Most people are pleased with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid users are happy with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, as reported by a recent survey. When breaking down results with specific 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.
These are some spectacularly positive numbers 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 satisfied with their hearing aid?
Let’s examine the good and the bad things individuals have to say about their hearing aid experience. (The good news, the majority of the bad stuff can be easily fixed.)
For people who are pleased with their hearing aids, this article will make you even more happy. And for individuals who are less happy, this article should help you address your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear restored with a hearing aid frequently feel reconnected with those around them. Their energy levels are increased. They feel like they can better engage and stay active.
Their failure to hear isn’t so frustrating anymore. They feel less tired because they don’t have to struggle to understand what others 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. Initially, sounds seemed distorted
Hearing aids nowadays are digital. They have many advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than just making everything louder. Because of this, some individuals may be dissatisfied when they’re in a noisy environment like a restaurant or talking on the phone but really pleased when in a one-on-one conversation.
Hearing aids aren’t difficult to learn to use. But getting used to them will take a little practice.
3. I couldn’t find out how to use my hearing aid on my own
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as some people might think. If it doesn’t sound right when they first get home they might think that this is as good as it gets and choose not to use the hearing aid.
You might not even realize how complex hearing loss is. Modern Hearing aids have settings that address many levels and types of hearing loss.
When you’re in the office, we will do a thorough hearing aid fitting. When you get home, we recommend that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in various settings.
If it still doesn’t sound right after a couple of weeks, consult us. We can help you have a better comprehension of how your settings work and we can likely do some fine-tuning for you.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing out on without complete hearing
Can you recollect what gentle laughter or a delicate whisper sounds like? What about soft music, birds singing, wind chimes, or the wind? Maybe you can’t recollect what kids playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the gentle breathing of your significant other.
Hearing these little subtle sounds that were forgotten about is unexpectedly pleasing according to many people who get hearing aids. Having these sounds restored means the whole magnificence of the world around can once again be experienced by individuals who get hearing aids.
5. It took a while to get used to my hearing aids
When you were a toddler and had to wear shoes for the first time, you probably thought that was uncomfortable. Now you may choose to wear them all the time. It may take time to become accustomed to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
Our bodies are made to feel uncomfortable when something feels out of place, such as 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 put off so long to get my hearing aid
Individuals who took the time to get used to their hearing aids would never go back. They wouldn’t give up all the benefits of hearing, and they frequently regret putting off for so long to get a hearing aid.
People now wearing them who had trouble at first, say they’re so thankful they persevered. Their lives have become a great deal more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the focus
If you’re not having the ideal experience with your hearing aid, don’t quit. It’s worth the effort and time. It will become automatic before too long.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk to us about it. We can usually offer tips on how to get used to your hearing aids faster. The patience is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.