Most people are happy with their hearing aids: As reported by one recent survey, when speaking one-on-one, 91% of people who use hearing aids are happy with their experience. When analyzing 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.
For a sophisticated device like a hearing aid, these are some extremely positive results. But that still leaves us wondering, what’s going on with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. What makes them less satisfied with their hearing aid?
Let’s examine the good and the bad things people have to say about their hearing aid results. (The good news, the majority of the bad things can be easily fixed.)
For individuals who are pleased with their hearing aids, this article will make you even more happy. If you’re not as satisfied with it as wish you were, we’ll explore what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear revived with a hearing aid often feel reconnected with individuals around them. Their energy levels are higher. They feel like they can better engage and stay active.
Their failure to hear isn’t as discouraging anymore. Because they don’t need to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less tired.
For many individuals, a hearing aid allows them to feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. Initially, sounds seemed distorted
Hearing aids today are digital. They don’t only make sounds louder, they have many settings to help you hear better in various places. That’s why people may 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 getting used to them will take a little practice.
3. I couldn’t learn how to use my hearing aid by myself
A typical confusion 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 could prompt them not to use them.
You might not even understand how complex hearing loss can be. Modern Hearing aids include settings that address many degrees and types of hearing loss.
Our skilled hearing specialists will complete a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly suggested that you practice using your hearing aid by talking with a friend initially.
Consult with us if you’re still having trouble after a few weeks. We can likely make modifications or help you better comprehend how the hearing aid works in environments 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? How about soft music, singing birds, wind chimes, or the wind? Perhaps you’ve forgotten how it makes you feel to hear the gentle breath of a significant other sitting close beside you or youngsters playing outside.
Many people who get a hearing aid share that it’s a pleasing surprise to suddenly hear these small things that they had forgotten about. Having these sounds restored means the full brilliance of the world around can once again be experienced by people who get hearing aids.
5. It took some time to get accustomed to my hearing aids
You probably weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a baby. 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 accustomed to.
When something like a hearing aid is first placed in your ear canal, your body is designed to initially feel discomfort. Eventually, when the body understands that it’s not threatened, it will become accustomed to and comfortable with the new device.
6. I wish I hadn’t put off so long to get my hearing aid
People would never go back to having hearing loss if they were patient and took the time to become accustomed to them. They wouldn’t give up all the advantages of hearing, and they often regret putting off for so long to get a hearing aid.
People now wearing them who had trouble initially, say they’re so happy they persevered. It’s made their life so much more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the drive
If you aren’t having the best experience with your hearing aid, don’t quit. The effort and the time will be worth it. Before long, wearing the hearing aid will become automatic.
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 effective way. The patience is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.