The majority of people who wear hearing aids are happy with their experience: 91% of hearing aid wearers are pleased with the hearing aid experience when speaking one-on-one, as reported by a recent survey. 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 spectacularly positive numbers for an intricate device like a hearing aid. But we have to ask, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% experiencing? Why aren’t they as happy with their devices?
Individuals with hearing aids have some good and some bad things to say about them. (The good news, most of the bad stuff 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 excited, this article should help you address your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear restored with a hearing aid often feel reconnected with people around them. They have more vitality. They participate and stay more active.
They find their days filled with less discouragement over their failure to hear. They feel less exhausted because they don’t have to work so hard to understand what others are saying.
People are often happiest when they feel connected to other people and their world, and for many wearing a hearing aid makes this possible.
2. In the beginning, sounds seemed distorted
Hearing aids nowadays are digital. They don’t just make sounds louder, they have lots of 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 quite pleased when in a one-on-one conversation.
It’s not hard to learn to use a hearing aid. But getting used to them will take a bit of practice.
3. I needed assistance finding out how to use my hearing aid
A frequent confusion about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. People might leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound can’t get any better, which may prompt them not to use them.
Hearing is more complex than you might recognize. Modern Hearing aids include settings that target many degrees and types of hearing loss.
Our expert hearing specialists will perform a hearing aid fitting in the office. When you get home, we suggest that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in a variety of settings.
Consult with us if you’re still having trouble after a couple of weeks. We can most likely make modifications or help you better understand how the hearing aid works in environments where you’re having trouble.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing
Can you recall what gentle laughter or a soft whisper sounds like? How about the wind, wind chimes, birds singing, or quiet music? Maybe you can’t remember what kids playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the delicate breathing of your significant other.
Hearing these little discreet sounds that were forgotten about is unexpectedly 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 toddler and had to wear shoes for the first time, you most likely thought that was awkward. But now, of course, you’re completely comfortable with them. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take a bit of time to get used to.
When something like a hearing aid is first placed in your ear canal, your body is designed to initially feel uncomfortable. But within a short time, the body recognizes there is 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 who made the effort to get used to their hearing aids would not go back. They normally regret waiting so long and they would never give up the advantages of healthy hearing.
People who were patient and preserved were glad that they did. Their lives have become a great deal more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the focus
If you’re not having the ideal experience with your hearing aid, don’t quit. It’s worth the effort and time. It will become automatic before too long.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, consult us about it. We can help you fine-tune your hearing aids in a faster and more effective way. The patience is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.