Most people are happy with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid users are pleased with the hearing aid experience when talking 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 grocery store, and 85% were satisfied watching TV or in a group.
For a sophisticated device like a hearing aid, these are some extremely positive results. But we have to ask, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% feeling? Why aren’t they as happy with their devices?
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 help you love it even more. And for individuals who are less thrilled, this article should help you tackle your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear revived with a hearing aid frequently feel reconnected with people around them. Their energy levels are increased. They feel like they can better engage and remain active.
Their failure to hear isn’t as frustrating anymore. They feel less exhausted because they don’t have to struggle to understand what other people are saying.
People are usually happiest when they feel connected with other people and their world, and for many using a hearing aid makes that possible.
2. At first, sounds seemed distorted
Modern 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 loud environment like a restaurant or talking on the phone but really satisfied when in a one-on-one conversation.
It’s not difficult to learn to use a hearing aid. But getting used to them will take a little practice.
3. I needed assistance learning how to use my hearing aid
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as many individuals may presume. People may leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound won’t get any better, which may prompt them not to wear them.
You may not even realize how complex hearing loss can be. Hearing aids are designed to address numerous types and degrees of hearing loss by changing how sound enters the ear.
When you’re in the office, we will do a total hearing aid fitting. It’s strongly recommended that you practice using your hearing aid by talking with a friend initially.
If it still doesn’t sound good after a couple of 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
Can you recall what gentle laughter or a delicate whisper sounds like? How about soft music, birds singing, wind chimes, or the wind? Perhaps you can’t recall what children playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the gentle breathing of your significant other.
Hearing these little subtle sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasant according to many individuals who get hearing aids. Having these sounds restored means the whole magnificence of the world around can once again be experienced by individuals who get hearing aids.
5. Becoming accustomed to my new hearing aid took some getting used to.
You probably weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a toddler. But now, of course, you’re completely comfortable with them. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take a bit of time to get used to.
Our bodies are designed to feel discomfort when something feels out of place, like a hearing aid going into your outer ear. Eventually, when the body understands that it’s not threatened, it will become used to and comfortable with the new device.
6. I wish I would have invested in my hearing aids sooner
People who made the effort to get used to their hearing aids would never go back. They normally feel disappointed about putting off for so long and they would never give up the benefits of being able to hear.
People now wearing them who had trouble at first, say they’re so glad they stuck with it. It’s made their life a whole lot more enriched.
Pay attention to improved hearing
If you’re not having the ideal experience with your hearing aid, don’t give up. The effort and the time will be worth it. Before long, wearing the hearing aid will become automatic.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk to us about it. We can help you adjust your hearing aids in a faster and more efficient way. The adjustment is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.