Expert: Can My Hearing Aids Be Adjusted as My Hearing Changes?

As your hearing evolves, your hearing aids can be adjusted. Discover how you can adjust, reprogram, or upgrade your hearing aids to continue enjoying clear and confident listening every day.

Audiologist Daniel Troast

Published 9/16/2025,

Updated 11/25/2025

2 min read

Reviewed by

HearUSA editorial team

Hearing aids

Q: Can my existing hearing aids be reprogrammed to fit my new hearing levels?

Dan Troast: Hearing aids are selected based on a person’s specific hearing needs and unique lifestyle. Audiologists often recommend hearing aids that can be adjusted over time, especially if hearing changes.

While hearing loss doesn’t usually improve, it can often stabilize with consistent hearing aid use and recurrent brain stimulation, so the same device may continue to work well for years.

For progressive hearing health changes – when hearing is expected to worsen due to medical conditions – behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are often suggested, as they adapt to a wider range of needs. If you notice significant changes and your current hearing aids no longer provide the support you need, exploring different solutions with your audiologist can help you stay connected.

Helpful information

In some cases, if your hearing changes (for example, involving the middle ear), a different kind of hearing aid may be recommended; these are more specialized than standard models. If you have very significant hearing loss, a trial with hearing aids can help determine whether they offer enough benefit.

A cochlear implant may also be considered to provide more suitable amplification. This device works differently from a hearing aid; in cochlear implants, sound is sent to the brain directly through stimulation of the auditory/hearing nerve.

Q: How often should you have a hearing test if you have hearing aids?

Dan Troast: The best way to keep your hearing and your hearing aids performing at their best is to have a hearing test at least once a year. Getting regular checkups helps make sure your hearing aids are always set to support your lifestyle and needs as they evolve.

If you feel like your hearing aids aren’t working as well as expected or you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, reach out to your audiologist as soon as possible for support and solutions. Sometimes all that’s needed is a simple setting update, fresh batteries, or a new wax filter; straightforward solutions that can make a noticeable difference.

Q: How often do you need to get your hearing aids adjusted?

Dan Troast: Following your initial hearing aid fitting, plan on two to three follow-up visits to fine-tune your devices and help you adapt to your new way of hearing. After that, it’s a good idea to come in as needed for any adjustments, or at least once a year, to ensure your hearing aids remain properly programmed to your needs, even if you haven’t noticed any changes. Your hearing care provider can also review your settings and update your devices as new features or improvements become available. Your comfort and hearing performance are always the priority.

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Q: How will I know if my hearing has changed enough to need an adjustment?

Dan Troast: Over time, you might notice signs that your hearing isn’t as clear as it was when you first started using hearing aids. You may find yourself regularly turning up the volume or switching programs more often to hear comfortably in different settings. Sometimes, sounds may seem fainter, or others around you might notice changes before you do. These shifts can also be very subtle, which is why scheduling an annual hearing test is important. Even if you don’t perceive a difference, your hearing care provider can detect small changes and make precise adjustments to help you continue hearing your best.

If you’ve experienced anything that could impact your hearing, such as head or neck trauma, surgery, excessive noise exposure, certain health conditions (like meningitis or stroke), or long-term medication use, it’s important to mention it to your audiologist.

Remember, hearing aids are designed to enrich your daily life and keep you connected, while supporting your brain’s engagement with sound. Your hearing can change, but your hearing aids and your hearing care team are here to help every step of the way.

If you’re interested in even clearer sound or want features that better fit your lifestyle, ask about new models. Today’s technology offers advanced sound processing and adaptability so you can hear your best.

If your hearing aids work well in general, but you need a boost in specific settings like meetings or lectures, assistive listening devices can help. They stream sound directly to your hearing aids, reducing the effects of distance and background noise and offering better clarity.

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If you’re unsure if your hearing health has changed or want to explore how the latest hearing technology can help you hear your best, we’re here to support you. Find your nearest hearing care center and schedule your appointment today, your hearing journey matters to us!

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