Most people are happy with their hearing aids: Based upon one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of individuals who use hearing aids are pleased with their results. When talking about particular activities, 85% were satisfied in a group setting and watching TV, 78% while in the store, and 75% in a restaurant or on the phone.
For a sophisticated device like a hearing aid, these are some amazingly positive results. But that still leaves us questioning, what’s happening with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. Why aren’t they as satisfied with their devices?
Let’s examine the good and the bad things people have to say about their hearing aid experience. (We can easily fix the majority of the bad things and that’s the good news!)
For people who are pleased with their hearing aids, this article will make you even more happy. And for individuals who are less excited, this article should help you address your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear restored with a hearing aid frequently feel reconnected with individuals around them. They have more vitality. They feel like they can better engage and stay active.
They find their days filled with less discouragement over their failure to hear. They feel less tired because they don’t have to work so hard to understand what others are saying.
For many people, a hearing aid allows them to feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. They may sound distorted initially
Contemporary hearing aids are digital. They have many advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than just making everything louder. Because of this, some people may be dissatisfied when they’re in a noisy setting like a restaurant or talking on the phone but quite satisfied when in a one-on-one conversation.
It isn’t hard to learn to use a hearing aid. But getting used to them will take a little practice.
3. I needed help finding out how to use my hearing aid
A frequent confusion about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. If it doesn’t sound great when they first get home they may think that this is as good as it gets and choose not to wear the hearing aid.
You might not even realize how complex hearing loss is. Hearing aids are designed to manage various types and levels of hearing loss by transforming how sound enters the ear.
Our expert hearing specialists will perform a hearing aid fitting in the office. When you get home, we suggest that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in various settings.
If it still doesn’t sound right after a few weeks, consult us. We can probably make modifications or help you better comprehend how the hearing aid works in settings where you’re having difficulty.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing without complete hearing
Do you remember what a subtle whisper sounds like? How about gentle laughter? What about the wind, wind chimes, singing birds, or quiet music? Maybe you’ve forgotten how it makes you feel to hear the gentle breath of a significant other sitting near you or youngsters playing outside.
Hearing these little subtle sounds that were forgotten about is unexpectedly pleasing according to many people who get hearing aids. It means so much to have these sounds restored, it lets them again experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. It took some time to get accustomed to my hearing aids
You probably weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a baby. But now, of course, you’re totally comfortable with them. Similarly, a new watch or a new hat might take a little time to get accustomed to.
When something like a hearing aid is initially placed in your ear canal, your body is designed to initially feel discomfort. But pretty soon, the body realizes there is no threat and accepts the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to invest in my hearing aid
Individuals would never go back to having hearing loss if they were persistent and took the time to get used to them. They wouldn’t trade all the benefits of hearing, and they often regret waiting so long to get a hearing aid.
Among those now wearing them who had trouble at first, say they’re so glad they persevered. Their lives have become so much more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the drive
Be patient and don’t quit, even if you aren’t yet having the ideal experience. It’s worth the effort and time. Before long, using the hearing aid will become automatic.
Talk to us today about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can typically give you tips on how to adjust to your hearing aids faster. The adjustment is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.
