Most people are happy with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid users are happy with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, based on a recent survey. When talking about specific activities, 85% were satisfied in a group environment and watching TV, 78% while shopping, and 75% in a restaurant or on the phone.
These are some wonderfully positive figures for an intricate device such as a hearing aid. But we have to ask, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% experiencing? What makes them less satisfied with their hearing devices?
Let’s examine the good and the bad things people have to say about their hearing aid results. (The good news, the majority of the bad things can be easily fixed.)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will help you love it even more. If you’re not as satisfied with it as wish you were, we’ll investigate what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear revived with a hearing aid frequently feel reconnected with individuals around them. They have more energy. They feel like they can better participate and remain active.
They find their days filled with less frustration over their inability to hear. They feel less tired because they don’t have to work so hard to understand what others are saying.
People are typically happiest when they feel connected to other people and their world, and for many wearing a hearing aid makes this possible.
2. They may sound distorted initially
Hearing aids today are digital. They have many advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than just making everything louder. Because of this, some people might 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.
Hearing aids aren’t hard to learn to use. But they do take some practice getting used to them.
3. I couldn’t learn how to use my hearing aid by myself
A frequent confusion about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. People may leave the office with the misconception that the sound won’t get any better, which may prompt them not to wear them.
Hearing is more complex than you might know. Hearing aids are designed to address various types and degrees of hearing loss by adjusting how sound goes into the ear.
When you are in the office, we will do a thorough hearing aid fitting. When you get home, we highly recommend that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in a variety of settings.
Consult with us if you’re still having trouble after a few weeks. We can likely make adjustments or help you better comprehend how the hearing aid works in settings where you’re having trouble.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing without healthy hearing
Do you recall what a playful whisper sounds like? What about gentle laughter? What about soft music, singing birds, wind chimes, or the wind? Perhaps you can’t recollect 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. Having these sounds restored means the full brilliance of the world around can once again be experienced by individuals who get hearing aids.
5. Getting used to my new hearing aid took some getting used to.
You most likely weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a baby. But now, of course, you’re completely comfortable with them. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take some time to get used to.
When something like a hearing aid is initially placed in your ear canal, your body is made to initially feel uncomfortable. But pretty soon, the body recognizes there’s no threat and welcomes the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I hadn’t put off so long to get my hearing aid
Individuals would never go back to having hearing loss if they were persistent and took the time to become accustomed to them. They typically feel disappointed about waiting so long and they would never give up the advantages of healthy hearing.
Among those now wearing them who had trouble initially, say they’re so happy they persevered. It’s made their life so much more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the drive
Be patient and don’t quit, even if you’re not yet having the best experience. It’s worth the time and effort. Before long, wearing the hearing aid will become automatic.
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. Experiencing all that life has to provide with restored hearing is worth the adjustment.