Most people are happy with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid wearers are pleased with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, as reported by a recent survey. When processing results with specific 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 figures 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 happy 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 people who are pleased 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
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 discouragement over their failure to hear. Because they don’t have to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less tired.
People are often happiest when they feel connected to others and their world, and for many wearing a hearing aid makes that possible.
2. At first, sounds seemed distorted
Hearing aids today are digital. They have lots of advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than simply making everything louder. Because of this, some individuals may be dissatisfied when they’re in a loud environment like a restaurant or talking on the phone but really pleased when in a one-on-one conversation.
Hearing aids aren’t hard to learn to use. But getting used to them will take some practice.
3. I needed help learning how to use my hearing aid
A common misunderstanding about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. People might leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound won’t get any better, which may prompt them not to use them.
Hearing is more complex than you may know. Modern Hearing aids have settings that target many degrees and types of hearing loss.
Our expert hearing specialists will complete a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly suggested that you practice using your hearing aid by talking with a friend initially.
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 difficulty.
4. Without healthy hearing, you forgot what you were missing
Do you remember what a subtle whisper sounds like? How about gentle laughter? What about soft music, singing birds, wind chimes, or the wind? Perhaps you can’t recall what children playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the soft breathing of your significant other.
Hearing these little discreet sounds that were forgotten about is unexpectedly pleasant according to many people who get hearing aids. 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 accustomed to my hearing aids
You likely weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a baby. Now you may like to use them all the time. It might take time to become accustomed to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
Our bodies are made to feel discomfort when something seems out of place, like a hearing aid going into your outer ear. 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 invested in my hearing aids sooner
People would never go back to having hearing loss if they were patient and took the time to become accustomed to them. They typically feel disappointed about waiting so long and they would never give up the benefits of healthy hearing.
People who had patience 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 aren’t yet having the best experience. It’s worth the effort and time. It will become second nature before too long.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk to us about it. We can help you fine-tune your hearing aids in a faster and more effective way. Experiencing all that life has to provide with restored hearing is worth the adjustment.