Most people are happy with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid users are happy with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, as reported by a recent survey. 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.
For an advanced device like a hearing aid, these are some extremely positive results. But that still leaves us wondering, what’s going on with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. Why aren’t they as happy with their devices?
Individuals with 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 individuals who are happy with their hearing aids, this article will make you even happier. And for individuals who are less excited, this article should help you deal with your concerns.
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 failure to hear. Because they don’t need to struggle to hear what people are saying, they feel less tired.
For many people, a hearing aid helps them feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. They might sound distorted initially
Hearing aids today are digital. They don’t simply make sounds louder, they have many settings to help you hear best in a variety of 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 pleased when in a one-on-one conversation.
Hearing aids aren’t difficult to learn to use. But getting used to them will take a bit of practice.
3. I needed assistance learning how to use my hearing aid
A frequent confusion about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. People may leave the office with the misconception that the sound can’t get any better, which may prompt them not to wear them.
You might not even understand how complex hearing loss can be. Modern Hearing aids have settings that address many degrees and types of hearing loss.
Our qualified hearing specialists will undertake 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 difficulty after a few weeks. We can help you get a better understanding of how your functions work and we can likely do some fine-tuning for you.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing out on without healthy hearing
Can you recall what gentle laughter or a soft whisper sounds like? How about soft music, birds singing, wind chimes, or the wind? Perhaps you can’t recollect what kids playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the soft breathing of your significant other.
Hearing these little subtle sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasant according to many individuals who get hearing aids. It means a whole lot to have these sounds restored, it allows them to again experience the fullness and grandeur of the world around them.
5. It took a while to get accustomed to my hearing aids
You probably weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a baby. But now, of course, you’re totally comfortable with them. It might take time to become accustomed to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
When something like a hearing aid is first put in your ear canal, your body is made to initially feel uncomfortable. But pretty soon, the body realizes there’s no threat and welcomes 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 patient and took the time to become accustomed to them. They usually feel disappointed about putting off for so long and they would never give up the benefits of healthy hearing.
Individuals who were patient and preserved were happy that they did. It’s made their life a great deal more enriched.
Pay attention to improved hearing
Be patient and don’t give up, even if you’re not yet having the ideal experience. It’s worth the effort and time. It will become automatic before too long.
Talk to us today about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can usually give you tips on how to get used to your hearing aids faster. The patience is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.