Most people are pleased with their hearing aids: According to one recent survey, when speaking one-on-one, 91% of people who wear hearing aids are satisfied with their experience. When processing results with particular 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 spectacularly positive numbers for a complex device like a hearing aid. But that still leaves us questioning, what’s happening with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. Why aren’t they as satisfied 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 things can be easily fixed.)
For individuals who are happy 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 discover what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear restored with a hearing aid often feel reconnected with individuals around them. They have more vitality. They feel like they can better participate and remain active.
They find their days filled with less frustration over their failure to hear. Because they don’t have to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less exhausted.
People are typically happiest when they feel connected with other people and their world, and for many wearing a hearing aid makes that possible.
2. At first, sounds seemed distorted
Modern hearing aids are digital. They have lots of advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than just making everything louder. Because of this, some people may be dissatisfied when they’re in a noisy environment like a restaurant or talking on the phone but quite satisfied when in a one-on-one conversation.
It’s not difficult to learn to use a hearing aid. But getting used to them will take a little practice.
3. I couldn’t find out how to use my hearing aid on my own
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as many people may think. People might leave the office with the mistake that the sound can’t get any better, which could prompt them not to wear them.
Hearing is more complex than you may recognize. Hearing aids are designed to address numerous types and degrees of hearing loss by changing the way sound enters the ear.
Our experienced hearing specialists will perform a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly recommended that you practice using your hearing aid by chatting with a friend initially.
If it still doesn’t sound good after a few weeks, consult us. We can help you get a better knowledge of how your settings work and we can likely do some fine-tuning for you.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing out on
Can you recollect what gentle laughter or a soft whisper sounds like? How about soft music, singing birds, wind chimes, or the wind? Perhaps you’ve forgotten what it’s like to hear the delicate breath of a significant other sitting close beside you or children playing outside.
Many individuals 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 full brilliance of the world around can once again be experienced by people who get hearing aids.
5. Getting used 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 toddler. 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 designed to feel uncomfortable when something feels 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 invest in my hearing aid
People who took the time to get used to their hearing aids would never go back. They typically regret waiting so long and they would never give up the advantages of healthy hearing.
People who were patient and stuck with it were thankful that they did. It’s made their life so much more enriched.
Pay attention to improved hearing
If you aren’t having the best experience with your hearing aid, don’t quit. The effort and time will be worth it. It will become second nature 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.