The majority of people who wear hearing aids are pleased with their experience: Based upon one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of people who wear hearing aids are happy with their experience. When analyzing results with particular 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.
For an advanced device like a hearing aid, these are some extremely positive results. But we have to question, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% feeling? Why aren’t they as satisfied with their devices?
Let’s discover the good and the bad things individuals have to say about their hearing aid results. (We can easily fix the majority of the bad stuff and that’s the good news!)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will help you love it even more. And for individuals who are less happy, this article should help you tackle your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
There’s often a reconnection with friends and loved ones for individuals who have had their ability to hear restored with hearing aids. Their energy levels are increased. They engage and stay more active.
Their inability to hear isn’t as discouraging anymore. Because they don’t need to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less tired.
People are usually happiest when they feel connected to others and their world, and for many using a hearing aid makes this possible.
2. They may sound distorted initially
Hearing aids nowadays are digital. They don’t just make sounds louder, they have many settings to help you hear best in various places. Because of this, some people might be dissatisfied when they’re in a loud environment like a restaurant or talking on the phone but really pleased when in a one-on-one conversation.
Hearing aids aren’t complicated to learn to use. But they do take some practice getting used to them.
3. I couldn’t learn how to use my hearing aid on my own
A typical misunderstanding 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 wear them.
You may not even recognize how complex hearing loss can be. Hearing aids are designed to target various types and degrees of hearing loss by transforming the way sound enters the ear.
When you’re in the office, we will do a complete hearing aid fitting. When you get home, we suggest that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in various settings.
Talk with us if you’re still having difficulty after a few weeks. We can help you get a better understanding of how your functions work and we can probably make some fine adjustments for you.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing out on
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’ve forgotten what it’s like to hear the gentle breath of a significant other sitting close beside you or youngsters playing outside.
Many people who get a hearing aid share that it’s a pleasant surprise to suddenly hear these little things that they had forgotten about. It means a whole lot to have these sounds restored, it allows them to once again experience the fullness and grandeur of the world around them.
5. It took some time to get accustomed to my hearing aids
When you were a toddler and had to put on shoes for the first time, you probably thought that was uncomfortable. But now, of course, you’re completely comfortable with them. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take a little time to get used to.
Our bodies are made to feel discomfort when something feels out of place, like a hearing aid going into your outer ear. But pretty soon, the body recognizes there’s no threat and accepts the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I would have invested in my hearing aids sooner
People would never go back to having hearing loss if they were persistent and took the time to get used to them. They normally regret putting off for so long and they would never trade the benefits of healthy hearing.
Individuals who had patience and preserved were thankful that they did. It’s made their life a whole lot more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the focus
If you’re not having the best experience with your hearing aid, don’t give up. 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 often offer tips on how to adjust to your hearing aids faster. Experiencing all that life has to provide with restored hearing is worth the adjustment.