Most people are happy with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid wearers are pleased with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, as reported by a recent survey. When processing results with specific 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.
These are some spectacularly positive numbers for a complex device like 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 examine the good and the bad things individuals have to say about their hearing aid experience. (The good news, the majority of the bad stuff can be easily fixed.)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will make 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
There’s frequently a reconnection with friends and loved ones for individuals who have had their ability to hear revived with hearing aids. They have more vitality. They feel like they can better engage and remain active.
Their failure to hear isn’t so frustrating anymore. They feel less tired because they don’t have to work so hard to understand what people are saying.
People are typically happiest when they feel connected to other people and their world, and for many wearing a hearing aid makes this possible.
2. They might sound distorted initially
Hearing aids today are digital. They don’t simply make sounds louder, they have many settings to help you hear best in various places. Because of this, some individuals might be dissatisfied when they’re in a noisy environment like a restaurant or talking on the phone but very satisfied when in a one-on-one conversation.
It isn’t 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 right when they leave the office they may think that this is as good as it gets and decide it’s easier not to wear the hearing aid.
You might not even realize how complex hearing loss can be. Hearing aids are designed to address various types and degrees of hearing loss by changing how sound enters the ear.
When you are in the office, we will do a thorough hearing aid fitting. When you get home, we highly recommend that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in various settings.
Talk with us if you’re still having trouble after a couple of weeks. We can probably make adjustments 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 delicate whisper sounds like? How about the wind, wind chimes, birds singing, or quiet 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.
Many individuals who get a hearing aid share that it’s a pleasant surprise to suddenly hear these small things that they had forgotten about. Having these sounds restored means the whole brilliance of the world around can once again be experienced by people who get hearing aids.
5. Getting used to my new hearing aid took some getting used to.
When you were a toddler and had to wear shoes for the first time, you most likely thought that was uncomfortable. But now, of course, you’re completely comfortable with them. It may take time to become accustomed to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
Our bodies are made to feel discomfort when something seems out of place, like a hearing aid going into your outer ear. Eventually, when the body recognizes 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 who took the time to get used to their hearing aids wouldn’t go back. They wouldn’t trade all the advantages of hearing, and they frequently regret putting off for so long to get a hearing aid.
People who were patient and stuck with it were thankful that they did. Their lives have become so much more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the focus
If you aren’t having the ideal experience with your hearing aid, don’t give up. It’s worth the time and effort. Soon, wearing the hearing aid will become second nature.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, consult us about it. We can help you adjust your hearing aids in a faster and more efficient way. The adjustment is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.