Hearing aids for the first time - I'm worried!

Exactly what I thought wildswan!

I am a little surprised that you have been asked to put olive oil in your ears and have them syringed. If you have enough wax in them to require syringing then surely you had enough wax to affect any hearing test that was done. Were your ear drums both visible to the technician who tested your hearing?

Forgive me if I have misunderstood.

I have not had a moment of trouble with my NHS aids. They tested my hearing and sent me home with aids programmed for my needs. I left them in for the rest of that day, put them in next morning and have worn them every day since - the last 2 years.

The noise of paper rustling, cutlery clanging etc. took about an hour to get used to.

I honestly think that some folk do make too much of all this - the aids have transformed my life and the sound of birdsong is once again a part of my life - wonderful!

Most people do not even know I wear them.

I think we are so blessed to have this means of hearing better - and for it to be free!

If they are free NHS hearing aids there will be a tube from the aid which hides behind your ear they are a fiddle to put on at first but easier to adjust tone and volume and if you wear your hair long won't be seen.
If they are private "in the ear" they are less visible" , but, fiddly, difficult to adjust, small batteries have a short life and prone to getting lost or eaten by the dog ( expensive it did happen).
Both types are fine for normal conversation and daily routine, neither are any use in a noisy environment, pub, cocktail party, loud music. If noise is very loud they will overload and shriek, take them out.

They take a while to get used to, the sound can be strange. Persist if you can.
While some people, like my husband, has got used to them and puts them in every day.
I found the sound tinny and distorted and my ears were very itchy so I don’t use mine.
Take care of them though, he thought he had lost his while gardening this week. Luckily we found them but you have to pay if you lose or damage them. Which is fair enough.
Give them a go, good luck.