Most individuals are happy with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid users are happy with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, according to a recent survey. 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.
These are some spectacularly positive figures for a complex device like a hearing aid. But that still leaves us wondering, what’s happening with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. Why aren’t they as happy with their devices?
Individuals who use hearing aids have some good and some bad things to convey about them. (We can easily fix the majority of the bad stuff 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 satisfied with it as wish you were, we’ll discover what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear restored with a hearing aid frequently feel reconnected with people around them. They have more vitality. They participate and stay more active.
They find their days filled with less discouragement over their failure to hear. Because they don’t need to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less tired.
For many people, a hearing aid allows them to feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. In the beginning, 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 people might be dissatisfied when they’re in a loud setting like a restaurant or talking on the phone but very satisfied when in a one-on-one conversation.
Hearing aids aren’t difficult to learn to use. But they do take some practice getting used to them.
3. I needed help learning how to use my hearing aid
A common confusion about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. If it doesn’t sound good when they first get home they might think that this is as good as it gets and decide it’s easier not to wear the hearing aid.
You might not even recognize how complex hearing loss can be. Hearing aids are developed to manage numerous types and degrees of hearing loss by adjusting how sound goes into the ear.
Our expert hearing specialists will undertake a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly recommended that you practice using your hearing aid by talking with a friend at first.
If it still doesn’t sound great after a few weeks, consult us. We can most likely make adjustments or help you better understand how the hearing aid works in settings where you’re having trouble.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing without full hearing
Do you recall what a playful whisper sounds like? What about gentle laughter? How about soft music, birds singing, wind chimes, or the wind? Maybe you’ve forgotten what it’s like to hear the delicate breath of a significant other sitting near you or children playing outside.
Many individuals who get a hearing aid share that it’s a nice surprise to suddenly hear these small things that they had forgotten about. It means a great deal to have these sounds restored, it allows them to again experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. It took some time to get used to my hearing aids
When you were a toddler and had to wear shoes for the first time, you likely thought that was awkward. Now you may like to use them all the time. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take a bit of time to get used to.
Our bodies are made to feel uncomfortable 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 who took the time to get used to their hearing aids would never go back. They typically feel disappointed about waiting so long and they would never give up the advantages of being able to hear.
Among those now wearing them who had trouble initially, say they’re so happy they persevered. It’s made their life so much more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the drive
If you’re not having the ideal experience with your hearing aid, don’t quit. The effort and time will be worth it. It will become automatic before too long.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, consult us about it. We can often give you tips on how to adjust to your hearing aids faster. Experiencing all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the patients.