The majority of individuals who wear hearing aids are happy with their experience: According to one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of people who use hearing aids are pleased with their results. When speaking about particular 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 an intricate device like a hearing aid. But that still leaves us questioning, what’s going on with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. What makes them less satisfied with their hearing aid?
Let’s explore the good and the bad things people have to say about their hearing aid experience. (The good news, most of the bad things can be easily fixed.)
For individuals who are happy with their hearing aids, this article will make you even more happy. And for people who are less thrilled, this article should help you address your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
There’s often a reconnection with friends and loved ones for individuals who have had their ability to hear restored with hearing aids. They have more energy. They engage and stay more active.
Their inability to hear isn’t so frustrating anymore. Because they don’t need to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less fatigued.
For many people, a hearing aid allows them to feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. They might sound distorted initially
Modern hearing aids are digital. They have lots of advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than just making everything louder. 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 difficult to learn to use. But getting used to them will take a little practice.
3. I needed help learning how to use my hearing aid
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as some individuals may think. People may leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound can’t get any better, which may prompt them not to wear them.
Hearing is more complex than you might recognize. Hearing aids are designed to manage various types and levels of hearing loss by transforming how sound enters the ear.
Our qualified hearing specialists will complete a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly suggested 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 help you have a better knowledge of how your functions work and we can likely do some fine-tuning for you.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing without complete hearing
Do you remember what a subtle whisper sounds like? What about gentle laughter? How about the wind, wind chimes, birds singing, or quiet music? Maybe you can’t recall what children playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the delicate breathing of your significant other.
Hearing these little subtle sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasing according to many individuals who get hearing aids. It means a great deal to have these sounds restored, it allows them to once again experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. Getting used to my new hearing aid took some getting accustomed to.
You most likely weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a toddler. But now, of course, you’re totally comfortable with them. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take some time to get used to.
Our bodies are designed to feel uncomfortable when something feels out of place, like a hearing aid going into your outer ear. But within a short time, 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 made the effort to get used to their hearing aids wouldn’t go back. They wouldn’t give up all the advantages of hearing, and they often regret waiting so long to invest in a hearing aid.
People now wearing them who struggled initially, say they’re so thankful they persevered. Their lives have become a great deal more enriched.
Pay attention to improved hearing
If you’re not having the best experience with your hearing aid, don’t quit. It’s worth the time and effort. It will become second nature before too long.
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 efficient way. Enjoying all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the adjustment.