Most individuals are pleased with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid wearers are satisfied with the hearing aid experience when speaking one-on-one, based on a recent survey. When talking about particular 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 spectacularly positive numbers for a complex device such as a hearing aid. But we have to question, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% feeling? Why aren’t they as satisfied with their devices?
Let’s examine the good and the bad things individuals have to say about their hearing aid results. (We can easily fix most of the bad things and that’s the good news!)
For individuals who are pleased with their hearing aids, this article will make you even happier. If you aren’t as satisfied with it as you’d like to be, we’ll investigate what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
There’s frequently a reconnection with friends and loved ones for people who have had their ability to hear restored with hearing aids. They have more energy. They engage and stay more active.
Their failure to hear isn’t so frustrating anymore. Because they don’t need to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less tired.
People are often happiest when they feel connected with others and their world, and for many wearing a hearing aid makes this possible.
2. At first, sounds seemed distorted
Modern hearing aids are digital. They have many advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than just making everything louder. 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 hard to learn to use. But getting used to them will take some practice.
3. I needed assistance learning how to use my hearing aid
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as some individuals might think. If it doesn’t sound good when they first get home they may get the misconception that this is as good as it gets and decide it’s easier not to wear the hearing aid.
You may not even understand how complex hearing loss can be. Modern Hearing aids include settings that address many levels and types of hearing loss.
Our qualified hearing specialists will undertake a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly recommended that you practice using your hearing aid by talking with a friend at first.
Talk with us if you’re still having trouble after a couple of weeks. We can very 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 out on without healthy hearing
Do you recall what a subtle whisper sounds like? How about gentle laughter? What about soft music, birds singing, wind chimes, or the wind? Maybe you’ve forgotten what it’s like to hear the delicate breath of a significant other sitting close beside you or children playing outside.
Many individuals who get a hearing aid communicate that it’s a nice surprise to suddenly hear these small things that they had forgotten about. Having these sounds restored means the whole brilliance of the world around can once again be experienced by people 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. Now you might like to use them all the time. Similarly, a new watch or a new hat might take some time to get used to.
When something like a hearing aid is first put in your ear canal, your body is designed to initially feel uncomfortable. 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 get my hearing aid
People who made the effort to get used to their hearing aids would not go back. They usually regret putting off for so long and they would never trade the benefits of being able to hear.
Individuals who had patience and preserved were thankful 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 aren’t yet having the ideal experience. The effort and the time will be worth it. It will become second nature before too long.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, consult us about it. We can usually give you tips on how to get used to your hearing aids faster. Experiencing all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the patients.