Most people are pleased with their hearing aids: Based upon one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of people who use hearing aids are satisfied with their experience. When speaking about specific activities, 85% were satisfied in a group setting and watching TV, 78% while shopping, and 75% in a restaurant or on the phone.
These are some spectacularly positive figures for a complex device such as a hearing aid. 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?
Let’s explore the good and the bad things people have to say about their hearing aid results. (The good news, the majority of the bad stuff can be easily fixed.)
For individuals who are happy with their hearing aids, this article will make you even happier. If you’re not as happy with it as wish you were, we’ll investigate what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
There’s often a reconnection with friends and loved ones for individuals who have had their ability to hear revived with hearing aids. They have more energy. They engage and stay more active.
Their failure to hear isn’t as frustrating anymore. They feel less tired because they don’t have to work so hard to understand what other people are saying.
People are often happiest when they feel connected with others and their world, and for many wearing a hearing aid makes that possible.
2. At first, sounds seemed distorted
Contemporary hearing aids are digital. They don’t just make sounds louder, they have many settings to help you hear better in a variety of places. Because of this, some people might be dissatisfied when they’re in a noisy environment like a restaurant or talking on the phone but really satisfied when in a one-on-one conversation.
It isn’t hard 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 on my own
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 may get the misconception that this is as good as it gets and choose not to wear the hearing aid.
You might not even realize how complex hearing loss is. Hearing aids are developed to manage various types and degrees of hearing loss by changing how sound goes into the ear.
When you are in the office, we will perform a complete hearing aid fitting. It’s strongly advised that you practice using your hearing aid by chatting with a friend at first.
Talk with us if you’re still having difficulty after a few weeks. We can most likely make adjustments or help you better understand how the hearing aid works in environments where you’re having trouble.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing without healthy hearing
Can you recollect what gentle laughter or a delicate whisper sounds like? How about the wind, wind chimes, singing birds, or soft music? Perhaps you can’t remember what children playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the delicate 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. 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 accustomed to my hearing aids
When you were a toddler and had to wear shoes for the first time, you likely thought that was awkward. Now you may like to wear them all the time. It might take time to become accustomed to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
When something like a hearing aid is first put in your ear canal, your body is made 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 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 get a hearing aid.
Among those now wearing them who had trouble at first, say they’re so happy they persevered. Their lives have become so much more enriched.
Focus on improved hearing
If you aren’t having the ideal experience with your hearing aid, don’t quit. The effort and the time will be worth it. It will become second nature before too long.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk to us about it. We can help you adjust your hearing aids in a faster and more efficient way. Experiencing all that life has to provide with restored hearing is worth the adjustment.