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 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 an advanced device like a hearing aid, these are some incredibly positive results. But that still leaves us wondering, what’s going on with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. What makes them less happy with their hearing aid?
Let’s examine the good and the bad things people have to say about their hearing aid experience. (We can easily fix most 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 people who are less happy, this article should help you tackle your concerns.
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 higher. They feel like they can better engage and remain active.
Their failure to hear isn’t as frustrating anymore. Because they don’t have to work as hard 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. In the beginning, sounds seemed distorted
Contemporary hearing aids are digital. They don’t only make sounds louder, they have lots of settings to help you hear better in a variety of places. Because of this, some individuals may be dissatisfied when they’re in a loud setting like a restaurant or talking on the phone but quite pleased when in a one-on-one conversation.
It’s not difficult to learn to use a hearing aid. But getting used to them will take a little practice.
3. I couldn’t learn how to use my hearing aid by myself
A frequent misunderstanding about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. If it doesn’t sound great 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 wear the hearing aid.
You may not even understand how complex hearing loss is. Modern Hearing aids incorporate settings that target many degrees and types of hearing loss.
When you’re in the office, we will perform a total hearing aid fitting. When you get home, we recommend that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in various settings.
Consult with us if you’re still having difficulty after a couple of weeks. We can help you have 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 complete hearing
Can you recall what gentle laughter or a soft whisper sounds like? What about the wind, wind chimes, birds singing, or quiet music? Maybe you’ve forgotten how it makes you feel to hear the gentle breath of a significant other sitting close beside you or youngsters playing outside.
Many individuals who get a hearing aid share that it’s a pleasant surprise to suddenly hear these little things that they had forgotten about. Having these sounds restored means the full magnificence of the world around can once again be experienced by people who get hearing aids.
5. Becoming accustomed to my new hearing aid took some getting used to.
When you were a toddler and had to wear shoes for the first time, you likely thought that was uncomfortable. Now you might choose to wear them all the time. Similarly, a new watch or a new hat might take a little time to get used to.
When something like a hearing aid is initially placed in your ear canal, your body is made to initially feel discomfort. Eventually, when the body understands that it’s not threatened, it will become accustomed to and comfortable with the new device.
6. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to purchase my hearing aid
Individuals would never go back to having hearing loss if they were patient and took the time to get used to them. They usually feel disappointed about putting off for so long and they would never give up the advantages of healthy hearing.
People who were patient and stuck with it were thankful that they did. Their lives have become so much more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the focus
Be patient and don’t give up, even if you’re not yet having the best experience. It’s worth the time and effort. Before long, wearing the hearing aid will become automatic.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, consult us about it. We can usually give you advice on how to get used to your hearing aids faster. The adjustment is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.
