The majority of individuals who wear hearing aids are pleased with their experience: Based upon one recent survey, when speaking one-on-one, 91% of individuals who use hearing aids are pleased with their experience. When talking 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 spectacularly positive numbers for an intricate device such as a hearing aid. But that still leaves us wondering, what’s happening 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 people have to say about their hearing aid experience. (The good news, the majority of the bad things can be easily fixed.)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will make you love it even more. And for individuals who are less happy, this article should help you deal with your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
There’s often 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 feel like they can better engage and stay active.
Their inability to hear isn’t so discouraging anymore. Because they don’t have to struggle to hear what people are saying, they feel less tired.
People are often happiest when they feel connected to others and their world, and for many wearing a hearing aid makes this possible.
2. Initially, sounds seemed distorted
Hearing aids nowadays are digital. They have lots of advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than simply making everything louder. Because of this, some people may be dissatisfied when they’re in a loud environment like a restaurant or talking on the phone but very pleased when in a one-on-one conversation.
Hearing aids aren’t difficult to learn to use. But they do take some 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 some people may think. 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 know. Hearing aids are developed to target various types and levels of hearing loss by changing how sound goes into the ear.
When you are in the office, we will perform a total hearing aid fitting. When you get home, we suggest that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in a variety of settings.
If it still doesn’t sound good after a few weeks, consult us. We can help you have a better knowledge of how your functions work and we can probably do some fine-tuning for you.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing
Do you recall what a subtle whisper sounds like? How about gentle laughter? What about the wind, wind chimes, birds singing, or soft music? Maybe 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 pleasant according to many people who get hearing aids. It means a whole lot to have these sounds restored, it allows them to once again experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. It took some time to get used to my hearing aids
When you were a toddler and had to put on shoes for the first time, you likely thought that was awkward. Now you may prefer to use them all the time. Similarly, a new watch or a new hat might take a little time to get used to.
When something like a hearing aid is first put in your ear canal, your body is made to initially feel discomfort. But within a short time, the body recognizes there is no threat and accepts the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I hadn’t waited 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 become accustomed to them. They wouldn’t trade all the advantages of hearing, and they frequently regret waiting so long to invest in a hearing aid.
People who had patience and stuck with it were happy that they did. Their lives have become so much more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the drive
Be patient and don’t give up, even if you aren’t yet having the best experience. The effort and the time will be worth it. Soon, wearing the hearing aid will become automatic.
Talk to us today about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can help you fine-tune your hearing aids in a faster and more efficient way. Enjoying all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the adjustment.