Most individuals are happy with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid wearers are pleased with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, according to a recent survey. When speaking about particular activities, 85% were satisfied in a group setting and watching TV, 78% while in the store, and 75% in a restaurant or on the phone.
For an advanced device like a hearing aid, these are some amazingly positive results. But that still leaves us wondering, what’s happening with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. Why aren’t they as happy with their devices?
People with hearing aids have some good and some bad things to say about them. (The good news, most 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 address your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear revived with a hearing aid often feel reconnected with individuals around them. They have more vitality. They feel like they can better engage and stay active.
Their failure to hear isn’t so frustrating anymore. Because they don’t have to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less exhausted.
For many individuals, a hearing aid allows them to feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. They may sound distorted initially
Hearing aids nowadays are digital. They have lots of advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than just making everything louder. That’s why people may 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 little practice.
3. I couldn’t learn how to use my hearing aid on my own
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as some people may presume. People may leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound can’t get any better, which could prompt them not to wear them.
You might not even recognize how complex hearing loss is. Hearing aids are developed to manage numerous types and levels of hearing loss by changing how sound goes into the ear.
When you’re in the office, we will do a thorough hearing aid fitting. When you get home, we recommend that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in a variety of settings.
If it still doesn’t sound right after a couple of weeks, talk to us. We can very likely make modifications 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 out on without complete hearing
Do you remember what a playful whisper sounds like? What about gentle laughter? How about soft music, singing birds, wind chimes, or the wind? Maybe you’ve forgotten how it makes you feel to hear the gentle 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. Having these sounds restored means the full brilliance of the world around can once again be experienced by people who get hearing aids.
5. It took a while to get accustomed to my hearing aids
You probably weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a baby. But now, of course, you’re completely comfortable with them. Similarly, 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 discomfort. 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 would have purchased my hearing aids sooner
People who put in the time to get used to their hearing aids would never go back. They typically regret putting off for so long and they would never trade the advantages of healthy hearing.
Individuals who had patience and preserved were thankful that they did. Their lives have become so much more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the drive
Be patient and don’t quit, even if you aren’t yet having the ideal experience. The effort and time will be worth it. Before long, wearing the hearing aid will become second nature.
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 effective way. The adjustment is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.
