Most individuals are pleased with their hearing aids: According to one recent survey, when speaking one-on-one, 91% of people who use hearing aids are satisfied 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 supermarket, and 85% were satisfied watching TV or in a group.
These are some spectacularly positive figures for an intricate device like a hearing aid. But that still leaves us wondering, what’s happening with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. What makes them less happy with their hearing aid?
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 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 explore what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear restored with a hearing aid frequently feel reconnected with people around them. Their energy levels are higher. They participate 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 people are saying.
People are often happiest when they feel connected to others and their world, and for many using a hearing aid makes that possible.
2. Initially, 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.
Hearing aids aren’t difficult to learn to use. But they do take a little practice getting used to them.
3. I couldn’t find out how to use my hearing aid by myself
A typical confusion about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. People may leave the office with the mistake 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 have settings that address many levels and types of hearing loss.
Our experienced hearing specialists will complete a hearing aid fitting in the office. When you get home, we highly recommend that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in a variety of settings.
Talk with us if you’re still having trouble after a few weeks. We can likely make adjustments 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
Can you recollect what gentle laughter or a delicate whisper sounds like? How about the wind, wind chimes, birds singing, or quiet music? Maybe you’ve forgotten what it’s like to hear the delicate breath of a significant other sitting close beside you or youngsters playing outside.
Many individuals who get a hearing aid communicate that it’s a pleasant 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 some time to get accustomed to my hearing aids
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 completely comfortable with them. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take some time to get accustomed to.
Our bodies are made to feel uncomfortable when something seems out of place, such as a hearing aid going into your outer ear. But pretty soon, the body recognizes there’s no threat and accepts the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I would have invested in my hearing aids sooner
Individuals would never go back to having hearing loss if they were persistent and took the time to become accustomed to them. They wouldn’t give up all the advantages of hearing, and they often regret putting off for so long to get a hearing aid.
Of those now wearing them who had trouble at first, say they’re so thankful they persevered. Their lives have become a great deal more enriched.
Pay attention to improved hearing
If you aren’t having the best experience with your hearing aid, don’t quit. The effort and time will be worth it. 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. Enjoying all that life has to provide with restored hearing is worth the adjustment.
