Most people are happy with their hearing aids: According to one recent survey, when speaking one-on-one, 91% of individuals who wear hearing aids are satisfied with their experience. When processing results with particular 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.
These are some dramatically positive numbers for an intricate device such as a hearing aid. But we have to question, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% experiencing? Why aren’t they as satisfied with their devices?
Let’s explore the good and the bad things people have to say about their hearing aid experience. (The good news, most of the bad things can be easily fixed.)
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 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 people around them. Their energy levels are increased. They feel like they can better participate and remain active.
Their inability to hear isn’t as discouraging anymore. They feel less exhausted 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. Initially, sounds seemed distorted
Modern hearing aids are digital. They don’t just make sounds louder, they have many settings to help you hear better in various 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 complicated to learn to use. But getting used to them will take a bit of practice.
3. I couldn’t find out how to use my hearing aid on my own
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as some people may presume. If it doesn’t sound great when they first get home they might get the misconception that this is as good as it gets and choose not to use the hearing aid.
Hearing is more complex than you may realize. Modern Hearing aids incorporate settings that target many degrees and types of hearing loss.
When you are in the office, we will perform a total hearing aid fitting. When you get home, we recommend that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in various settings.
Talk with us if you’re still having trouble after a couple of weeks. We can help you get a better understanding of how your functions work and we can probably make some fine adjustments for you.
4. Without healthy hearing, you forgot what you were missing
Can you recollect what gentle laughter or a soft whisper sounds like? What about the wind, wind chimes, birds singing, or soft music? Maybe you’ve forgotten how it makes you feel to hear the soft breath of a significant other sitting close beside you or youngsters playing outside.
Many individuals who get a hearing aid communicate that it’s a pleasant surprise to suddenly hear these little things that they had forgotten about. It means so much to have these sounds restored, it lets them again experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. Becoming accustomed to my new hearing aid took some getting used to.
When you were a toddler and had to put on shoes for the first time, you likely thought that was awkward. But now, of course, you’re totally comfortable with them. It might take time to get used to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
When something like a hearing aid is initially put in your ear canal, your body is designed to initially feel uncomfortable. But within a short time, the body realizes there is no threat and welcomes the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I would have purchased my hearing aids sooner
Individuals would never go back to having hearing loss if they were persistent and took the time to get used to them. They typically feel disappointed about putting off for so long and they would never trade the advantages of healthy hearing.
Individuals who had patience and preserved were thankful that they did. It’s made their life so much more enriched.
Pay attention to improved hearing
Be patient and don’t give up, even if you aren’t yet having the best experience. It’s worth the effort and time. Soon, wearing the hearing aid will become automatic.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, consult us about it. We can help you adjust your hearing aids in a faster and more effective way. The patience is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.