Most individuals are pleased 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 breaking down results with particular 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.
For a sophisticated device like a hearing aid, these are some extremely positive results. But that still leaves us questioning, what’s happening with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. Why aren’t they as happy with their devices?
People who use 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.)
For individuals who are pleased with their hearing aids, this article will make you even happier. And for individuals who are less happy, this article should help you tackle your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear restored with a hearing aid frequently feel reconnected with people around them. They have more vitality. They engage and stay more active.
They find their days filled with less discouragement over their failure to hear. They feel less fatigued because they don’t have to work so hard to understand what people are saying.
People are often happiest when they feel connected to other people and their world, and for many using a hearing aid makes this possible.
2. They might sound distorted initially
Modern hearing aids are digital. They don’t simply make sounds louder, they have many settings to help you hear best in various places. 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 getting used to them will take a bit of practice.
3. I needed help finding out how to use my hearing aid
A typical confusion about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. People might leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound won’t get any better, which could prompt them not to wear them.
Hearing is more complex than you may recognize. Hearing aids are designed to manage numerous types and degrees of hearing loss by changing how sound goes into the ear.
Our qualified hearing specialists will complete a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly advised that you practice using your hearing aid by talking with a friend at first.
Talk with us if you’re still having difficulty after a couple of weeks. We can help you get a better knowledge of how your settings work and we can likely do some fine-tuning for you.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing
Do you recall what a playful whisper sounds like? How about gentle laughter? What about the wind, wind chimes, singing birds, or soft music? Perhaps you can’t recollect what kids playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the soft breathing of your significant other.
Hearing these little discreet sounds that were forgotten about is unexpectedly pleasant according to many people who get hearing aids. Having these sounds restored means the whole brilliance of the world around can once again be experienced by individuals who get hearing aids.
5. Getting used to my new hearing aid took some getting used to.
When you were a tot and had to put on shoes for the first time, you probably thought that was awkward. Now you may like to wear them all the time. Similarly, a new watch or a new hat might take a little time to get accustomed to.
When something like a hearing aid is initially placed in your ear canal, your body is made to initially feel discomfort. Eventually, when the body knows that it’s not threatened, it will become accustomed to and comfortable with the new device.
6. I wish I would have purchased my hearing aids sooner
Individuals would never go back to having hearing loss if they were patient and took the time to become accustomed to them. They wouldn’t give up all the advantages of hearing, and they often regret putting off for so long to get a hearing aid.
Among those now wearing them who struggled at first, say they’re so glad they persevered. It’s made their life a great deal more enriched.
Focus on improved hearing
Be patient and don’t give up, even if you aren’t yet having the best 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. Experiencing all that life has to provide with restored hearing is worth the patients.