Most people are happy with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid users are pleased with the hearing aid experience when speaking one-on-one, based on 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 an advanced device like a hearing aid, these are some incredibly positive results. But we have to ask, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% feeling? Why aren’t they as satisfied with their devices?
People who use hearing aids have some good and some bad things to convey about them. (The good news, the majority of the bad stuff can be easily fixed.)
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 you’d like to be, 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 restored with hearing aids. Their energy levels are increased. They feel like they can better engage and remain active.
Their inability to hear isn’t as frustrating anymore. They feel less exhausted because they don’t have to work so hard to understand what people are saying.
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 nowadays are digital. They have lots of advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than just making everything louder. Because of this, some individuals might be dissatisfied when they’re in a noisy environment like a restaurant or talking on the phone but very satisfied when in a one-on-one conversation.
Hearing aids aren’t complicated 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 by myself
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as some individuals might presume. If it doesn’t sound good when they first get home they may get the misconception that this is as good as it gets and choose not to wear the hearing aid.
Hearing is more complex than you may recognize. Modern Hearing aids incorporate settings that address many levels 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 initially.
If it still doesn’t sound great after a couple of weeks, talk to us. We can very likely make modifications or help you better understand how the hearing aid works in settings where you’re having difficulty.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing
Can you recollect what gentle laughter or a delicate whisper sounds like? How about the wind, wind chimes, birds singing, or quiet music? Maybe you can’t recall what children playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the gentle breathing of your significant other.
Hearing these little subtle sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasing according to many individuals who get hearing aids. It means a great deal to have these sounds restored, it lets them once more experience the fullness and magnificence 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 totally comfortable with them. Similarly, a new watch or a new hat might take a bit of time to get used to.
Our bodies are designed to feel uncomfortable when something feels out of place, like a hearing aid going into your outer ear. Eventually, when the body knows that it’s not threatened, it will become used to and comfortable with the new device.
6. I wish I hadn’t put off so long to purchase my hearing aid
Individuals who made the effort to get used to their hearing aids would never go back. They usually feel disappointed about putting off for so long and they would never trade the advantages of healthy hearing.
People who were patient and preserved were thankful that they did. Their lives have become so much more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the drive
Be patient and don’t give up, even if you aren’t yet having the ideal experience. The effort and time will be worth it. Soon, wearing the hearing aid will become automatic.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk to us about it. We can usually offer tips 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.
