The majority of people who wear hearing aids are happy with their results: 91% of hearing aid wearers are satisfied with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, according to a recent survey. When talking 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.
For a sophisticated device like a hearing aid, these are some extremely positive results. But we have to ask, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% experiencing? What makes them less happy with their hearing devices?
People with hearing aids have some good and some bad things to say about them. (The good news, most of the bad stuff can be easily fixed.)
For people who are pleased with their hearing aids, this article will make you even more happy. And for people 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 revived with a hearing aid often feel reconnected with people around them. They have more vitality. They feel like they can better engage and remain active.
They find their days filled with less discouragement over their failure to hear. Because they don’t need to struggle to hear what people are saying, they feel less exhausted.
People are typically happiest when they feel connected to others 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 have lots of advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than simply making everything louder. That’s why people might be so satisfied in a one-on-one conversation but dissatisfied in a restaurant or on the phone.
It’s not hard to learn to use a hearing aid. But getting used to them will take a little practice.
3. I couldn’t find out how to use my hearing aid on my own
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as many individuals might think. People might leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound can’t get any better, which may prompt them not to wear them.
You might not even understand how complex hearing loss can be. Modern Hearing aids include settings that target many degrees and types of hearing loss.
When you’re in the office, we will perform a total hearing aid fitting. It’s strongly advised that you practice using your hearing aid by chatting with a friend initially.
Consult with us if you’re still having difficulty after a couple of weeks. We can likely make adjustments or help you better comprehend how the hearing aid works in environments where you’re having difficulty.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing without full hearing
Do you recall what a subtle whisper sounds like? What about gentle laughter? How about soft music, singing birds, wind chimes, or the wind? Maybe you’ve forgotten what it’s like to hear the soft breath of a significant other sitting near you or children playing outside.
Hearing these little discreet sounds that were forgotten about is unexpectedly pleasing 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. Becoming accustomed to my new hearing aid took some getting accustomed to.
You likely weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a toddler. Now you might prefer to wear them all the time. It may 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 placed in your ear canal, your body is designed 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 hadn’t put off so long to get my hearing aid
Individuals who took the time to get used to their hearing aids would never go back. They usually feel disappointed about putting off for so long and they would never give up the advantages of healthy hearing.
People who had patience and preserved were thankful that they did. Their lives have become so much more enriched.
Pay attention to improved hearing
If you aren’t having the ideal experience with your hearing aid, don’t quit. The effort and time will be worth it. Soon, wearing the hearing aid will become automatic.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk to us about it. We can often give you advice on how to get used to your hearing aids faster. The adjustment is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.