The majority of people who wear hearing aids are pleased with their experience: Based upon one recent survey, when speaking one-on-one, 91% of individuals who wear hearing aids are happy with their experience. When breaking down results with particular 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 we have to ask, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% feeling? What makes them less satisfied with their hearing aid?
Let’s discover the good and the bad things individuals have to say about their hearing aid results. (We can easily fix most of the bad stuff and that’s the good news!)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will make you love it even more. And for people who are less thrilled, this article should help you address your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
There’s often a reconnection with friends and loved ones for people who have had their ability to hear restored with hearing aids. Their energy levels are increased. They feel like they can better engage and remain active.
Their failure to hear isn’t as frustrating anymore. Because they don’t need to struggle to hear what people are saying, they feel less fatigued.
For many individuals, a hearing aid allows them to feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. They might sound distorted initially
Modern hearing aids are digital. They don’t only make sounds louder, they have many settings to help you hear better in a variety of places. That’s why people might be so satisfied in a one-on-one conversation but dissatisfied in a restaurant or on the phone.
Hearing aids aren’t hard to learn to use. But getting used to them will take some practice.
3. I needed help learning how to use my hearing aid
A typical confusion about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. If it doesn’t sound right when they first get home they might think that this is as good as it gets and choose not to wear the hearing aid.
Hearing is more complex than you might know. Modern Hearing aids include settings that target many levels and types of hearing loss.
When you are in the office, we will perform a thorough hearing aid fitting. It’s strongly recommended that you practice using your hearing aid by chatting with a friend initially.
If it still doesn’t sound good after a few weeks, consult us. We can likely make adjustments or help you better understand how the hearing aid works in environments where you’re having difficulty.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing out on without healthy hearing
Do you remember what a subtle whisper sounds like? How about gentle laughter? What about soft music, singing birds, wind chimes, or the wind? Perhaps you’ve forgotten how it makes you feel to hear the delicate breath of a significant other sitting near you or children playing outside.
Many people who get a hearing aid share that it’s a pleasant surprise to suddenly hear these little things that they had forgotten about. It means a great deal to have these sounds restored, it allows them to again experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. It took a while to get accustomed to my hearing aids
You most likely weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a toddler. But now, of course, you’re totally comfortable with them. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take a little time to get accustomed to.
Our bodies are designed to feel uncomfortable when something feels out of place, such as a hearing aid going into your outer ear. But within a short time, the body recognizes there is no threat and welcomes the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to get my hearing aid
Individuals who put in the time to get used to their hearing aids wouldn’t go back. They typically regret waiting so long and they would never give up the advantages of being able to hear.
Among those now wearing them who had trouble at first, say they’re so happy they persevered. It’s made their life so much more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the drive
If you aren’t having the ideal experience with your hearing aid, don’t give up. The effort and the time will be worth it. It will become second nature before too long.
Talk to us today about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can typically give you advice on how to get used to your hearing aids faster. The adjustment is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.
