The majority of people who use hearing aids are happy with their results: Based upon one recent survey, when speaking one-on-one, 91% of people who wear hearing aids are happy with their experience. When talking about specific activities, 85% were satisfied in a group environment and watching TV, 78% while shopping, and 75% in a restaurant or on the phone.
These are some dramatically positive numbers for an intricate device such as a hearing aid. But we have to ask, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% feeling? What makes them less happy with their hearing aid?
Let’s explore the good and the bad things people have to say about their hearing aid results. (We can easily fix most of the bad things and that’s the good news!)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will help you love it even more. If you’re not as satisfied with it as you’d like to be, we’ll investigate what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
There’s frequently a reconnection with friends and loved ones for people who have had their ability to hear revived with hearing aids. Their energy levels are increased. They feel like they can better engage and stay active.
They find their days filled with less discouragement over their inability to hear. Because they don’t have to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less exhausted.
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
Contemporary hearing aids are digital. They don’t simply make sounds louder, they have many settings to help you hear best in various places. Because of this, some people may 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 they do take some practice getting used to them.
3. I couldn’t learn how to use my hearing aid by myself
A common confusion 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 may get the misconception that this is as good as it gets and choose not to wear the hearing aid.
Hearing is more complex than you might realize. Hearing aids are developed to address various types and levels of hearing loss by changing the way sound enters the ear.
Our qualified hearing specialists will perform a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly suggested that you practice using your hearing aid by chatting with a friend at first.
Talk with us if you’re still having difficulty after a few weeks. We can very likely make modifications or help you better understand how the hearing aid works in settings where you’re having trouble.
4. Without healthy hearing, you forgot what you were missing out on
Do you remember what a playful whisper sounds like? How about gentle laughter? What about soft music, birds singing, wind chimes, or the wind? 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 individuals who get a hearing aid communicate that it’s a pleasing surprise to suddenly hear these little 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. It took a while to get used to my hearing aids
When you were a toddler and had to put on shoes for the first time, you likely thought that was awkward. Now you may prefer to wear them all the time. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take a bit of time to get accustomed to.
Our bodies are made to feel uncomfortable when something feels out of place, such as a hearing aid going into your outer ear. But pretty soon, the body recognizes there is no threat and welcomes the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I would have purchased my hearing aids sooner
People would never go back to having hearing loss if they were persistent and took the time to become accustomed to them. They usually feel disappointed about waiting so long and they would never give up the advantages of healthy hearing.
Among those now wearing them who struggled initially, say they’re so thankful they persevered. It’s made their life a great deal 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 time will be worth it. It will become automatic 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. Enjoying all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the adjustment.
