Most individuals are happy with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid users are satisfied with the hearing aid experience when speaking one-on-one, according to a recent survey. When speaking about particular activities, 85% were satisfied in a group environment and watching TV, 78% while in the store, and 75% in a restaurant or on the phone.
These are some spectacularly positive numbers for an intricate device like a hearing aid. But we have to question, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% feeling? 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 things can be easily fixed.)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will make you love it even more. And for individuals who are less happy, this article should help you tackle your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear restored with a hearing aid often feel reconnected with those around them. Their energy levels are higher. They feel like they can better participate and remain active.
Their failure to hear isn’t so frustrating anymore. They feel less exhausted because they don’t have to work so hard to understand what people are saying.
For many individuals, a hearing aid allows them to feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. They may sound distorted initially
Contemporary hearing aids are digital. They don’t only make sounds louder, they have many settings to help you hear better in various places. Because of this, some individuals might be dissatisfied when they’re in a loud environment like a restaurant or talking on the phone but quite pleased when in a one-on-one conversation.
It isn’t hard to learn to use a hearing aid. But they do take a little practice getting used to them.
3. I needed assistance learning how to use my hearing aid
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as some people may think. If it doesn’t sound good when they leave the office they might get the misconception that this is as good as it gets and choose not to use the hearing aid.
Hearing is more complex than you might recognize. Modern Hearing aids incorporate settings that target many levels and types of hearing loss.
Our experienced hearing specialists will undertake a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly recommended that you practice using your hearing aid by chatting with a friend initially.
Consult with us if you’re still having difficulty 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 healthy hearing, you forgot what you were missing
Do you remember what a subtle whisper sounds like? How about gentle laughter? What about the wind, wind chimes, birds singing, or soft music? Maybe you can’t remember what kids playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the soft breathing of your significant other.
Hearing these little discreet sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasing according to many individuals who get hearing aids. It means so much to have these sounds restored, it allows them to again experience the fullness and grandeur of the world around them.
5. Getting used to my new hearing aid took some getting used to.
When you were a tot and had to wear shoes for the first time, you most likely thought that was uncomfortable. Now you might like to use them all the time. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take a bit of time to get accustomed to.
When something like a hearing aid is first put in your ear canal, your body is made to initially feel discomfort. But pretty soon, the body recognizes there’s no threat and welcomes the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to invest in my hearing aid
People would never go back to having hearing loss if they were persistent and took the time to become accustomed to them. They typically regret waiting so long and they would never give up the advantages of healthy hearing.
Individuals who were patient and stuck with it were happy that they did. 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. The effort and time will be worth it. Soon, wearing the hearing aid will become second nature.
Let us know about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can often give you tips on how to get used to your hearing aids faster. The adjustment is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.
