The majority of people who use hearing aids are satisfied with their experience: 91% of hearing aid wearers are pleased with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, as reported by a recent survey. When talking about particular activities, 85% were satisfied in a group setting and watching TV, 78% while in the store, and 75% in a restaurant or on the phone.
For an advanced device like a hearing aid, these are some amazingly positive results. But that still leaves us wondering, what’s happening with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. Why aren’t they as satisfied with their devices?
Individuals with hearing aids have some good and some bad things to say about them. (The good news, the majority of the bad things can be easily fixed.)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will help you love it even more. If you aren’t as happy with it as wish you were, we’ll discover what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear revived with a hearing aid often feel reconnected with those around them. Their energy levels are increased. They participate and stay more active.
Their inability to hear isn’t so frustrating anymore. They feel less fatigued because they don’t have to struggle to understand what people are saying.
For many individuals, a hearing aid allows them to feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. They might sound distorted initially
Hearing aids nowadays are digital. They don’t just make sounds louder, they have lots of settings to help you hear best in a variety of places. That’s why people may 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 getting used to them will take a bit of practice.
3. I needed help finding out how to use my hearing aid
A common misunderstanding about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. People may leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound can’t get any better, which may prompt them not to wear them.
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.
When you’re in the office, we will perform a thorough hearing aid fitting. It’s strongly advised that you practice using your hearing aid by chatting with a friend at first.
Consult with us if you’re still having trouble after a couple of weeks. We can most likely make adjustments 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
Do you recall what a playful whisper sounds like? How about gentle laughter? What about soft music, birds singing, wind chimes, or the wind? Maybe you’ve forgotten how it makes you feel to hear the gentle breath of a significant other sitting close beside you or children playing outside.
Many people who get a hearing aid share that it’s a pleasing surprise to suddenly hear these small things that they had forgotten about. It means a great deal to have these sounds restored, it lets them once again experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. It took a while to get accustomed to my hearing aids
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. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take some time to get used to.
When something like a hearing aid is initially put in your ear canal, your body is made to initially feel uncomfortable. But pretty soon, the body realizes there’s 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 never go back. They wouldn’t trade all the benefits of hearing, and they often regret waiting so long to get a hearing aid.
People now wearing them who had trouble initially, say they’re so glad they persevered. It’s made their life a whole lot more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the drive
If you aren’t 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, consult us about it. We can typically offer tips on how to adjust to your hearing aids faster. Experiencing all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the adjustment.