The majority of individuals who use hearing aids are pleased with their results: According to one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of people who wear hearing aids are happy with their results. When breaking down 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.
For an advanced device like a hearing aid, these are some incredibly positive results. But we have to ask, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% experiencing? Why aren’t they as satisfied with their devices?
Let’s explore the good and the bad things individuals have to say about their hearing aid experience. (We can easily fix most of the bad stuff and that’s the good news!)
For people who are pleased with their hearing aids, this article will make you even more happy. And for individuals who are less happy, this article should help you tackle 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 revived with hearing aids. Their energy levels are higher. They engage and stay more active.
They find their days filled with less frustration over their failure to hear. Because they don’t need to struggle to hear what people are saying, they feel less tired.
For many people, a hearing aid helps them feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. Initially, sounds seemed distorted
Modern hearing aids are digital. They don’t just make sounds louder, they have many settings to help you hear better in various places. Because of this, some individuals might be dissatisfied when they’re in a loud setting like a restaurant or talking on the phone but really satisfied when in a one-on-one conversation.
It isn’t difficult to learn to use a hearing aid. But getting used to them will take a bit of practice.
3. I needed help learning how to use my hearing aid
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as many people might think. People may leave the office with the mistake that the sound can’t get any better, which may prompt them not to use them.
Hearing is more complex than you might recognize. Modern Hearing aids have settings that target many levels and types of hearing loss.
When you are in the office, we will do a thorough hearing aid fitting. It’s strongly advised that you practice using your hearing aid by talking with a friend initially.
Talk with us if you’re still having trouble after a few weeks. We can help you have a better understanding of how your functions work and we can likely make some fine adjustments for you.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing without complete hearing
Do you remember what a playful whisper sounds like? How about gentle laughter? How about the wind, wind chimes, singing birds, or quiet music? Perhaps you’ve forgotten what it’s like to hear the soft breath of a significant other sitting close beside you or children playing outside.
Many people who get a hearing aid share that it’s a pleasing surprise to suddenly hear these small things that they had forgotten about. Having these sounds restored means the whole magnificence of the world around can once again be experienced by people 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. But now, of course, you’re totally comfortable with them. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take a little time to get accustomed 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 recognizes that it’s not threatened, it will become used 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 not go back. They typically feel disappointed about putting off for so long and they would never trade the benefits of healthy hearing.
Individuals who were patient and preserved were glad that they did. Their lives have become so much more enriched.
Pay attention to improved hearing
If you’re not having the ideal experience with your hearing aid, don’t quit. The effort and the 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 fine-tune your hearing aids in a faster and more efficient way. Enjoying all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the adjustment.