The majority of individuals who use hearing aids are satisfied with their experience: Based upon one recent survey, when speaking one-on-one, 91% of individuals who wear hearing aids are satisfied with their results. When breaking down results with particular 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 wonderfully positive figures for a complex device like a hearing aid. But we have to ask, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% experiencing? Why aren’t they as happy with their devices?
Let’s discover 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.)
For individuals who are pleased with their hearing aids, this article will make you even happier. If you aren’t 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. Their energy levels are increased. They participate and stay more active.
Their inability to hear isn’t so discouraging anymore. Because they don’t have to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less tired.
People are often happiest when they feel connected to others and their world, and for many wearing a hearing aid makes this possible.
2. At first, sounds seemed distorted
Hearing aids today are digital. They don’t only make sounds louder, they have many settings to help you hear best in various places. That’s why people may be so satisfied in a one-on-one conversation but dissatisfied in a restaurant or on the phone.
It’s not difficult to learn to use a hearing aid. But they do take a little practice getting used to them.
3. I needed help learning how to use my hearing aid
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as some individuals might presume. People might leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound can’t get any better, which may prompt them not to use them.
Hearing is more complex than you might recognize. Modern Hearing aids have settings that address many levels and types of hearing loss.
Our expert hearing specialists will perform a hearing aid fitting in the office. When you get home, we suggest that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in various settings.
Consult with us if you’re still having difficulty after a few weeks. We can help you have a better comprehension of how your functions work and we can likely do some fine-tuning for you.
4. Without healthy 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, singing birds, or quiet music? Maybe you’ve forgotten what it’s like to hear the gentle breath of a significant other sitting close beside you or children playing outside.
Many individuals who get a hearing aid share that it’s a pleasing surprise to suddenly hear these small things that they had forgotten about. It means a great deal to have these sounds restored, it lets them again experience the fullness and grandeur of the world around them.
5. Becoming accustomed to my new hearing aid took some getting used to.
You probably weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a baby. But now, of course, you’re completely comfortable with them. Similarly, a new watch or a new hat might take a bit of time to get accustomed to.
Our bodies are designed to feel uncomfortable when something feels 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 used to and comfortable with the new device.
6. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to get my hearing aid
Individuals who put in the time to get used to their hearing aids would never go back. They normally feel disappointed about waiting so long and they would never give up the advantages of being able to hear.
Individuals who had patience and stuck with it were thankful that they did. Their lives have become so much more enriched.
Pay attention to improved hearing
Be patient and don’t give up, even if you’re not yet having the ideal experience. The effort and the time will be worth it. Soon, wearing the hearing aid will become second nature.
Talk to us today about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. 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.