The majority of individuals who wear hearing aids are pleased with their experience: According to one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of individuals who use hearing aids are satisfied with their results. When processing 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 amazingly positive results. But that still leaves us wondering, what’s going on with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. What makes them less satisfied with their hearing aid?
Let’s explore the good and the bad things individuals have to say about their hearing aid experience. (The good news, most of the bad stuff can be easily fixed.)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will make you love it even more. If you’re not as happy with it as wish you were, we’ll investigate 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 individuals around them. Their energy levels are increased. They feel like they can better participate and remain active.
Their inability to hear isn’t so discouraging anymore. They feel less fatigued because they don’t have to work so hard to understand what other people are saying.
For many people, a hearing aid helps them feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. At first, sounds seemed distorted
Hearing aids today are digital. They have many advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than just making everything louder. 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 couldn’t learn how to use my hearing aid by myself
A typical misconception about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. If it doesn’t sound good when they leave the office they might get the misconception that this is as good as it gets and decide it’s easier not to wear the hearing aid.
You may not even realize how complex hearing loss is. Modern Hearing aids have settings that target many levels and types of hearing loss.
Our skilled hearing specialists will complete a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly suggested that you practice using your hearing aid by talking with a friend at first.
Consult with us if you’re still having difficulty after a couple of weeks. We can help you have a better understanding of how your settings work and we can most likely make some fine adjustments for you.
4. Without healthy hearing, you forgot what you were missing out on
Do you recall what a subtle whisper sounds like? How about gentle laughter? How about soft music, birds singing, wind chimes, or the wind? Perhaps you can’t remember what children playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the delicate breathing of your significant other.
Hearing these little discreet sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasing according to many individuals who get hearing aids. It means so much to have these sounds restored, it allows them to once more experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. Becoming accustomed to my new hearing aid took some getting used to.
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 accustomed to.
When something like a hearing aid is first put in your ear canal, your body is designed to initially feel uncomfortable. Eventually, when the body recognizes that it’s not threatened, it will become used to and comfortable with the new device.
6. I wish I hadn’t put off so long to purchase my hearing aid
Individuals would never go back to having hearing loss if they were persistent and took the time to get used to them. They wouldn’t give up all the advantages of hearing, and they often regret waiting so long to invest in a hearing aid.
Of those now wearing them who struggled initially, say they’re so glad they stuck with it. It’s made their life so much more enriched.
Pay attention to improved hearing
If you’re not having the ideal experience with your hearing aid, don’t quit. It’s worth the time and effort. Soon, wearing the hearing aid will become automatic.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk with us about it. We can help you fine-tune your hearing aids in a faster and more efficient way. The adjustment is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.