Most individuals are happy with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid users are pleased with the hearing aid experience when speaking one-on-one, based on a recent survey. When analyzing results with specific activities, 75% were satisfied in a restaurant or on the phone, 78% were satisfied while in the supermarket, and 85% were satisfied watching TV or in a group.
For a sophisticated device like a hearing aid, these are some amazingly positive results. But that still leaves us questioning, what’s going on with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. Why aren’t they as happy with their devices?
People who use hearing aids have some good and some bad things to say about them. (The good news, the majority of the bad stuff can be easily fixed.)
For individuals who are happy with their hearing aids, this article will make you even more happy. If you aren’t as happy with it as wish you were, we’ll explore what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear restored with a hearing aid frequently feel reconnected with people around them. They have more vitality. They participate and stay more active.
They find their days filled with less frustration over their failure to hear. They feel less fatigued because they don’t have to work so hard to understand what people are saying.
For many individuals, a hearing aid helps them 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 lots of 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 loud setting like a restaurant or talking on the phone but very pleased when in a one-on-one conversation.
It isn’t difficult to learn to use a hearing aid. But they do take some practice getting used to them.
3. I needed assistance learning how to use my hearing aid
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as some people may presume. People may leave the office with the misconception that the sound can’t get any better, which may prompt them not to wear them.
You may not even understand how complex hearing loss can be. Modern Hearing aids have settings that target many levels and types of hearing loss.
When you are in the office, we will perform a total hearing aid fitting. It’s strongly advised that you practice using your hearing aid by talking with a friend at first.
If it still doesn’t sound great after a few weeks, consult us. We can very likely make modifications or help you better understand how the hearing aid works in settings where you’re having difficulty.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing without full hearing
Do you remember what a playful whisper sounds like? What about gentle laughter? What about the wind, wind chimes, birds singing, or soft music? Maybe you can’t remember what children playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the gentle breathing of your significant other.
Hearing these little discreet sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasing according to many people who get hearing aids. It means a great deal to have these sounds restored, it lets them once more experience the fullness and grandeur of the world around them.
5. It took a while to get used to my hearing aids
When you were a tot and had to put on shoes for the first time, you likely thought that was awkward. But now, of course, you’re completely comfortable with them. It might take time to get used to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
Our bodies are made to feel uncomfortable when something seems out of place, such as a hearing aid going into your outer ear. Eventually, when the body knows that it’s not threatened, it will become accustomed to and comfortable with the new device.
6. I wish I would have purchased my hearing aids sooner
Individuals would never go back to having hearing loss if they were patient and took the time to get used to them. They usually feel disappointed about putting off for so long and they would never give up the advantages of healthy hearing.
People who had patience and stuck with it were thankful that they did. Their lives have become so much more enriched.
Focus on improved hearing
Be patient and don’t give up, even if you aren’t yet having the ideal experience. The effort and time will be worth it. It will become second nature before too long.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk to us about it. We can typically offer tips on how to adjust to your hearing aids faster. The patience is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.