Transient sounds come at all sound levels from soft sounds like computer key strokes or a ticking clock, to medium-level sounds such as clanging dishes or clattering cutlery, and loud sounds such as fireworks or hammer blows.
They are characterised by being very short (< 1 second) and rising to their peak value extremely quickly.
Loud transients will often exceed the hearing aid user’s uncomfortable loudness level if gain is not reduced. The problem with soft and medium-level transients is slightly different. When they occur in a frequency region where a fair amount of gain is applied to compensate for a relatively high degree of hearing loss, transient sounds will often end up sounding unnaturally distinct as a result.