Most people are pleased with their hearing aids: According to one recent survey, when speaking one-on-one, 91% of people who wear hearing aids are happy with their results. When talking about specific 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 dramatically positive numbers for a complex device like a hearing aid. But we have to question, 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 individuals have to say about their hearing aid results. (We can easily fix most of the bad stuff and that’s the good news!)
For people who are pleased with their hearing aids, this article will make you even happier. And for people who are less happy, this article should help you address your concerns.
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. They feel less tired because they don’t have to work so hard to understand what other people are saying.
People are typically happiest when they feel connected with other people and their world, and for many using a hearing aid makes this 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 may 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 couldn’t learn how to use my hearing aid on my own
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as many people might presume. People may leave the office with the misconception that the sound won’t get any better, which could prompt them not to wear them.
Hearing is more complex than you might recognize. Hearing aids are developed to manage various types and degrees of hearing loss by adjusting how sound enters the ear.
When you are in the office, we will perform a complete hearing aid fitting. When you get home, we suggest that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in various settings.
Talk with us if you’re still having trouble after a few weeks. We can help you have a better comprehension of how your settings work and we can likely make some fine adjustments for you.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing
Do you recall what a subtle whisper sounds like? What about gentle laughter? How about the wind, wind chimes, singing birds, or quiet 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 discreet sounds that were forgotten about is unexpectedly pleasing according to many people who get hearing aids. It means so much to have these sounds restored, it allows them to once again experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. Getting used to my new hearing aid took some getting used to.
When you were a toddler and had to wear shoes for the first time, you probably thought that was uncomfortable. But now, of course, you’re completely comfortable with them. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take a little time to get used to.
Our bodies are designed to feel uncomfortable when something feels out of place, like 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 would have purchased my hearing aids sooner
Individuals would never go back to having hearing loss if they were persistent and took the time to get used to them. They typically feel disappointed about putting off for so long and they would never give up the benefits of healthy hearing.
People now wearing them who had trouble at first, say they’re so glad they stuck with it. It’s made their life so much more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the drive
Be patient and don’t quit, even if you’re not yet having the best experience. It’s worth the effort and time. Before long, using the hearing aid will become second nature.
Let us know about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can usually offer tips on how to adjust to your hearing aids faster. The patience is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.