Most individuals are pleased with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid wearers are pleased with the hearing aid experience when speaking one-on-one, based on a recent survey. When talking about specific 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 dramatically positive numbers for a complex device like a hearing aid. But we have to ask, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% experiencing? What makes them less happy with their hearing devices?
Let’s examine the good and the bad things individuals have to say about their hearing aid experience. (We can easily fix most of the bad stuff and that’s the good news!)
For people who are pleased with their hearing aids, this article will make you even more happy. If you’re not as satisfied with it as wish you were, we’ll investigate what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear revived with a hearing aid often feel reconnected with individuals around them. Their energy levels are increased. They participate and stay more active.
Their failure to hear isn’t so discouraging anymore. Because they don’t need to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less fatigued.
For many individuals, a hearing aid allows them to feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. In the beginning, sounds seemed distorted
Hearing aids today are digital. They don’t only make sounds louder, they have many settings to help you hear better in a variety of places. That’s why people might be so satisfied in a one-on-one conversation but dissatisfied in a restaurant or on the phone.
It’s not difficult 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
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as some people may think. If it doesn’t sound good when they first get home they may think that this is as good as it gets and choose not to use the hearing aid.
You might not even recognize how complex hearing loss can be. Modern Hearing aids incorporate settings that target many degrees and types of hearing loss.
Our experienced hearing specialists will perform a hearing aid fitting in the office. When you get home, we recommend that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in a variety of settings.
If it still doesn’t sound good after a few weeks, consult us. We can help you get a better comprehension of how your functions work and we can most likely do some fine-tuning for you.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing without healthy hearing
Do you remember what a playful whisper sounds like? What about gentle laughter? What about soft music, birds singing, wind chimes, or the wind? Perhaps you can’t recall what children playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the gentle breathing of your significant other.
Many people who get a hearing aid communicate that it’s a nice surprise to suddenly hear these little things that they had forgotten about. It means a whole lot to have these sounds restored, it lets them again experience the fullness and grandeur of the world around them.
5. Becoming accustomed to my new hearing aid took some getting used to.
You probably weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a baby. Now you may choose to use them all the time. 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 uncomfortable. 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 would have purchased my hearing aids sooner
Individuals would never go back to having hearing loss if they were persistent and took the time to get used to them. They typically feel disappointed about putting off for so long and they would never give up the benefits of being able to hear.
Individuals who were patient and stuck with it were glad that they did. It’s made their life 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 best experience. It’s worth the time and effort. Soon, using the hearing aid will become second nature.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, consult us about it. We can usually offer advice on how to adjust to your hearing aids faster. Experiencing all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the patients.