Most people are pleased with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid users are satisfied with the hearing aid experience when speaking one-on-one, according to a recent survey. When processing 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 dramatically positive figures for a complex device like a hearing aid. But we have to question, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% feeling? What makes them less happy with their hearing devices?
Individuals who use hearing aids have some good and some bad things to say about them. (The good news, most of the bad things can be easily fixed.)
For people who are happy with their hearing aids, this article will make you even more happy. 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
There’s frequently a reconnection with friends and loved ones for individuals who have had their ability to hear revived with hearing aids. Their energy levels are higher. 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 struggle to hear what people are saying, they feel less fatigued.
For many individuals, a hearing aid allows them to feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. In the beginning, sounds seemed distorted
Hearing aids today are digital. They have many advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than simply making everything louder. That’s why people may be so satisfied in a one-on-one conversation but dissatisfied in a restaurant or on the phone.
It’s not difficult to learn to use a hearing aid. But they do take some practice getting used to them.
3. I couldn’t learn how to use my hearing aid on my own
A typical misunderstanding about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. If it doesn’t sound right when they first get home they might think that this is as good as it gets and decide it’s easier not to wear the hearing aid.
You may not even realize how complex hearing loss can be. Hearing aids are designed to manage various types and levels of hearing loss by transforming how sound enters the ear.
Our qualified hearing specialists will undertake a hearing aid fitting in the office. When you get home, we suggest that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in various settings.
If it still doesn’t sound great after a few weeks, talk to us. We can help you get a better comprehension of how your functions work and we can probably make some fine adjustments for you.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing without full hearing
Can you recall 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 gentle breath of a significant other sitting close beside you or children playing outside.
Hearing these little subtle sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasing according to many individuals who get hearing aids. It means a whole lot to have these sounds restored, it lets them again experience the fullness and grandeur of the world around them.
5. Becoming accustomed to my new hearing aid took some getting accustomed to.
You probably weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a toddler. But now, of course, you’re completely comfortable with them. It might take time to get used to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
When something like a hearing aid is initially placed in your ear canal, your body is made to initially feel uncomfortable. But within a short time, the body realizes there is no threat and accepts the device as an extension of the body.
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 wouldn’t trade all the advantages of hearing, and they frequently regret putting off for so long to invest in a hearing aid.
People now wearing them who had trouble at first, say they’re so glad they stuck with it. Their lives have become a great deal more enriched.
Focus on improved hearing
Be patient and don’t give up, even if you aren’t yet having the ideal experience. The effort and time will be worth it. Soon, wearing the hearing aid will become automatic.
Talk to us today about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can help you adjust your hearing aids in a faster and more effective way. Experiencing all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the patients.