The majority of people who wear hearing aids are happy with their experience: According to one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of individuals who use hearing aids are pleased with their results. When analyzing results with particular activities, 75% were satisfied in a restaurant or on the phone, 78% were satisfied while in the supermarket, and 85% were satisfied watching TV or in a group.
For an advanced device like a hearing aid, these are some amazingly positive results. But that still leaves us wondering, what’s happening with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. What makes them less happy with their hearing devices?
Individuals who use hearing aids have some good and some bad things to convey about them. (We can easily fix most of the bad stuff and that’s the good news!)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will make you love it even more. If you’re not as happy with it as you’d like to be, we’ll discover what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear restored with a hearing aid frequently feel reconnected with those around them. They have more energy. They engage and stay more active.
They find their days filled with less discouragement over their inability to hear. Because they don’t need to struggle to hear what people are saying, they feel less fatigued.
People are typically happiest when they feel connected with other people and their world, and for many using a hearing aid makes that possible.
2. They might sound distorted initially
Modern hearing aids are digital. They don’t simply make sounds louder, they have lots of settings to help you hear best in various places. Because of this, some people may be dissatisfied when they’re in a loud setting like a restaurant or talking on the phone but quite satisfied when in a one-on-one conversation.
It isn’t hard to learn to use a hearing aid. But getting used to them will take a little practice.
3. I couldn’t find out how to use my hearing aid by myself
A typical misconception about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. People might leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound won’t get any better, which may prompt them not to wear them.
You might not even recognize how complex hearing loss can be. Modern Hearing aids have settings that target many degrees and types of hearing loss.
Our skilled hearing specialists will undertake 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 very likely make adjustments or help you better comprehend how the hearing aid works in settings where you’re having trouble.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing out on without complete hearing
Do you recall what a subtle whisper sounds like? What about gentle laughter? What about soft music, birds singing, wind chimes, or the wind? 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 surprisingly pleasing according to many people who get hearing aids. It means a whole lot to have these sounds restored, it lets them once more experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. It took some time to get used to my hearing aids
When you were a toddler and had to put on shoes for the first time, you most likely thought that was awkward. Now you may like to wear them all the time. Similarly, a new watch or a new hat might take a little 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. Eventually, when the body understands that it’s not threatened, it will become used to and comfortable with the new device.
6. I wish I would have invested in my hearing aids sooner
People who put in the time to get used to their hearing aids would never go back. They typically feel disappointed about putting off for so long and they would never trade the benefits of being able to hear.
People who were patient and stuck with it were glad that they did. Their lives have become a great deal more enriched.
Pay attention to improved hearing
If you’re not having the best experience with your hearing aid, don’t give up. It’s worth the effort and time. Before long, wearing the hearing aid will become second nature.
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 efficient way. Experiencing all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the adjustment.