The majority of people who wear hearing aids are satisfied with their experience: As reported by one recent survey, when speaking one-on-one, 91% of individuals who use hearing aids are satisfied with their experience. 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.
These are some dramatically positive numbers for a complex device like a hearing aid. But that still leaves us questioning, what’s going on with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. 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, the majority of the bad things can be easily fixed.)
For individuals who are pleased with their hearing aids, this article will make you even happier. And for individuals who are less excited, this article should help you tackle your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
There’s frequently a reconnection with friends and loved ones for people who have had their ability to hear revived with hearing aids. Their energy levels are higher. They feel like they can better engage and stay active.
Their failure to hear isn’t as frustrating anymore. They feel less fatigued because they don’t have to struggle to understand what other people are saying.
People are often happiest when they feel connected to others and their world, and for many wearing a hearing aid makes this possible.
2. Initially, sounds seemed distorted
Hearing aids today are digital. They don’t just make sounds louder, they have lots of settings to help you hear best in a variety of places. That’s why people may 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 some practice getting used to them.
3. I needed help finding out how to use my hearing aid
A common misunderstanding about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. If it doesn’t sound good when they leave the office they might think that this is as good as it gets and choose not to use the hearing aid.
You might not even understand how complex hearing loss is. Hearing aids are designed to manage numerous types and degrees of hearing loss by adjusting how sound enters the ear.
Our experienced hearing specialists will undertake a hearing aid fitting in the office. When you get home, we recommend that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in a variety of settings.
Consult with us if you’re still having trouble after a couple of weeks. We can probably make adjustments or help you better understand how the hearing aid works in environments where you’re having difficulty.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing without complete hearing
Do you remember what a playful whisper sounds like? What about gentle laughter? How about the wind, wind chimes, birds singing, or quiet music? Maybe you can’t remember 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 brilliance 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 used to.
You most likely weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a baby. Now you might like to use them all the time. Similarly, a new watch or a new hat might take a little time to get used to.
Our bodies are made to feel uncomfortable when something seems out of place, like a hearing aid going into your outer ear. Eventually, when the body knows that it’s not threatened, it will become accustomed to and comfortable with the new device.
6. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to purchase my hearing aid
People who took the time to get used to their hearing aids would never go back. They usually regret 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 glad that they did. Their lives have become so much more enriched.
Pay attention to improved hearing
If you aren’t having the ideal experience with your hearing aid, don’t give up. The effort and time will be worth it. Soon, using the hearing aid will become second nature.
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. Experiencing all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the patients.