Most people are pleased with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid wearers are pleased with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, according to a recent survey. When breaking down results with specific activities, 75% were satisfied in a restaurant or on the phone, 78% were satisfied while in the grocery store, and 85% were satisfied watching TV or in a group.
These are some dramatically positive numbers for an intricate device such as a hearing aid. But we have to question, 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 convey about them. (The good news, most of the bad stuff can be easily fixed.)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will help you love it even more. If you’re not as satisfied with it as wish you were, we’ll discover what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear revived with a hearing aid often feel reconnected with individuals around them. Their energy levels are increased. They feel like they can better participate and remain active.
Their inability to hear isn’t as frustrating anymore. Because they don’t have to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less exhausted.
For many individuals, 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 have lots of advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than just 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.
Hearing aids aren’t complicated to learn to use. But they do take a little practice getting used to them.
3. I needed help finding out how to use my hearing aid
A frequent confusion about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. People might leave the office with the misconception that the sound won’t get any better, which may prompt them not to use them.
You may not even recognize how complex hearing loss is. Hearing aids are designed to manage numerous types and levels of hearing loss by adjusting the way sound goes into the ear.
When you are in the office, we will perform a total hearing aid fitting. It’s strongly recommended that you practice using your hearing aid by chatting with a friend at first.
If it still doesn’t sound great after a couple of weeks, talk to us. We can probably make adjustments or help you better comprehend how the hearing aid works in environments 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? What about the wind, wind chimes, singing birds, or soft music? Maybe you can’t recollect what kids playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the gentle breathing of your significant other.
Many people who get a hearing aid communicate that it’s a nice surprise to suddenly hear these small things that they had forgotten about. Having these sounds restored means the whole magnificence of the world around can once again be experienced by individuals who get hearing aids.
5. Getting used to my new hearing aid took some getting accustomed to.
When you were a tot and had to put on shoes for the first time, you likely thought that was uncomfortable. But now, of course, you’re totally comfortable with them. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take some time to get used to.
When something like a hearing aid is first placed in your ear canal, your body is designed to initially feel uncomfortable. 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 invest in my hearing aid
People 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 give up the advantages of healthy hearing.
People who were patient and stuck with it were glad that they did. Their lives have become a great deal more enriched.
Pay attention to improved hearing
Be patient and don’t give up, even if you’re not yet having the ideal experience. It’s worth the effort and time. It will become automatic before too long.
Talk to us today about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can help you fine-tune your hearing aids in a faster and more effective way. Experiencing all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the patients.