An exemplary cochlear implant system includes a cochlear implant configured to be implanted within a patient and a sound processor. The sound processor is configured to receive, from a fitting system during a fitting session, a command that sets an M level to an initial value and a target value for the M level； gradually adjust, subsequent to the fitting session, the M level from the initial value towards the target value in accordance with an adaption time course； and direct the cochlear implant to apply stimulation having the gradually adjusted M level to the patient. Other systems and methods are also disclosed.
