Most individuals are pleased with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid users are happy with the hearing aid experience when speaking one-on-one, based on a recent survey. When analyzing results with specific 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 numbers for an intricate device such as a hearing aid. But we have to question, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% experiencing? What makes them less happy with their hearing devices?
People with hearing aids have some good and some bad things to say about them. (We can easily fix most of the bad stuff and that’s the good news!)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will make you love it even more. And for individuals who are less excited, this article should help you address your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
There’s frequently a reconnection with friends and loved ones for individuals who have had their ability to hear revived with hearing aids. Their energy levels are higher. They participate and stay more active.
They find their days filled with less discouragement over their inability to hear. Because they don’t have to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less exhausted.
People are usually happiest when they feel connected to other people and their world, and for many wearing a hearing aid makes that possible.
2. They may sound distorted initially
Hearing aids today are digital. They don’t just make sounds louder, they have many settings to help you hear better in a variety of 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 getting used to them will take a bit of practice.
3. I needed assistance finding out how to use my hearing aid
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as some individuals may think. If it doesn’t sound right when they leave the office they may think that this is as good as it gets and choose not to use the hearing aid.
You might not even recognize how complex hearing loss can be. Hearing aids are designed to manage various types and degrees of hearing loss by adjusting the way sound enters the ear.
When you’re in the office, we will do a total hearing aid fitting. When you get home, we recommend that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in a variety of settings.
Consult with us if you’re still having trouble after a couple of weeks. We can likely make adjustments or help you better comprehend how the hearing aid works in environments where you’re having trouble.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing out on without healthy hearing
Do you recall what a subtle whisper sounds like? What about gentle laughter? How about the wind, wind chimes, birds singing, or quiet music? Maybe you’ve forgotten how it makes you feel to hear the delicate breath of a significant other sitting close beside you or children playing outside.
Hearing these little discreet sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasant according to many people who get hearing aids. It means a great deal to have these sounds restored, it lets them once again experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. It took a while to get accustomed to my hearing aids
When you were a toddler and had to put on shoes for the first time, you likely thought that was uncomfortable. But now, of course, you’re completely comfortable with them. Similarly, a new watch or a new hat might take some time to get used to.
When something like a hearing aid is initially put in your ear canal, your body is designed to initially feel uncomfortable. But pretty soon, the body recognizes there is no threat and accepts the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I would have purchased my hearing aids sooner
Individuals would never go back to having hearing loss if they were persistent and took the time to become accustomed to them. They usually regret waiting so long and they would never give up the advantages of being able to hear.
People now wearing them who had trouble initially, say they’re so happy they stuck with it. Their lives have become a great deal more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the focus
Be patient and don’t give up, even if you’re not yet having the ideal experience. The effort and the time will be worth it. Before long, using the hearing aid will become automatic.
Talk to us today about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can often give you advice 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.