Most people are pleased with their hearing aids: As reported by one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of individuals who use hearing aids are happy with their results. When analyzing results with specific activities, 75% were satisfied in a restaurant or on the phone, 78% were satisfied while in the supermarket, and 85% were satisfied watching TV or in a group.
These are some dramatically positive figures for an intricate device like a hearing aid. But we have to question, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% feeling? What makes them less happy with their hearing aid?
People with hearing aids have some good and some bad things to say about them. (We can easily fix most of the bad things and that’s the good news!)
For people who are happy with their hearing aids, this article will make you even more happy. And for individuals who are less happy, this article should help you tackle your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
There’s often a reconnection with friends and loved ones for people who have had their ability to hear restored with hearing aids. They have more energy. They engage and stay more active.
They find their days filled with less frustration over their inability 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 other people and their world, and for many wearing a hearing aid makes that possible.
2. They might sound distorted initially
Hearing aids today are digital. They have lots of advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than just making everything louder. Because of this, some individuals may 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’s not hard to learn to use a hearing aid. But they do take some practice getting used to them.
3. I needed help learning how to use my hearing aid
A common confusion about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. People might leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound can’t get any better, which could prompt them not to wear them.
Hearing is more complex than you may know. Modern Hearing aids have settings that address many degrees and types of hearing loss.
When you’re in the office, we will do a complete hearing aid fitting. It’s strongly recommended that you practice using your hearing aid by chatting with a friend initially.
If it still doesn’t sound good after a couple of weeks, consult us. We can probably make modifications or help you better comprehend how the hearing aid works in environments where you’re having difficulty.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing
Can you recall what gentle laughter or a soft whisper sounds like? What about the wind, wind chimes, birds singing, or quiet music? Perhaps you’ve forgotten what it’s like to hear the delicate breath of a significant other sitting close beside you or children playing outside.
Many individuals who get a hearing aid communicate that it’s a nice surprise to suddenly hear these little things that they had forgotten about. Having these sounds restored means the full magnificence of the world around can once again be experienced by individuals who get hearing aids.
5. It took some time to get accustomed to my hearing aids
You most likely weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a toddler. Now you may prefer to use them all the time. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take a little time to get used to.
Our bodies are designed to feel uncomfortable when something seems out of place, such as a hearing aid going into your outer ear. But pretty soon, the body realizes there’s no threat and welcomes the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I hadn’t put off so long to get my hearing aid
People would never go back to having hearing loss if they were patient and took the time to get used to them. They wouldn’t give up all the benefits of hearing, and they often regret waiting so long to invest in a hearing aid.
People who had patience and stuck with it were thankful that they did. It’s made their life a great deal more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the drive
Be patient and don’t give up, even if you’re not yet having the best experience. It’s worth the time and effort. It will become second nature before too long.
Let us know about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can help you adjust your hearing aids in a faster and more efficient way. Enjoying all that life has to provide with restored hearing is worth the patients.