The majority of individuals who use hearing aids are pleased with their experience: As reported by one recent survey, when speaking one-on-one, 91% of people who use hearing aids are pleased with their results. When talking about specific activities, 85% were satisfied in a group setting and watching TV, 78% while shopping, and 75% in a restaurant or on the phone.
These are some wonderfully positive figures for an intricate device like a hearing aid. But that still leaves us questioning, what’s going on with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. Why aren’t they as satisfied with their devices?
People with hearing aids have some good and some bad things to convey about them. (We can easily fix the majority of the bad things and that’s the good news!)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will make you love it even more. If you aren’t as satisfied with it as you’d like to be, we’ll explore what to do about it.
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 increased. They feel like they can better participate and remain active.
They find their days filled with less frustration over their failure to hear. They feel less fatigued because they don’t have to struggle to understand what others are saying.
For many people, a hearing aid helps them feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. In the beginning, sounds seemed distorted
Modern hearing aids are digital. They have lots of advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than simply making everything louder. Because of this, some people may be dissatisfied when they’re in a loud setting like a restaurant or talking on the phone but very 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 couldn’t learn how to use my hearing aid by myself
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as many individuals may think. People may leave the office with the misconception that the sound can’t get any better, which may prompt them not to use them.
Hearing is more complex than you may know. Hearing aids are developed to address various types and degrees of hearing loss by adjusting how sound goes into the ear.
When you’re in the office, we will do a thorough hearing aid fitting. When you get home, we highly recommend that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in various settings.
Consult with us if you’re still having trouble after a few weeks. We can very likely make adjustments or help you better understand how the hearing aid works in settings where you’re having trouble.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing
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 how it makes you feel to hear the delicate breath of a significant other sitting close beside you or children playing outside.
Hearing these little discreet sounds that were forgotten about is unexpectedly pleasant according to many individuals who get hearing aids. Having these sounds restored means the whole brilliance of the world around can once again be experienced by people who get hearing aids.
5. Getting used to my new hearing aid took some getting accustomed to.
You most likely weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a toddler. 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 used to.
When something like a hearing aid is first placed in your ear canal, your body is designed to initially feel discomfort. But within a short time, the body realizes there’s no threat and accepts the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I hadn’t put off so long to get my hearing aid
People who put in the time to get used to their hearing aids wouldn’t go back. They normally feel disappointed about putting off for so long and they would never give up the advantages of healthy hearing.
People now wearing them who had trouble at first, say they’re so thankful they stuck with it. Their lives have become a great deal more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the focus
If you aren’t having the ideal experience with your hearing aid, don’t give up. It’s worth the time and effort. Before long, using the hearing aid will become automatic.
Talk to us today about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can often offer tips on how to adjust to your hearing aids faster. Enjoying all that life has to provide with restored hearing is worth the adjustment.