The majority of individuals who wear hearing aids are satisfied with their experience: 91% of hearing aid wearers are pleased with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, according to a recent survey. When speaking about particular activities, 85% were satisfied in a group environment and watching TV, 78% while shopping, and 75% in a restaurant or on the phone.
These are some spectacularly positive figures for a complex device such as a hearing aid. But that still leaves us wondering, what’s going on with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. Why aren’t they as satisfied with their devices?
Let’s explore the good and the bad things people have to say about their hearing aid experience. (The good news, the majority of the bad stuff can be easily fixed.)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will make you love it even more. And for people who are less thrilled, this article should help you tackle your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
There’s often a reconnection with friends and loved ones for individuals who have had their ability to hear revived with hearing aids. They have more vitality. They feel like they can better engage and stay active.
Their inability to hear isn’t so frustrating anymore. They feel less tired because they don’t have to work so hard to understand what other people are saying.
For many individuals, a hearing aid allows them to feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. In the beginning, sounds seemed distorted
Hearing aids nowadays are digital. They don’t simply make sounds louder, they have many settings to help you hear better 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.
It’s not hard to learn to use a hearing aid. But they do take a little practice getting used to them.
3. I needed assistance finding out how to use my hearing aid
A common misconception about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. People might leave the office with the misconception that the sound won’t get any better, which may prompt them not to use them.
Hearing is more complex than you may recognize. Hearing aids are designed to manage numerous types and levels of hearing loss by transforming the way sound goes into the ear.
Our experienced hearing specialists will undertake a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly advised that you practice using your hearing aid by talking with a friend initially.
Talk with us if you’re still having difficulty after a couple of weeks. We can most likely make modifications or help you better understand how the hearing aid works in settings where you’re having trouble.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing
Do you recall what a playful whisper sounds like? What about gentle laughter? How about the wind, wind chimes, singing birds, or soft music? Maybe you can’t recall what children playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the soft breathing of your significant other.
Hearing these little subtle sounds that were forgotten about is unexpectedly pleasing according to many individuals who get hearing aids. It means a great deal 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 used to my hearing aids
You probably 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 may take time to get used to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
Our bodies are made to feel discomfort when something feels out of place, such as a hearing aid going into your outer ear. 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 invest in my hearing aid
People would never go back to having hearing loss if they were persistent and took the time to get used to them. They usually feel disappointed about putting off for so long and they would never give up the advantages of being able to hear.
Of those now wearing them who had trouble initially, say they’re so glad they persevered. Their lives have become a great deal more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the focus
If you aren’t having the ideal experience with your hearing aid, don’t give up. It’s worth the time and effort. 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 fine-tune your hearing aids in a faster and more efficient way. Enjoying all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the adjustment.