Why Does My Voice Sound Weird with Hearing Aids? Occlusion Explained

Many people notice that their own voice sounds different when they first start wearing hearing aids.

It may come across as fuller, echoed or almost as if the sound is coming from inside your head. This effect, known as occlusion, happens because the ear canal is partly blocked by the hearing aid or earmold.

When you speak, the natural vibrations of your voice are unable to escape as easily and are reflected back, which changes how your voice sounds to you. Other people around you do not hear this change, but it can feel unusual at first.

This experience can take some getting used to, especially during everyday conversations or work discussions. You might catch yourself speaking more softly or focusing more on how you sound than on what you are saying.

Occlusion is a common part of adjusting to hearing aids, and small modifications to the fit or settings often make a noticeable difference. With guidance from an audiologist and a bit of time, most people find that their voice begins to sound more familiar again.

What is Occlusion?

Occlusion is a term used to describe the way your own voice can sound different when you wear certain types of hearing aids.

When the ear canal is partially or fully closed off by an earmold or dome, the sound of your voice cannot escape as easily as it normally would. Instead, those vibrations are reflected back inside the ear.

This changes how your voice sounds to you, often making it seem deeper, louder or more echo-like. While the people around you still hear your voice the same way they always have, you experience it in a way that feels unfamiliar at first.

This happens because hearing is not only about sound entering from the outside. Your voice also travels through the bones and tissues in your head. When the ear canal is open, those internal vibrations can flow outward.

When it is blocked, they stay contained, which is what creates the occlusion effect. It is a common part of wearing hearing aids that fit snugly in the ear, especially when you are new to them.

What Your Voice Usually Sounds Like Without Hearing Aids

Without hearing aids, your voice often sounds softer and more familiar. This is because you mostly hear it through vibrations in your skull and jaw, not just through your ears. Your own voice reaches your ears in two ways: through the air and through the bones in your head.

Bone conduction makes your voice seem deeper and fuller than how others hear it. When you start wearing hearing aids, this balance changes, which is why your voice may sound different at first.

How Hearing Aids Change the Way You Hear Sounds

Hearing aids make quiet sounds easier to notice and bring back details you may have missed. These devices pick up sounds from your environment and process them before sending them into your ears. Everyday noises may seem sharper or more noticeable at first.

Your brain needs time to adjust to these new sound patterns, especially if you have not heard certain tones or pitches for a while. Try wearing your hearing aids in different places, like at home or outside, to get used to a variety of sounds.

If some noises feel too loud or uncomfortable, keep a note of when this happens and share this information during your follow-up visits. Small adjustments can often make a big difference in how natural everything sounds.

How the Ear Canal Responds to Wearing Hearing Aids

When you begin wearing hearing aids, your ear canal goes through an adjustment period.

The canal is a small, sensitive space, so placing a device inside it can change the way sound and vibration move through the ear. Hearing aids that fit securely in the canal may partially seal it, which can make your voice or chewing sounds seem louder than usual.

The skin inside the ear can also become more aware of the device at first, simply because it is not used to contact in that area. Over time, most people notice that these sensations fade as the ear becomes more accustomed to the hearing aid.

Your ear canal also responds to how air and sound flow through it. When it is slightly closed off, sound behaves differently than it would in an open ear. This change can affect how you perceive both your own voice and outside sounds, especially during the first few weeks of wear.

It can take patience to get used to this new way of hearing, but small adjustments in the fit or style of the hearing aid often make a meaningful difference. Understanding that the ear is adapting, rather than reacting to something, can make the process feel much more manageable.

How Earmolds and Domes Can Affect the Sound of Your Voice

Earmolds and domes are important parts of many hearing aids, but they can change how your own voice sounds. Earmolds create a tighter seal in the ear canal, which can trap sound and make your voice seem louder or more hollow.

Domes, especially closed ones, can have a similar effect by blocking airflow and causing more sound to bounce back toward your eardrum. Open domes usually let more air and sound pass through, which can help your voice sound more natural. The size, shape and fit of both earmolds and domes all play a role in how much occlusion you notice when speaking.

The Impact of Occlusion on Speech and Everyday Communication

Occlusion can change the way you experience your own speech, which may affect how comfortable you feel during everyday conversations. When your voice sounds louder or more echo-like inside your head, it can be distracting, especially when you are talking for long periods of time.

Some people notice it most while reading aloud, speaking on the phone or talking in quiet environments. You may feel more aware of every word you say, which can make conversation feel less natural until you get used to the new sound.

This shift in how you hear yourself can also influence the way you communicate with others. You might start talking more softly than usual because your voice already sounds loud to you, even though it does not seem that way to anyone else.

In some cases, people pause more often or think more carefully about what they say, not because they are unsure of their words, but because the sound of their voice feels unfamiliar. The good news is that many people adjust over time or find that small changes to their hearing aids reduce the effect.

With the right guidance and support, occlusion becomes easier to manage so communication can feel as natural as possible.

Comparing Open Fit and Closed Fit Hearing Aid Styles for Voice Quality

Open fit hearing aids allow more natural sound to enter your ear, which often helps your voice sound closer to what you remember. These devices have small vents or open domes that let air and some sounds pass through, reducing the echo feeling many people notice with closed styles.

Closed fit hearing aids, like those with custom earmolds or tight domes, block more of the ear canal. This can make your own voice seem louder or more echoey because less sound escapes and more is reflected back toward your eardrum.

Choosing between open fit and closed fit styles can make a real difference in how comfortable you feel when speaking. The right style depends on your hearing needs and how much occlusion affects your daily life.

Ways an Audiologist Can Help Reduce Occlusion Effects

An audiologist can play a key role in reducing the effects of occlusion by adjusting how your hearing aids fit and function. They may start by looking at the shape and depth of the earmold or dome to see if sound is being trapped inside the ear canal.

In some cases, creating more ventilation or reshaping the fit can make your voice sound more natural. Your audiologist can also fine-tune your hearing aid settings so amplified sound blends better with the natural vibrations of your voice.

If needed, they may suggest a different style of device that allows more open airflow. Working together through these small adjustments helps you feel more comfortable and confident when hearing your own voice.

Signs You Might Be Experiencing Occlusion with Hearing Aids

You may be experiencing occlusion if your own voice sounds different to you after you start wearing hearing aids. Many people describe it as fuller, deeper or overly loud, almost as if they are speaking inside a small room.

Chewing, swallowing or humming may also feel more noticeable than before, because the sound vibrations stay inside the ear instead of escaping. These changes usually stand out most in quiet settings, when you are more aware of how your voice feels and sounds.

Another sign of occlusion is feeling as though your ear is plugged, even when your hearing aids are working well for outside sounds. You might catch yourself adjusting how you speak, talking more softly or pausing because your voice feels unfamiliar.

This experience can be surprising, especially if you expected hearing aids to only affect what you hear from others. If these sensations do not fade as you adjust to your devices, it is helpful to mention them during a follow-up appointment, so your audiologist can look at fit and settings that may reduce the effect.

Why Proper Fit Matters for Comfort and Clear Sound

A proper hearing aid fit makes a real difference in both comfort and sound quality. When the device sits securely and gently in your ear, it reduces irritation and helps prevent issues like occlusion from becoming distracting.

A good fit also supports clearer sound because your hearing aid can work the way it was designed, without unwanted feedback or sound leaks. This allows speech and everyday noises to feel more natural instead of sharp, muffled or echo-like.

Taking the time to ensure your devices fit well helps you focus on conversations and daily life rather than the sensation of something sitting in your ear.

Helpful Questions to Ask About Voice Changes During Follow-Up Visits

During follow-up visits, asking clear questions about voice changes can help you get the most out of your hearing aids. For example, you might want to know if your audiologist can adjust the settings or try different domes to improve how your voice sounds.

Sharing details about when and where your voice sounds unusual helps your audiologist find solutions that work best for you.

Tips for Adjusting to the Way Your Voice Sounds with New Hearing Aids

Adjusting to the way your voice sounds with new hearing aids often takes a little time and patience. At first, your voice may seem louder, which can feel unusual, but practicing regular conversation helps your brain adapt.

Reading aloud at home, talking with friends in relaxed settings and wearing your hearing aids consistently can make the transition smoother. If the change continues to bother you, it is important to talk with your audiologist, since small adjustments to the fit or settings can reduce the effect.

Staying patient, giving yourself time to get used to the new sound and asking questions along the way can make the experience feel more comfortable and natural.

Finding Comfort with Your Own Voice and Hearing Aids

If your voice still sounds unusual or uncomfortable with your hearing aids, remember that this is a common experience. Occlusion often improves with time, the right adjustments and ongoing support. At The Audiology Offices in Virginia, our team can help you find solutions that fit both your hearing needs and daily comfort.

If you have questions about occlusion or want to improve how your own voice sounds with hearing aids, you can reach us in Gloucester: (804) 791-5011, Kilmarnock: (804) 567-7005 or Warsaw: (804) 494-6080.

We are ready to help you get the most from your hearing aids so you can enjoy clearer communication every day.