Most individuals are happy with their hearing aids: According to one recent survey, when speaking one-on-one, 91% of people who wear hearing aids are pleased with their results. When breaking down results with specific 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.
These are some spectacularly positive numbers for an intricate device like a hearing aid. But we have to question, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% experiencing? Why aren’t they as satisfied with their devices?
People with hearing aids have some good and some bad things to say about them. (We can easily fix the majority of the bad things and that’s the good news!)
For people who are happy with their hearing aids, this article will make you even more happy. And for people who are less thrilled, this article should help you deal with your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
There’s frequently a reconnection with friends and loved ones for people who have had their ability to hear restored with hearing aids. They have more vitality. They feel like they can better engage and stay active.
Their inability to hear isn’t as discouraging anymore. They feel less fatigued because they don’t have to work so hard to understand what others 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. At first, sounds seemed distorted
Hearing aids today are digital. They don’t only make sounds louder, they have lots of settings to help you hear best in various places. That’s why people may be so satisfied in a one-on-one conversation but dissatisfied in a restaurant or on the phone.
It isn’t hard to learn to use a hearing aid. But they do take a little practice getting used to them.
3. I couldn’t find out how to use my hearing aid on my own
A frequent confusion about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. People may leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound won’t get any better, which may prompt them not to wear them.
Hearing is more complex than you may know. Hearing aids are designed to manage numerous types and degrees of hearing loss by adjusting the way sound goes into the ear.
When you’re in the office, we will do a thorough hearing aid fitting. It’s strongly advised that you practice using your hearing aid by talking with a friend at first.
Talk with us if you’re still having difficulty after a few weeks. We can most likely make adjustments or help you better comprehend how the hearing aid works in environments where you’re having difficulty.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing
Do you recall what a playful whisper sounds like? How about gentle laughter? What about the wind, wind chimes, birds singing, or soft music? Maybe you can’t remember what kids playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the soft breathing of your significant other.
Many individuals who get a hearing aid communicate that it’s a pleasing surprise to suddenly hear these small things that they had forgotten about. It means so much to have these sounds restored, it lets them once again experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. It took some time to get accustomed to my hearing aids
You most likely weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a toddler. But now, of course, you’re completely comfortable with them. It might take time to get used to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
When something like a hearing aid is initially placed in your ear canal, your body is made 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 hadn’t put off so long to invest in my hearing aid
People who put in the time to get used to their hearing aids would not go back. They typically feel disappointed about waiting so long and they would never give up the benefits of being able to hear.
People now wearing them who struggled initially, say they’re so happy they persevered. 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 ideal experience. It’s worth the effort and time. It will become automatic before too long.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk to us about it. We can help you adjust your hearing aids in a faster and more effective way. The adjustment is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.