The majority of individuals who wear hearing aids are pleased with their experience: As reported by one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of individuals who wear hearing aids are satisfied 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.
These are some spectacularly positive numbers for an intricate device such as a hearing aid. But we have to question, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% feeling? 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, most of the bad stuff can be easily fixed.)
For individuals 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 address your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
There’s often a reconnection with friends and loved ones for individuals who have had their ability to hear restored with hearing aids. They have more vitality. They engage and stay more 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.
For many people, a hearing aid allows them to feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. They may sound distorted initially
Hearing aids today are digital. They have lots of advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than just making everything louder. Because of this, some people might be dissatisfied when they’re in a noisy setting like a restaurant or talking on the phone but really satisfied when in a one-on-one conversation.
It’s not hard to learn to use a hearing aid. But they do take some practice getting used to them.
3. I couldn’t find out how to use my hearing aid by myself
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as some people might think. People may leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound can’t get any better, which could prompt them not to wear them.
Hearing is more complex than you might know. Modern Hearing aids incorporate settings that address many degrees and types of hearing loss.
Our expert hearing specialists will undertake a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly recommended that you practice using your hearing aid by talking with a friend at first.
Talk with us if you’re still having trouble after a couple of weeks. We can probably make modifications or help you better comprehend how the hearing aid works in settings where you’re having difficulty.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing out on
Can you recollect what gentle laughter or a delicate whisper sounds like? How about soft music, singing birds, wind chimes, or the wind? Maybe you can’t recall what kids playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the soft breathing of your significant other.
Many individuals who get a hearing aid communicate that it’s a pleasing surprise to suddenly hear these little things that they had forgotten about. It means so much to have these sounds restored, it allows them to once again experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. It took a while to get used to my hearing aids
When you were a toddler and had to wear shoes for the first time, you likely thought that was uncomfortable. Now you may choose to use them all the time. Similarly, 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 understands that it’s not threatened, it will become accustomed to and comfortable with the new device.
6. I wish I would have purchased my hearing aids sooner
Individuals who put in the time to get used to their hearing aids would never go back. They typically feel disappointed about waiting so long and they would never trade the benefits of being able to hear.
People who had patience and preserved were thankful that they did. It’s made their life a whole lot more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the focus
If you’re not having the best experience with your hearing aid, don’t quit. The effort and time will be worth it. Soon, using the hearing aid will become automatic.
Let us know about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can often offer tips on how to get used to your hearing aids faster. Experiencing all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the patients.