The majority of people who wear hearing aids are happy with their results: 91% of hearing aid users are pleased with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, as reported by a recent survey. When talking about specific activities, 85% were satisfied in a group environment and watching TV, 78% while shopping, and 75% in a restaurant or on the phone.
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 discover the good and the bad things people have to say about their hearing aid experience. (We can easily fix most of the bad things and that’s the good news!)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will make you love it even more. If you’re not as happy with it as wish you were, we’ll discover what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
There’s frequently a reconnection with friends and loved ones for people who have had their ability to hear revived with hearing aids. 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 work so hard to understand what others are saying.
For many individuals, a hearing aid allows them to feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. Initially, sounds seemed distorted
Contemporary hearing aids are digital. They have many 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.
It’s not difficult to learn to use a hearing aid. But they do take a little practice getting used to them.
3. I couldn’t find out how to use my hearing aid by myself
A common misconception about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. If it doesn’t sound good when they first get home they might get the misconception that this is as good as it gets and decide it’s easier not to wear the hearing aid.
You may not even realize how complex hearing loss is. Modern Hearing aids include settings that address many degrees and types of hearing loss.
Our experienced hearing specialists will complete a hearing aid fitting in the office. 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 great after a few weeks, consult us. We can help you get a better understanding of how your functions work and we can likely do some fine-tuning for you.
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 soft music, singing birds, wind chimes, or the wind? Maybe you’ve forgotten what it’s like to hear the soft breath of a significant other sitting close beside you or youngsters playing outside.
Hearing these little discreet sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasant according to many people who get hearing aids. 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. Getting used to my new hearing aid took some getting used to.
When you were a toddler and had to put on shoes for the first time, you likely thought that was awkward. Now you might 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.
When something like a hearing aid is initially placed in your ear canal, your body is designed to initially feel discomfort. Eventually, when the body understands that it’s not threatened, it will become used to and comfortable with the new device.
6. I wish I hadn’t put off so long to get my hearing aid
People who made the effort to get used to their hearing aids would never go back. They typically feel disappointed about putting off for so long and they would never trade the advantages of being able to hear.
People now wearing them who struggled initially, say they’re so glad they stuck with it. It’s made their life so much more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the drive
Be patient and don’t quit, even if you’re not yet having the best 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 typically offer 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.