The majority of individuals who wear hearing aids are satisfied with their experience: 91% of hearing aid users are pleased with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, based on a recent survey. When processing results with particular 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 like a hearing aid. But that still leaves us wondering, what’s going on with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. What makes them less satisfied with their hearing devices?
Let’s examine the good and the bad things people have to say about their hearing aid experience. (We can easily fix the majority of the bad stuff and that’s the good news!)
For individuals who are pleased with their hearing aids, this article will make you even more happy. If you’re not as satisfied with it as you’d like to be, we’ll discover 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. Their energy levels are increased. They feel like they can better participate and stay 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 helps them feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. They might sound distorted initially
Hearing aids today are digital. They have lots of advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than just making everything louder. Because of this, some people might be dissatisfied when they’re in a noisy setting like a restaurant or talking on the phone but really pleased when in a one-on-one conversation.
Hearing aids aren’t difficult to learn to use. But they do take a little practice getting used to them.
3. I couldn’t find out how to use my hearing aid on my own
A typical misconception about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. If it doesn’t sound good when they leave the office they may think that this is as good as it gets and choose not to wear the hearing aid.
You may not even realize how complex hearing loss can be. Modern Hearing aids have settings that address many degrees and types of hearing loss.
Our experienced hearing specialists will complete a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly suggested that you practice using your hearing aid by talking with a friend at first.
Consult with us if you’re still having difficulty after a few weeks. We can probably make adjustments or help you better understand how the hearing aid works in settings where you’re having trouble.
4. Without healthy hearing, you forgot what you were missing
Can you recall what gentle laughter or a delicate whisper sounds like? What about the wind, wind chimes, singing birds, or soft music? Maybe you’ve forgotten how it makes you feel to hear the delicate breath of a significant other sitting near you or youngsters playing outside.
Many individuals who get a hearing aid share that it’s a nice surprise to suddenly hear these small things that they had forgotten about. It means so much to have these sounds restored, it lets them once again experience the fullness and grandeur of the world around them.
5. It took a while to get used to my hearing aids
You probably weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a toddler. Now you might prefer to wear 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 initially put in your ear canal, your body is designed to initially feel discomfort. But pretty soon, the body realizes there’s no threat and welcomes the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to invest in my hearing aid
Individuals who put in the time to get used to their hearing aids would never go back. They wouldn’t give up all the benefits of hearing, and they frequently regret putting off for so long to invest in a hearing aid.
Individuals who were patient and preserved were glad that they did. Their lives have become a great deal more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the focus
Be patient and don’t quit, even if you aren’t yet having the ideal experience. It’s worth the effort and time. Soon, wearing the hearing aid will become second nature.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk to us about it. We can often 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.