Most individuals are happy with their hearing aids: Based upon one recent survey, when speaking one-on-one, 91% of people who wear hearing aids are satisfied with their experience. When processing results with particular 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.
For an advanced device like a hearing aid, these are some incredibly positive results. But that still leaves us questioning, what’s happening with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. 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 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. And for people 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 revived with a hearing aid often feel reconnected with those around them. They have more energy. They participate and stay more active.
They find their days filled with less frustration over their inability to hear. Because they don’t need to struggle to hear what people are saying, they feel less exhausted.
For many people, 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 simply make sounds louder, they have many settings to help you hear better in various places. Because of this, some people might be dissatisfied when they’re in a loud environment like a restaurant or talking on the phone but really satisfied when in a one-on-one conversation.
It’s not hard to learn to use a hearing aid. But they do take some practice getting used to them.
3. I couldn’t find out how to use my hearing aid by myself
A common misunderstanding about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. People may leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound can’t get any better, which could prompt them not to wear them.
Hearing is more complex than you might realize. Hearing aids are developed to manage various types and levels of hearing loss by changing the way sound goes into the ear.
When you’re in the office, we will perform a complete hearing aid fitting. It’s strongly suggested that you practice using your hearing aid by talking with a friend initially.
Consult with us if you’re still having difficulty after a few weeks. We can help you get a better understanding of how your settings work and we can probably make some fine adjustments for you.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing out on
Can you recollect what gentle laughter or a soft whisper sounds like? What about the wind, wind chimes, birds singing, or quiet music? Maybe you can’t recall 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 pleasant according to many individuals who get hearing aids. Having these sounds restored means the full magnificence 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.
When you were a tot and had to put on shoes for the first time, you likely thought that was uncomfortable. But now, of course, you’re completely comfortable with them. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take a little time to get accustomed to.
When something like a hearing aid is initially put in your ear canal, your body is designed to initially feel discomfort. 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 hadn’t waited so long to purchase my hearing aid
Individuals who put in the time to get used to their hearing aids would not go back. They normally regret putting off for so long and they would never trade the advantages of healthy hearing.
Individuals who were patient and preserved were glad that they did. It’s made their life so much more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the focus
Be patient and don’t quit, even if you’re not yet having the best experience. The effort and time will be worth it. Soon, using the hearing aid will become automatic.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, consult us about it. We can often offer advice on how to adjust to your hearing aids faster. The patience is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.