The majority of people who use hearing aids are happy with their results: As reported by one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of people who wear hearing aids are satisfied with their results. When processing 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 incredibly positive results. But we have to question, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% experiencing? Why aren’t they as happy with their devices?
Let’s discover the good and the bad things individuals have to say about their hearing aid experience. (The good news, most of the bad things can be easily fixed.)
For people who are pleased with their hearing aids, this article will make you even more happy. 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 often a reconnection with friends and loved ones for people who have had their ability to hear revived with hearing aids. They have more energy. They feel like they can better engage and stay active.
They find their days filled with less frustration over their inability to hear. They feel less tired because they don’t have to struggle to understand what other people are saying.
For many people, a hearing aid allows them to feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. They may sound distorted initially
Contemporary hearing aids are digital. They don’t only make sounds louder, they have many settings to help you hear best in various places. Because of this, some individuals might be dissatisfied when they’re in a loud setting like a restaurant or talking on the phone but quite satisfied when in a one-on-one conversation.
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 help finding out how to use my hearing aid
A frequent misconception about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. People might leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound can’t get any better, which may prompt them not to use them.
Hearing is more complex than you may know. Hearing aids are developed to manage numerous types and degrees of hearing loss by changing how sound enters the ear.
Our expert hearing specialists will complete a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly advised 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 few weeks. We can help you get a better knowledge of how your settings work and we can most likely do some fine-tuning for you.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing
Can you recall what gentle laughter or a soft whisper sounds like? 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 gentle breathing of your significant other.
Many people who get a hearing aid communicate that it’s a pleasing surprise to suddenly hear these little things that they had forgotten about. It means a whole lot to have these sounds restored, it lets them again experience the fullness and grandeur of the world around them.
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 most likely thought that was awkward. Now you might like 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 designed to initially feel uncomfortable. But within a short time, the body recognizes there is no threat and welcomes the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I would have invested in my hearing aids sooner
Individuals would never go back to having hearing loss if they were patient and took the time to get used to them. They typically 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. Their lives have become so much more enriched.
Focus on improved hearing
Be patient and don’t give up, even if you’re not yet having the ideal experience. The effort and time will be worth it. It will become second nature before too long.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk to us about it. We can help you adjust your hearing aids in a faster and more effective way. The patience is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.