The majority of individuals who use hearing aids are happy with their results: 91% of hearing aid users are pleased with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, according to a recent survey. When analyzing results with particular 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.
These are some spectacularly positive figures for a complex device like a hearing aid. 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 discover 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 help you love it even more. If you aren’t as satisfied with it as you’d like to be, 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 frequently feel reconnected with individuals around them. Their energy levels are increased. They feel like they can better participate and remain active.
Their inability to hear isn’t so frustrating anymore. Because they don’t need to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less exhausted.
For many individuals, a hearing aid helps them feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. Initially, sounds seemed distorted
Contemporary hearing aids 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 isn’t hard 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 may presume. If it doesn’t sound great when they leave the office they might 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 understand how complex hearing loss is. Modern Hearing aids include settings that address many levels and types of hearing loss.
When you’re in the office, we will do a thorough hearing aid fitting. When you get home, we recommend that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in a variety of settings.
If it still doesn’t sound right after a couple of weeks, talk to us. We can help you get a better understanding of how your settings work and we can probably make some fine adjustments for you.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing
Can you recollect 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 soft breath of a significant other sitting near you or youngsters playing outside.
Hearing these little discreet sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasing according to many people who get hearing aids. It means a whole lot to have these sounds restored, it lets them 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 tot and had to put on shoes for the first time, you likely thought that was awkward. Now you might like to use them all the time. It might take time to get used to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
When something like a hearing aid is initially put in your ear canal, your body is designed to initially feel uncomfortable. But within a short time, the body realizes there is no threat and accepts the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to get my hearing aid
Individuals would never go back to having hearing loss if they were patient and took the time to get used to them. They normally regret waiting so long and they would never trade the advantages of being able to hear.
Individuals who were patient and stuck with it were happy that they did. Their lives have become so much more enriched.
Pay attention to improved hearing
If you’re not having the best experience with your hearing aid, don’t give up. It’s worth the effort and time. It will become automatic before too long.
Let us know about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can help you adjust your hearing aids in a faster and more efficient way. The adjustment is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.