Most individuals are pleased with their hearing aids: Based upon one recent survey, when speaking one-on-one, 91% of people who wear hearing aids are happy with their results. When breaking down 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.
These are some dramatically positive figures for a complex device such as a hearing aid. But that still leaves us questioning, what’s going on with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. What makes them less satisfied with their hearing aid?
Let’s explore the good and the bad things people have to say about their hearing aid experience. (We can easily fix the majority of the bad things and that’s the good news!)
For individuals who are happy with their hearing aids, this article will make you even happier. And for individuals who are less happy, this article should help you deal with your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear restored with a hearing aid frequently feel reconnected with those around them. Their energy levels are higher. They participate and stay more active.
They find their days filled with less frustration over their inability to hear. Because they don’t need to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less tired.
People are typically happiest when they feel connected with other people and their world, and for many wearing a hearing aid makes that possible.
2. In the beginning, sounds seemed distorted
Contemporary hearing aids are digital. They don’t only make sounds louder, they have lots of settings to help you hear best 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.
It isn’t difficult to learn to use a hearing aid. But they do take a little practice getting used to them.
3. I needed help learning how to use my hearing aid
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as some individuals might presume. If it doesn’t sound great when they leave the office they may get the misconception that this is as good as it gets and decide it’s easier not to use the hearing aid.
You might not even understand how complex hearing loss can be. Hearing aids are developed to manage numerous types and levels of hearing loss by changing the way sound goes into the ear.
Our expert hearing specialists will undertake a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly advised that you practice using your hearing aid by chatting with a friend at first.
If it still doesn’t sound good after a couple of weeks, talk to us. We can very likely make modifications or help you better comprehend how the hearing aid works in environments where you’re having difficulty.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing out on
Can you recall what gentle laughter or a soft whisper sounds like? How about soft music, singing birds, wind chimes, or the wind? Maybe you can’t recall what kids playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the soft breathing of your significant other.
Hearing these little subtle sounds that were forgotten about is unexpectedly pleasant 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. It took some time to get used to my hearing aids
When you were a toddler and had to wear shoes for the first time, you probably thought that was uncomfortable. Now you may choose to wear them all the time. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take a little time to get used to.
Our bodies are designed to feel discomfort when something seems out of place, like a hearing aid going into your outer ear. Eventually, when the body recognizes 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
Individuals who took the time 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 who were patient and stuck with it were happy that they did. It’s made their life a whole lot more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the drive
Be patient and don’t give up, even if you’re not yet having the ideal experience. The effort and the time will be worth it. It will become automatic before too long.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk with us about it. We can often offer advice on how to adjust to your hearing aids faster. Experiencing all that life has to provide with restored hearing is worth the adjustment.
