The majority of people who use hearing aids are satisfied with their experience: 91% of hearing aid users are happy with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, as reported by a recent survey. When processing 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.
For a sophisticated 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? What makes them less satisfied with their hearing devices?
Individuals with hearing aids have some good and some bad things to convey about them. (We can easily fix the majority of the bad stuff and that’s the good news!)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will make you love it even more. 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 feel like they can better participate and remain active.
They find their days filled with less frustration over their inability to hear. Because they don’t have to struggle to hear what people are saying, they feel less fatigued.
People are typically happiest when they feel connected to others and their world, and for many wearing a hearing aid makes this possible.
2. They may sound distorted initially
Modern hearing aids are digital. They don’t only make sounds louder, they have lots of settings to help you hear best in a variety of places. 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 getting used to them will take a little practice.
3. I needed help finding out how to use my hearing aid
A common 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 won’t get any better, which could prompt them not to wear them.
You may not even realize how complex hearing loss is. Hearing aids are designed to address various types and degrees of hearing loss by transforming the way sound enters the ear.
When you are in the office, we will perform a thorough hearing aid fitting. It’s strongly suggested that you practice using your hearing aid by chatting with a friend initially.
Talk with us if you’re still having trouble after a couple of weeks. We can help you have a better comprehension of how your settings work and we can probably make some fine adjustments for you.
4. Without healthy hearing, you forgot what you were missing
Do you remember what a playful whisper sounds like? What about gentle laughter? What about soft music, birds singing, wind chimes, or the wind? Maybe you can’t recollect what children playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the delicate breathing of your significant other.
Many individuals who get a hearing aid communicate that it’s a nice surprise to suddenly hear these small things that they had forgotten about. It means so much to have these sounds restored, it lets them again experience the fullness and grandeur of the world around them.
5. It took some time to get used to my hearing aids
You likely weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a toddler. But now, of course, you’re completely comfortable with them. It might take time to get used to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
Our bodies are designed to feel discomfort when something seems out of place, like a hearing aid going into your outer ear. Eventually, when the body understands that it’s not threatened, it will become accustomed to and comfortable with the new device.
6. I wish I would have purchased my hearing aids sooner
People who put in the time to get used to their hearing aids wouldn’t go back. They typically feel disappointed about putting off for so long and they would never trade the benefits of being able to hear.
Among those now wearing them who had trouble at first, say they’re so glad they stuck with it. It’s made their life a great deal more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the drive
If you aren’t having the ideal experience with your hearing aid, don’t quit. The effort and the 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 efficient way. Experiencing all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the patients.