The majority of individuals who use hearing aids are satisfied with their results: 91% of hearing aid wearers are happy with the hearing aid experience when talking 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 grocery store, and 85% were satisfied watching TV or in a group.
These are some wonderfully positive figures for a complex device such as a hearing aid. But that still leaves us questioning, what’s going on with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. Why aren’t they as happy with their devices?
Let’s explore the good and the bad things individuals have to say about their hearing aid experience. (We can easily fix most of the bad things 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 happy with it as you’d like to be, we’ll investigate what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear revived with a hearing aid often feel reconnected with people around them. They have more energy. They feel like they can better engage and remain active.
They find their days filled with less frustration over their failure to hear. Because they don’t have to struggle to hear what people are saying, they feel less fatigued.
People are often happiest when they feel connected to others and their world, and for many wearing a hearing aid makes that possible.
2. Initially, sounds seemed distorted
Modern hearing aids are digital. They have many advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than just making everything louder. Because of this, some individuals might be dissatisfied when they’re in a loud setting like a restaurant or talking on the phone but really pleased when in a one-on-one conversation.
It isn’t hard to learn to use a hearing aid. But getting used to them will take some practice.
3. I needed help finding out how to use my hearing aid
A frequent confusion about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. People may leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound won’t get any better, which could prompt them not to wear them.
You might not even recognize how complex hearing loss can be. Hearing aids are developed to target numerous types and degrees of hearing loss by adjusting how sound goes into the ear.
When you’re in the office, we will do a complete hearing aid fitting. It’s strongly recommended that you practice using your hearing aid by talking with a friend initially.
If it still doesn’t sound great after a few weeks, consult us. We can help you have a better knowledge of how your settings work and we can most likely do some fine-tuning for you.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing out on
Do you recall what a playful whisper sounds like? What about gentle laughter? What about the wind, wind chimes, birds singing, or quiet music? Maybe you can’t remember what children playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the soft breathing of your significant other.
Hearing these little subtle sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasant according to many individuals who get hearing aids. It means so much 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 accustomed to.
When you were a tot and had to wear shoes for the first time, you probably thought that was uncomfortable. But now, of course, you’re totally comfortable with them. Similarly, a new watch or a new hat might take a little time to get used to.
When something like a hearing aid is initially placed in your ear canal, your body is made to initially feel discomfort. 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 would have invested in my hearing aids sooner
People who took the time to get used to their hearing aids would not go back. They usually feel disappointed about waiting so long and they would never give up the benefits of being able to hear.
Individuals who were patient and stuck with it were happy that they did. Their lives have become so much more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the focus
Be patient and don’t quit, even if you’re not yet having the ideal experience. The effort and the time will be worth it. Soon, using the hearing aid will become second nature.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk to us about it. We can usually give you tips on how to adjust to your hearing aids faster. The adjustment is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.