The majority of people who wear hearing aids are happy with their experience: As reported by one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of individuals who wear hearing aids are satisfied with their results. When analyzing 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 dramatically positive numbers for a complex device such as a hearing aid. But that still leaves us questioning, what’s happening with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. Why aren’t they as satisfied with their devices?
Let’s examine the good and the bad things people have to say about their hearing aid results. (The good news, the majority of the bad things can be easily fixed.)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will help you love it even more. And for individuals who are less thrilled, this article should help you tackle your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear revived with a hearing aid often feel reconnected with those around them. Their energy levels are increased. They participate and stay more active.
Their failure to hear isn’t so frustrating anymore. They feel less exhausted because they don’t have to work so hard to understand what others are saying.
People are usually happiest when they feel connected with other people and their world, and for many using a hearing aid makes that possible.
2. They may sound distorted initially
Hearing aids today are digital. They have many advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than just making everything louder. That’s why people might be so satisfied in a one-on-one conversation but dissatisfied in a restaurant or on the phone.
Hearing aids aren’t difficult to learn to use. But getting used to them will take some practice.
3. I needed help finding out how to use my hearing aid
A common misunderstanding about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. People may leave the office with the mistake that the sound can’t get any better, which may prompt them not to use them.
You might not even recognize how complex hearing loss can be. Hearing aids are developed to address numerous types and degrees of hearing loss by adjusting the way sound enters the ear.
Our expert hearing specialists will complete 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 great after a couple of weeks, consult us. We can probably make modifications or help you better comprehend how the hearing aid works in settings where you’re having difficulty.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing out on
Can you recall what gentle laughter or a soft whisper sounds like? How about the wind, wind chimes, singing birds, or quiet music? Maybe you can’t recollect what children 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. It means so much to have these sounds restored, it allows them to once more experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. Becoming accustomed 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 uncomfortable. Now you may prefer to wear them all the time. 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 first put in your ear canal, your body is designed to initially feel discomfort. Eventually, when the body recognizes 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 put in the time to get used to their hearing aids would not go back. They normally regret putting off for so long and they would never trade the benefits of being able to hear.
People now wearing them who struggled at first, say they’re so thankful they persevered. It’s made their life a great deal more enriched.
Pay attention to improved hearing
If you aren’t having the ideal experience with your hearing aid, don’t quit. It’s worth the effort and time. Soon, wearing the hearing aid will become automatic.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, consult us about it. We can help you adjust your hearing aids in a faster and more effective way. Enjoying all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the patients.