The majority of people who wear hearing aids are satisfied with their experience: According to one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of individuals who wear hearing aids are happy with their results. When speaking about particular activities, 85% were satisfied in a group setting and watching TV, 78% while shopping, and 75% in a restaurant or on the phone.
These are some dramatically positive figures for a complex 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. (The good news, most of the bad stuff can be easily fixed.)
For individuals who are pleased with their hearing aids, this article will make you even more happy. And for people who are less thrilled, this article should help you address your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear revived with a hearing aid frequently feel reconnected with individuals around them. Their energy levels are increased. They participate and stay more active.
They find their days filled with less discouragement over their inability to hear. They feel less fatigued because they don’t have to struggle to understand what others 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. They might sound distorted initially
Hearing aids nowadays are digital. They have many advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than simply making everything louder. Because of this, some people might be dissatisfied when they’re in a noisy setting like a restaurant or talking on the phone but quite satisfied when in a one-on-one conversation.
Hearing aids aren’t hard 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 by myself
A common misconception about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. People may leave the office with the misconception that the sound can’t get any better, which could prompt them not to wear them.
Hearing is more complex than you may recognize. Modern Hearing aids incorporate settings that target many degrees and types of hearing loss.
Our experienced hearing specialists will undertake a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly suggested that you practice using your hearing aid by chatting with a friend initially.
If it still doesn’t sound good after a few weeks, talk to us. We can 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 healthy hearing
Can you recall what gentle laughter or a delicate whisper sounds like? What about the wind, wind chimes, singing birds, or soft music? Perhaps you can’t recollect 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 small things that they had forgotten about. It means so much to have these sounds restored, it lets them once more experience the fullness and grandeur of the world around them.
5. It took some time to get used to my hearing aids
You probably weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a baby. Now you may choose to use them all the time. 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 seems out of place, like a hearing aid going into your outer ear. But within a short time, the body realizes there is no threat and accepts the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I hadn’t put off so long to invest in my hearing aid
People would never go back to having hearing loss if they were patient and took the time to get used to them. They wouldn’t give up all the benefits of hearing, and they frequently regret putting off for so long to get a hearing aid.
Individuals who were patient and preserved were thankful that they did. 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 give up. It’s worth the time and effort. It will become second nature before too long.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk with us about it. We can help you adjust your hearing aids in a faster and more efficient way. The patience is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.