Most people are happy with their hearing aids: As reported by one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of people who use hearing aids are pleased with their experience. When talking about specific 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 a sophisticated device like a hearing aid, these are some amazingly positive results. But we have to ask, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% feeling? What makes them less satisfied with their hearing devices?
Let’s discover the good and the bad things individuals 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 help you love it even more. And for people who are less happy, this article should help you deal with your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear revived with a hearing aid frequently feel reconnected with individuals around them. They have more energy. They engage and stay more active.
They find their days filled with less frustration over their failure to hear. They feel less exhausted because they don’t have to work so hard to understand what others are saying.
For many people, 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 don’t only make sounds louder, they have lots of settings to help you hear best in a variety of places. 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 they do take some practice getting used to them.
3. I needed help learning how to use my hearing aid
A frequent misconception about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. People may leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound can’t get any better, which could prompt them not to use them.
Hearing is more complex than you might know. Modern Hearing aids include settings that address many levels and types of hearing loss.
When you are in the office, we will perform a complete hearing aid fitting. When you get home, we highly recommend that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in various settings.
If it still doesn’t sound good after a couple of weeks, talk to us. We can probably make modifications or help you better understand how the hearing aid works in environments where you’re having trouble.
4. Without healthy hearing, you forgot what you were missing
Can you recollect what gentle laughter or a soft whisper sounds like? What about soft music, birds singing, wind chimes, or the wind? Maybe you can’t recollect what children 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 individuals 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. 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. Now you might prefer to use them all the time. Similarly, a new watch or a new hat might take a bit of time to get accustomed to.
When something like a hearing aid is initially 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 hadn’t waited so long to purchase my hearing aid
People who made the effort to get used to their hearing aids would never go back. They wouldn’t trade all the benefits of hearing, and they often regret putting off for so long to get a hearing aid.
Among those now wearing them who struggled initially, say they’re so happy they stuck with it. It’s made their life 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. The effort and time will be worth it. It will become automatic before too long.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk to us about it. 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.
