The majority of people who wear hearing aids are satisfied with their experience: Based upon one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of people who use hearing aids are pleased with their experience. When speaking about specific activities, 85% were satisfied in a group environment and watching TV, 78% while in the store, and 75% in a restaurant or on the phone.
These are some wonderfully positive figures for a complex device such as a hearing aid. But that still leaves us wondering, what’s happening with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. What makes them less happy with their hearing aid?
Individuals who use hearing aids have some good and some bad things to say about them. (We can easily fix the majority 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 happy with it as wish you were, we’ll explore what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
There’s frequently a reconnection with friends and loved ones for individuals who have had their ability to hear restored with hearing aids. They have more energy. They feel like they can better engage and remain active.
They find their days filled with less frustration over their inability to hear. Because they don’t need to struggle to hear what people are saying, they feel less exhausted.
For many individuals, a hearing aid helps them feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. Initially, sounds seemed distorted
Hearing aids nowadays are digital. They don’t simply make sounds louder, they have lots of settings to help you hear better 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.
Hearing aids aren’t hard to learn to use. But they do take a little practice getting used to them.
3. I needed assistance learning how to use my hearing aid
A typical confusion 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 might get the misconception that this is as good as it gets and decide it’s easier not to use the hearing aid.
You might not even realize how complex hearing loss is. Modern Hearing aids include settings that address many degrees and types of hearing loss.
When you are in the office, we will do a total hearing aid fitting. It’s strongly suggested that you practice using your hearing aid by talking with a friend at first.
If it still doesn’t sound good after a few weeks, talk to us. We can help you get a better understanding of how your functions work and we can most likely do some fine-tuning for you.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing without complete hearing
Can you recall what gentle laughter or a soft whisper sounds like? How about the wind, wind chimes, singing birds, or soft music? Perhaps you can’t recollect what kids playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the gentle breathing of your significant other.
Many individuals who get a hearing aid share that it’s a pleasing surprise to suddenly hear these small things that they had forgotten about. Having these sounds restored means the full 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 accustomed to.
When you were a tot and had to put on shoes for the first time, you most likely thought that was uncomfortable. But now, of course, you’re completely comfortable with them. It may take time to become accustomed to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
Our bodies are designed to feel discomfort when something feels out of place, like a hearing aid going into your outer ear. Eventually, when the body recognizes 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 invest in my hearing aid
Individuals would never go back to having hearing loss if they were persistent and took the time to become accustomed to them. They typically feel disappointed about waiting so long and they would never give up the benefits of healthy hearing.
Of those now wearing them who had trouble at first, say they’re so thankful they stuck with it. Their lives have become so much more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the focus
Be patient and don’t quit, even if you’re not yet having the best experience. It’s worth the time and effort. Soon, using the hearing aid will become second nature.
Talk to us today about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can often give you tips on how to adjust to your hearing aids faster. The patience is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.