The majority of people who wear hearing aids are satisfied with their experience: 91% of hearing aid users are pleased with the hearing aid experience when speaking one-on-one, as reported by a recent survey. When breaking down results with specific 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.
These are some dramatically positive numbers for a complex device such as a hearing aid. But we have to question, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% experiencing? Why aren’t they as happy with their devices?
People who use hearing aids have some good and some bad things to say about them. (We can easily fix most of the bad things and that’s the good news!)
For people who are happy with their hearing aids, this article will make you even happier. If you aren’t as happy 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 engage and remain active.
They find their days filled with less frustration over their inability to hear. They feel less fatigued because they don’t have to work so hard to understand what people are saying.
People are often happiest when they feel connected with others and their world, and for many wearing a hearing aid makes that possible.
2. They might sound distorted initially
Contemporary hearing aids are digital. They have many advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than simply making everything louder. That’s why people might be so satisfied in a one-on-one conversation but dissatisfied in a restaurant or on the phone.
Hearing aids aren’t hard 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 on my own
A frequent misunderstanding about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. People might 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 realize. Modern Hearing aids incorporate settings that address many degrees and types of hearing loss.
When you’re in the office, we will do a total hearing aid fitting. It’s strongly recommended 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 help you get a better comprehension of how your settings work and we can probably make some fine adjustments for you.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing without complete hearing
Can you recollect 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 near you or youngsters playing outside.
Hearing these little discreet sounds that were forgotten about is unexpectedly pleasant according to many individuals who get hearing aids. It means a whole lot to have these sounds restored, it allows them to once again experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. It took some time 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 might prefer to use them all the time. Similarly, a new watch or a new hat might take some time to get used to.
Our bodies are designed to feel uncomfortable when something feels out of place, such as a hearing aid going into your outer ear. Eventually, when the body understands that it’s not threatened, it will become used to and comfortable with the new device.
6. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to purchase my hearing aid
People who put in the time to get used to their hearing aids would never go back. They wouldn’t give up all the benefits of hearing, and they often regret putting off for so long to get a hearing aid.
Individuals who were patient and stuck with it were glad that they did. Their lives have become a great deal more enriched.
Focus on improved hearing
Be patient and don’t quit, even if you aren’t yet having the ideal experience. The effort and the time will be worth it. Soon, using the hearing aid will become automatic.
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 efficient way. Enjoying all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the patients.