Most individuals are happy with their hearing aids: Based upon one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of people who use hearing aids are pleased with their experience. 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.
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? Why aren’t they as satisfied with their devices?
Individuals who use hearing aids have some good and some bad things to convey 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 happier. And for individuals who are less happy, this article should help you deal with 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 revived with hearing aids. Their energy levels are increased. They participate and stay more active.
They find their days filled with less frustration over their inability to hear. Because they don’t need to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less exhausted.
For many people, a hearing aid helps them feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. They might sound distorted initially
Hearing aids nowadays are digital. They don’t just make sounds louder, they have lots of settings to help you hear best in various places. Because of this, some people may be dissatisfied when they’re in a noisy setting like a restaurant or talking on the phone but quite 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 little practice.
3. I needed help learning how to use my hearing aid
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as many people may presume. People may leave the office with the misconception that the sound won’t get any better, which may prompt them not to use them.
You might not even understand how complex hearing loss is. Hearing aids are designed to address numerous types and levels of hearing loss by transforming how sound goes into the ear.
Our skilled hearing specialists will undertake a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly advised that you practice using your hearing aid by talking with a friend at first.
Consult with us if you’re still having difficulty after a few weeks. We can likely make modifications 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 out on without full hearing
Can you recall what gentle laughter or a delicate whisper sounds like? What about the wind, wind chimes, birds singing, or soft music? Perhaps you’ve forgotten how it makes you feel to hear the soft breath of a significant other sitting near you or children playing outside.
Many people who get a hearing aid share that it’s a nice surprise to suddenly hear these small things that they had forgotten about. Having these sounds restored means the full brilliance of the world around can once again be experienced by individuals who get hearing aids.
5. It took some time to get used to my hearing aids
When you were a tot and had to wear shoes for the first time, you likely thought that was uncomfortable. Now you may like 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.
Our bodies are designed to feel uncomfortable when something feels out of place, such as a hearing aid going into your outer ear. But pretty soon, the body realizes there’s no threat and accepts the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I would have invested in my hearing aids sooner
People who put in the time to get used to their hearing aids wouldn’t go back. They typically regret putting off for so long and they would never give up the advantages of being able to hear.
Among those now wearing them who struggled initially, say they’re so happy they stuck with it. Their lives have become so much more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the drive
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. Before long, using the hearing aid will become automatic.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk to us about it. We can help you adjust your hearing aids in a faster and more efficient way. The patience is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.