Most individuals are happy with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid wearers are happy with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, as reported by a recent survey. When analyzing 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 wonderfully positive numbers for a complex device like a hearing aid. But we have to question, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% feeling? What makes them less happy with their hearing devices?
Let’s explore the good and the bad things people have to say about their hearing aid experience. (The good news, the majority of the bad stuff can be easily fixed.)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will make you love it even more. If you’re not as satisfied with it as wish you were, we’ll explore what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear revived with a hearing aid frequently feel reconnected with those around them. Their energy levels are higher. They feel like they can better participate and stay active.
They find their days filled with less discouragement over their failure to hear. Because they don’t have to struggle to hear what people are saying, they feel less tired.
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
Modern hearing aids are digital. They don’t just make sounds louder, they have many 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 hard 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 some people might think. People may leave the office with the mistake that the sound won’t get any better, which could prompt them not to wear them.
Hearing is more complex than you might realize. Modern Hearing aids include settings that target many degrees and types of hearing loss.
When you’re in the office, we will perform a thorough hearing aid fitting. When you get home, we recommend that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in a variety of settings.
Talk with us if you’re still having trouble after a couple of weeks. We can help you get a better knowledge of how your functions work and we can likely do some fine-tuning for you.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing without full hearing
Do you remember what a subtle whisper sounds like? What about gentle laughter? What 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 delicate breathing of your significant other.
Hearing these little subtle sounds that were forgotten about is unexpectedly pleasant according to many individuals who get hearing aids. It means a whole lot to have these sounds restored, it allows them to once again experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. It took some time to get used to my hearing aids
You most likely weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a toddler. Now you might prefer to use them all the time. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take a bit of time to get accustomed to.
When something like a hearing aid is initially put in your ear canal, your body is made to initially feel uncomfortable. But within a short time, the body recognizes there is no threat and accepts the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to invest in my hearing aid
People who put in the time to get used to their hearing aids wouldn’t go back. They usually feel disappointed about waiting so long and they would never trade the benefits of being able to hear.
People who had patience and preserved were happy that they did. It’s made their life a great deal more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the drive
Be patient and don’t quit, even if you aren’t yet having the best experience. It’s worth the time and effort. It will become automatic before too long.
Talk to us today about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can usually offer 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.
