Most people are pleased with their hearing aids: According to one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of people who use hearing aids are pleased with their experience. When talking about specific activities, 85% were satisfied in a group setting and watching TV, 78% while shopping, and 75% in a restaurant or on the phone.
These are some wonderfully positive figures for a complex device such as a hearing aid. But we have to question, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% feeling? Why aren’t they as happy with their devices?
Let’s discover the good and the bad things people have to say about their hearing aid experience. (The good news, the majority of the bad stuff can be easily fixed.)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will help 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
There’s often a reconnection with friends and loved ones for people who have had their ability to hear restored with hearing aids. Their energy levels are higher. They participate and stay more active.
Their failure to hear isn’t as discouraging anymore. They feel less fatigued because they don’t have to work so hard to understand what people are saying.
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
Hearing aids nowadays are digital. They don’t only make sounds louder, they have many settings to help you hear better in a variety of places. Because of this, some individuals may be dissatisfied when they’re in a noisy setting like a restaurant or talking on the phone but really satisfied 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
A typical misconception about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. If it doesn’t sound good when they first get home they might get the misconception that this is as good as it gets and decide it’s easier not to use the hearing aid.
You might not even recognize how complex hearing loss is. Hearing aids are designed to address numerous types and levels of hearing loss by transforming the way sound enters 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 chatting with a friend at first.
If it still doesn’t sound great after a couple of weeks, talk to us. We can help you get a better understanding of how your settings work and we can most likely do some fine-tuning for you.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing without healthy hearing
Can you recollect what gentle laughter or a delicate whisper sounds like? What about soft music, birds singing, wind chimes, or the wind? Maybe you can’t recall what children playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the soft breathing of your significant other.
Many people who get a hearing aid share that it’s a pleasant surprise to suddenly hear these small things that they had forgotten about. Having these sounds restored means the full brilliance of the world around can once again be experienced by individuals who get hearing aids.
5. It took a while to get used to my hearing aids
When you were a tot and had to wear shoes for the first time, you probably thought that was awkward. Now you might prefer to wear them all the time. Similarly, a new watch or a new hat might take a little time to get accustomed 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 waited so long to get my hearing aid
Individuals who took the time to get used to their hearing aids wouldn’t go back. They typically feel disappointed about waiting so long and they would never give up the benefits of healthy hearing.
Individuals who had patience and stuck with it were glad 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’re not yet having the ideal experience. It’s worth the time and effort. Soon, using the hearing aid will become automatic.
Talk to us today about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can help you adjust your hearing aids in a faster and more effective way. Enjoying all that life has to provide with restored hearing is worth the patients.