Most individuals are pleased 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 speaking about specific activities, 85% were satisfied in a group environment 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 amazingly positive results. 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?
Individuals with hearing aids have some good and some bad things to say about them. (The good news, the majority of the bad stuff can be easily fixed.)
For people who are pleased with their hearing aids, this article will make you even happier. And for people who are less happy, this article should help you deal with your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear restored with a hearing aid often feel reconnected with those around them. They have more energy. They participate and stay more active.
They find their days filled with less discouragement over their inability to hear. Because they don’t need to struggle to hear what people are saying, they feel less fatigued.
People are often happiest when they feel connected with other people and their world, and for many wearing a hearing aid makes that possible.
2. They might sound distorted initially
Contemporary hearing aids are digital. They have many advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than just making everything louder. Because of this, some individuals might be dissatisfied when they’re in a noisy environment like a restaurant or talking on the phone but really pleased when in a one-on-one conversation.
It isn’t difficult to learn to use a hearing aid. But getting used to them will take a bit of practice.
3. I needed help finding out how to use my hearing aid
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as many individuals might think. If it doesn’t sound great when they first get home they may get the misconception that this is as good as it gets and choose not to wear the hearing aid.
You may not even recognize how complex hearing loss is. Modern Hearing aids have settings that address many levels and types of hearing loss.
Our skilled hearing specialists will complete a hearing aid fitting in the office. When you get home, we recommend that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in various settings.
If it still doesn’t sound right after a couple of weeks, consult us. We can probably make adjustments or help you better comprehend how the hearing aid works in settings where you’re having trouble.
4. Without healthy hearing, you forgot what you were missing
Do you recall what a subtle whisper sounds like? What about gentle laughter? How about soft music, birds singing, wind chimes, or the wind? 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.
Hearing these little subtle sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasant according to many individuals who get hearing aids. Having these sounds restored means the full magnificence 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 most likely weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a baby. But now, of course, you’re totally comfortable with them. It might 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, such as a hearing aid going into your outer ear. Eventually, when the body understands that it’s not threatened, it will become used to and comfortable with the new device.
6. I wish I hadn’t put off so long to get my hearing aid
Individuals would never go back to having hearing loss if they were persistent and took the time to become accustomed to them. They usually regret waiting so long and they would never trade the benefits of healthy hearing.
Individuals who were patient and preserved were happy that they did. It’s made their life a great deal more enriched.
Focus on improved hearing
Be patient and don’t quit, even if you aren’t yet having the best experience. It’s worth the effort and time. It will become automatic 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 effective way. The adjustment is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.