Most individuals are pleased with their hearing aids: Based upon one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of people who use hearing aids are satisfied 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 dramatically positive figures for an intricate device like a hearing aid. But we have to question, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% feeling? What makes them less satisfied 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!)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will make you love it even more. If you’re not as satisfied with it as you’d like to be, 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. Their energy levels are higher. They participate and stay more active.
They find their days filled with less frustration over their inability to hear. Because they don’t have to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less tired.
People are usually happiest when they feel connected to other people and their world, and for many wearing a hearing aid makes that possible.
2. At first, sounds seemed distorted
Modern hearing aids are digital. They don’t just make sounds louder, they have many settings to help you hear best in various places. Because of this, some people might be dissatisfied when they’re in a noisy setting like a restaurant or talking on the phone but very satisfied when in a one-on-one conversation.
It isn’t difficult 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
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as many individuals might think. People may leave the office with the misconception that the sound can’t get any better, which could prompt them not to wear them.
You may not even realize how complex hearing loss is. Modern Hearing aids have settings that address many levels and types of hearing loss.
Our experienced 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 various settings.
If it still doesn’t sound great after a few weeks, talk to us. We can very likely make modifications 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
Can you recall what gentle laughter or a soft whisper sounds like? What about soft music, birds singing, wind chimes, or the wind? Perhaps 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 subtle sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasing according to many individuals who get hearing aids. It means a great deal 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 likely thought that was awkward. Now you might like to wear them all the time. It might take time to become accustomed to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
Our bodies are made to feel discomfort when something seems out of place, such as a hearing aid going into your outer ear. But within a short time, the body recognizes there’s 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 made the effort to get used to their hearing aids would not go back. They typically regret putting off for so long and they would never give up the advantages of healthy hearing.
People who had patience and stuck with it were happy that they did. It’s made their life a great deal more enriched.
Pay attention to improved hearing
Be patient and don’t quit, even if you aren’t yet having the best experience. It’s worth the effort and time. It will become second nature before too long.
Talk to us today about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. 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.
