Most people are happy with their hearing aids: Based upon one recent survey, when speaking one-on-one, 91% of people who use hearing aids are happy with their experience. When speaking about particular activities, 85% were satisfied in a group environment and watching TV, 78% while in the store, and 75% in a restaurant or on the phone.
For a sophisticated device like a hearing aid, these are some amazingly positive results. But we have to question, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% feeling? Why aren’t they as satisfied with their devices?
Let’s examine the good and the bad things individuals have to say about their hearing aid results. (The good news, the majority of the bad stuff can be easily fixed.)
For people who are pleased with their hearing aids, this article will make you even more happy. 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 individuals who have had their ability to hear restored with hearing aids. Their energy levels are higher. They feel like they can better participate and stay active.
They find their days filled with less discouragement over their inability to hear. They feel less fatigued because they don’t have to struggle to understand what others are saying.
For many individuals, 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
Hearing aids today are digital. They don’t simply make sounds louder, they have lots of settings to help you hear best in a variety of places. Because of this, some people may be dissatisfied when they’re in a loud environment like a restaurant or talking on the phone but quite satisfied when in a one-on-one conversation.
Hearing aids aren’t difficult to learn to use. But they do take some 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 individuals may presume. If it doesn’t sound right when they first get home they might get the misconception that this is as good as it gets and decide it’s easier not to wear the hearing aid.
You might not even understand how complex hearing loss is. Modern Hearing aids include settings that address many degrees and types of hearing loss.
Our experienced hearing specialists will undertake a hearing aid fitting in the office. When you get home, we recommend that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in various settings.
Consult with us if you’re still having difficulty after a few weeks. We can help you have a better understanding of how your functions work and we can probably do some fine-tuning for you.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing without healthy hearing
Can you recall what gentle laughter or a delicate whisper sounds like? How about soft music, birds singing, wind chimes, or the wind? Maybe you can’t recall what children playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the delicate breathing of your significant other.
Many individuals who get a hearing aid communicate that it’s a pleasant surprise to suddenly hear these little things that they had forgotten about. It means so much to have these sounds restored, it allows them to again experience the fullness and grandeur of the world around them.
5. It took a while to get used to my hearing aids
You most likely weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a toddler. But now, of course, you’re totally comfortable with them. It may take time to become accustomed to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
When something like a hearing aid is first put in your ear canal, your body is designed to initially feel uncomfortable. 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 put off 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 typically feel disappointed about putting off for so long and they would never trade the benefits of being able to hear.
People who were patient and stuck with it were happy that they did. It’s made their life a whole lot more enriched.
Focus on improved hearing
Be patient and don’t give up, even if you aren’t yet having the best experience. The effort and the time will be worth it. Soon, using the hearing aid will become second nature.
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 effective way. The adjustment is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.