The majority of people who wear hearing aids are happy with their results: According to one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of people who use hearing aids are satisfied with their results. When talking about particular 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 dramatically positive numbers for an intricate device such as a hearing aid. But we have to question, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% feeling? 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. (We can easily fix most 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 people who are less excited, this article should help you tackle 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. They have more vitality. They feel like they can better participate and remain active.
Their inability to hear isn’t as frustrating anymore. They feel less fatigued 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. They may sound distorted initially
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 might be dissatisfied when they’re in a noisy environment like a restaurant or talking on the phone but really satisfied 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
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as some individuals may presume. If it doesn’t sound good when they leave the office they might think that this is as good as it gets and decide it’s easier not to use the hearing aid.
Hearing is more complex than you might realize. Modern Hearing aids incorporate settings that address many degrees and types of hearing loss.
When you are in the office, we will perform a total hearing aid fitting. When you get home, we suggest that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in a variety of settings.
Consult with us if you’re still having difficulty after a few weeks. We can likely make adjustments or help you better comprehend how the hearing aid works in settings where you’re having trouble.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing out on without healthy hearing
Can you recall what gentle laughter or a soft whisper sounds like? What about the wind, wind chimes, birds singing, or quiet music? Perhaps you can’t remember 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 communicate 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 more experience the fullness and grandeur of the world around them.
5. Becoming accustomed to my new hearing aid took some getting used to.
You probably weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a toddler. But now, of course, you’re totally comfortable with them. It may take time to become accustomed to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
When something like a hearing aid is first put in your ear canal, your body is made to initially feel uncomfortable. Eventually, when the body knows that it’s not threatened, it will become used to and comfortable with the new device.
6. I wish I would have invested in my hearing aids sooner
People would never go back to having hearing loss if they were patient and took the time to become accustomed to them. They normally regret putting off for so long and they would never give up the benefits of being able to hear.
Among those now wearing them who had trouble initially, say they’re so thankful they stuck with it. Their lives have become so much more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the drive
Be patient and don’t quit, even if you aren’t 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 efficient way. Experiencing all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the patients.