Most people are pleased with their hearing aids: According to one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of people who use hearing aids are happy with their experience. When speaking about specific activities, 85% were satisfied in a group environment and watching TV, 78% while in the store, and 75% in a restaurant or on the phone.
These are some spectacularly positive numbers for a complex device like a hearing aid. But that still leaves us questioning, what’s happening with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. Why aren’t they as happy with their devices?
Let’s discover 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.)
For individuals who are pleased with their hearing aids, this article will make you even more happy. And for people who are less happy, this article should help you address your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear revived with a hearing aid often feel reconnected with individuals around them. They have more energy. They feel like they can better engage and remain active.
Their failure to hear isn’t as discouraging anymore. They feel less exhausted because they don’t have to struggle to understand what others are saying.
People are typically happiest when they feel connected to others 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 just make sounds louder, they have lots of 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.
It’s not difficult to learn to use a hearing aid. But they do take a little practice getting used to them.
3. I needed assistance finding out how to use my hearing aid
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as many individuals might presume. People might leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound can’t get any better, which could prompt them not to wear them.
You may not even recognize how complex hearing loss can be. Hearing aids are developed to address various types and degrees of hearing loss by changing the way sound enters the ear.
When you’re in the office, we will do a total hearing aid fitting. It’s strongly suggested that you practice using your hearing aid by chatting with a friend initially.
If it still doesn’t sound right after a couple of weeks, consult us. We can most likely make modifications 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 without full hearing
Can you recollect what gentle laughter or a delicate whisper sounds like? What about soft music, singing birds, wind chimes, or the wind? Perhaps you’ve forgotten what it’s like to hear the delicate breath of a significant other sitting close beside you or youngsters playing outside.
Hearing these little discreet sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasant according to many individuals who get hearing aids. Having these sounds restored means the full brilliance of the world around can once again be experienced by people who get hearing aids.
5. It took a while 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. But now, of course, you’re completely comfortable with them. It may 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 made to initially feel discomfort. But pretty soon, the body realizes there is no threat and welcomes the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I hadn’t put off so long to purchase 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 normally regret putting off for so long and they would never give up the advantages of healthy hearing.
Individuals who were patient and preserved were happy that they did. It’s made their life so much more enriched.
Focus on improved hearing
If you’re not having the ideal experience with your hearing aid, don’t quit. It’s worth the effort and time. It will become second nature before too long.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk with us about it. We can often give you advice on how to adjust to your hearing aids faster. The adjustment is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.