The majority of individuals who wear hearing aids are pleased with their results: 91% of hearing aid users are pleased with the hearing aid experience when speaking one-on-one, as reported by 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 grocery store, 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? Why aren’t they as happy with their devices?
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 stuff can be easily fixed.)
For individuals who are happy with their hearing aids, this article will make you even happier. And for individuals who are less excited, this article should help you address your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear revived with a hearing aid frequently feel reconnected with people around them. Their energy levels are higher. They feel like they can better engage and remain active.
They find their days filled with less discouragement over their inability to hear. They feel less tired because they don’t have to struggle to understand what others are saying.
For many individuals, a hearing aid allows them to feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. They might sound distorted initially
Hearing aids today are digital. They don’t just 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 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 some people may presume. If it doesn’t sound good when they leave the office they may think that this is as good as it gets and choose not to use the hearing aid.
Hearing is more complex than you may realize. Hearing aids are developed to target various types and degrees of hearing loss by changing how sound enters the ear.
When you’re in the office, we will perform a complete hearing aid fitting. When you get home, we highly recommend 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 get a better comprehension of how your functions work and we can most likely make some fine adjustments for you.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing out on without healthy hearing
Can you recall what gentle laughter or a soft whisper sounds like? What about the wind, wind chimes, birds singing, or soft music? Maybe you’ve forgotten how it makes you feel to hear the soft breath of a significant other sitting near you or children playing outside.
Hearing these little subtle sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasant according to many individuals who get hearing aids. It means so much to have these sounds restored, it allows them to once more experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. Becoming accustomed to my new hearing aid took some getting accustomed to.
You likely weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a baby. But now, of course, you’re totally comfortable with them. It might take time to get used to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
Our bodies are made to feel discomfort when something seems out of place, like a hearing aid going into your outer ear. But pretty soon, the body realizes there is no threat and welcomes the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I would have invested in my hearing aids sooner
People would never go back to having hearing loss if they were patient and took the time to get used to them. They wouldn’t trade all the benefits of hearing, and they frequently regret putting off for so long to invest in a hearing aid.
People now wearing them who struggled at first, say they’re so glad they stuck with it. Their lives have become a great deal 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. It will become second nature before too long.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk with us about it. We can often offer 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.