The majority of people who wear hearing aids are satisfied with their results: 91% of hearing aid wearers are pleased with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, as reported by a recent survey. When talking 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 numbers 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 satisfied with their devices?
People who use hearing aids have some good and some bad things to say about them. (We can easily fix the majority of the bad stuff and that’s the good news!)
For people who are happy with their hearing aids, this article will make you even more happy. If you aren’t as happy with it as you’d like to be, we’ll explore what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear restored with a hearing aid often feel reconnected with individuals around them. They have more vitality. They feel like they can better participate and remain active.
They find their days filled with less discouragement over their inability to hear. They feel less tired because they don’t have to struggle to understand what others are saying.
For many people, a hearing aid allows them to feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. They might sound distorted initially
Modern hearing aids are digital. They don’t only make sounds louder, they have many 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 complicated to learn to use. But they do take a little practice getting used to them.
3. I needed assistance finding out how to use my hearing aid
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as many individuals may think. If it doesn’t sound great when they first get home they may think that this is as good as it gets and choose not to use the hearing aid.
You may not even realize how complex hearing loss can be. Modern Hearing aids incorporate settings that target many degrees and types of hearing loss.
Our qualified hearing specialists will perform a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly recommended that you practice using your hearing aid by talking with a friend initially.
If it still doesn’t sound good after a couple of weeks, consult us. We can help you get a better comprehension of how your settings work and we can most likely do some fine-tuning for you.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing without healthy hearing
Can you recall what gentle laughter or a delicate whisper sounds like? How about soft music, singing birds, wind chimes, or the wind? Maybe you’ve forgotten how it makes you feel to hear the gentle breath of a significant other sitting near you or children playing outside.
Hearing these little subtle sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasant according to many individuals who get hearing aids. It means a great deal to have these sounds restored, it allows them to once again experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. Becoming accustomed to my new hearing aid took some getting used to.
You likely weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a toddler. Now you may prefer to wear them all the time. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take a little time to get accustomed to.
Our bodies are made to feel uncomfortable when something seems out of place, such as a hearing aid going into your outer ear. 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 purchased my hearing aids sooner
Individuals would never go back to having hearing loss if they were patient and took the time to become accustomed to them. They wouldn’t trade all the advantages of hearing, and they often regret waiting so long to get a hearing aid.
People who had patience and preserved were thankful that they did. Their lives have become so much more enriched.
Focus on improved hearing
Be patient and don’t quit, even if you aren’t yet having the best experience. It’s worth the effort and time. It will become second nature 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.
