Most individuals are happy with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid users are happy with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, as reported by a recent survey. When breaking down results with specific 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.
These are some dramatically positive figures for an intricate device such as a hearing aid. But we have to ask, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% feeling? Why aren’t they as happy with their devices?
Let’s explore the good and the bad things people have to say about their hearing aid experience. (We can easily fix the majority of the bad things and that’s the good news!)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will help you love it even more. If you aren’t as satisfied with it as wish you were, we’ll investigate what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
There’s frequently a reconnection with friends and loved ones for people who have had their ability to hear revived with hearing aids. They have more vitality. They feel like they can better participate and remain active.
Their inability to hear isn’t so frustrating anymore. Because they don’t have to struggle to hear what people are saying, they feel less tired.
For many people, a hearing aid helps them feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. They might sound distorted initially
Hearing aids today are digital. They don’t simply make sounds louder, they have lots of settings to help you hear best in various places. 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 hard to learn to use. But they do take a little practice getting used to them.
3. I needed help learning how to use my hearing aid
A typical misconception about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. People might leave the office with the mistake that the sound can’t get any better, which could prompt them not to use them.
Hearing is more complex than you might know. Hearing aids are developed to target numerous types and levels of hearing loss by transforming how sound enters the ear.
When you’re in the office, we will do a complete hearing aid fitting. It’s strongly suggested that you practice using your hearing aid by talking with a friend at first.
If it still doesn’t sound good after a couple of weeks, talk to us. We can likely make modifications or help you better comprehend how the hearing aid works in settings where you’re having difficulty.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing out on without healthy hearing
Can you recall what gentle laughter or a soft whisper sounds like? What about soft music, singing birds, wind chimes, or the wind? Perhaps you can’t recall 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 lets them once again experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. Becoming accustomed to my new hearing aid took some getting used to.
When you were a tot and had to wear shoes for the first time, you likely thought that was awkward. Now you might prefer to wear them all the time. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take a bit of time to get accustomed to.
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 knows that it’s not threatened, it will become accustomed to and comfortable with the new device.
6. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to purchase my hearing aid
People who took the time to get used to their hearing aids would not go back. They usually regret waiting so long and they would never trade the benefits of healthy hearing.
Individuals who had patience and stuck with it were happy that they did. It’s made their life a whole lot more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the drive
Be patient and don’t quit, even if you aren’t yet having the ideal experience. It’s worth the effort and time. It will become second nature 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 patience is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.