Most people are happy with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid wearers are pleased with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, according to a recent survey. When breaking down results with particular activities, 75% were satisfied in a restaurant or on the phone, 78% were satisfied while in the supermarket, and 85% were satisfied watching TV or in a group.
For a sophisticated device like a hearing aid, these are some amazingly positive results. But we have to question, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% experiencing? Why aren’t they as satisfied with their devices?
Individuals who use hearing aids have some good and some bad things to say about them. (We can easily fix the majority of the bad things 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 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 often feel reconnected with those around them. Their energy levels are higher. They participate and stay more active.
Their failure to hear isn’t as discouraging anymore. They feel less fatigued because they don’t have to struggle to understand what other people are saying.
For many people, a hearing aid helps them feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. At first, sounds seemed distorted
Contemporary hearing aids are digital. They have lots of advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than just making everything louder. That’s why people may be so satisfied in a one-on-one conversation but dissatisfied in a restaurant or on the phone.
Hearing aids aren’t difficult to learn to use. But they do take some practice getting used to them.
3. I needed help finding out how to use my hearing aid
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as many individuals may think. If it doesn’t sound good 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 may not even understand how complex hearing loss can be. Modern Hearing aids have settings that target many degrees and types of hearing loss.
When you’re in the office, we will perform a complete hearing aid fitting. It’s strongly suggested that you practice using your hearing aid by chatting with a friend at first.
If it still doesn’t sound great after a few weeks, talk to us. We can help you get a better knowledge of how your functions work and we can likely make some fine adjustments for you.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing out on without full hearing
Do you recall what a playful whisper sounds like? How about gentle laughter? What about the wind, wind chimes, singing birds, or soft music? Perhaps you can’t recollect what children playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the delicate breathing of your significant other.
Many individuals who get a hearing aid communicate that it’s a nice surprise to suddenly hear these little things that they had forgotten about. Having these sounds restored means the whole magnificence 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 probably 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. It may take time to get used to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
Our bodies are made to feel uncomfortable when something seems 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 hadn’t waited so long to purchase my hearing aid
Individuals who made the effort to get used to their hearing aids would not go back. They wouldn’t trade all the advantages of hearing, and they frequently regret waiting so long to invest in a hearing aid.
People now wearing them who struggled initially, say they’re so thankful they stuck with it. It’s made their life a whole lot more enriched.
Pay attention to improved hearing
Be patient and don’t give up, even if you aren’t yet having the best experience. The effort and time will be worth it. It will become second nature before too long.
Let us know about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can help you fine-tune 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.