The majority of individuals who use hearing aids are happy with their results: 91% of hearing aid users are satisfied with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, based on a recent survey. When processing 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 incredibly positive results. But we have to ask, 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 people have to say about their hearing aid results. (We can easily fix the majority of the bad stuff and that’s the good news!)
For individuals who are pleased with their hearing aids, this article will make you even more happy. And for people who are less thrilled, this article should help you deal with your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear restored with a hearing aid often feel reconnected with people around them. They have more vitality. They engage and stay more active.
Their failure to hear isn’t so discouraging anymore. Because they don’t have to struggle to hear what people are saying, they feel less exhausted.
For many people, a hearing aid helps them feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. At first, sounds seemed distorted
Contemporary hearing aids are digital. They have many advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than simply making everything louder. 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 difficult to learn to use. 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 some people may presume. If it doesn’t sound right when they leave the office they may get the misconception that this is as good as it gets and decide it’s easier not to use the hearing aid.
You may not even realize how complex hearing loss is. Hearing aids are developed to address numerous types and degrees of hearing loss by transforming the way sound goes into the ear.
When you’re in the office, we will perform a complete hearing aid fitting. It’s strongly suggested that you practice using your hearing aid by talking with a friend at first.
Consult with us if you’re still having difficulty after a couple of weeks. We can likely make adjustments or help you better comprehend how the hearing aid works in settings where you’re having trouble.
4. Without healthy hearing, you forgot what you were missing out on
Do you recall what a playful whisper sounds like? How about gentle laughter? What about soft music, singing birds, wind chimes, or the wind? Perhaps you’ve forgotten what it’s like to hear the gentle breath of a significant other sitting close beside you or youngsters playing outside.
Hearing these little discreet sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasant according to many people who get hearing aids. It means a whole lot to have these sounds restored, it lets them once more experience the fullness and grandeur 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 probably thought that was awkward. Now you may choose to use them all the time. Similarly, a new watch or a new hat might take some time to get used to.
When something like a hearing aid is first put in your ear canal, your body is made to initially feel uncomfortable. But pretty soon, the body realizes there is no threat and welcomes the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to purchase my hearing aid
Individuals would never go back to having hearing loss if they were persistent and took the time to get used to them. They normally regret waiting so long and they would never give up the advantages of being able to hear.
People now wearing them who struggled at first, say they’re so thankful they stuck with it. Their lives have become a great deal more enriched.
Focus on improved hearing
If you aren’t having the ideal experience with your hearing aid, don’t quit. It’s worth the time and effort. It will become second nature before too long.
Let us know about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can often give you advice on how to get used to your hearing aids faster. Enjoying all that life has to provide with restored hearing is worth the adjustment.
