The majority of individuals who wear hearing aids are satisfied with their results: Based upon one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of individuals who wear hearing aids are happy with their results. When processing 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 extremely positive results. But we have to question, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% experiencing? 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. (We can easily fix the majority of the bad things and that’s the good news!)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will help you love it even more. And for people who are less happy, this article should help you deal with your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear revived with a hearing aid often feel reconnected with people around them. They have more vitality. They participate and stay more active.
They find their days filled with less frustration over their failure to hear. They feel less exhausted 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 nowadays are digital. They don’t only make sounds louder, they have many 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 pleased when in a one-on-one conversation.
It isn’t difficult to learn to use a hearing aid. But they do take some practice getting used to them.
3. I needed help finding out how to use my hearing aid
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as many people might think. People may leave the office with the misconception that the sound won’t get any better, which could prompt them not to use them.
Hearing is more complex than you may realize. Hearing aids are designed to address numerous types and levels of hearing loss by changing the way sound enters the ear.
When you’re in the office, we will perform a thorough hearing aid fitting. When you get home, we suggest that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in various settings.
If it still doesn’t sound great after a few weeks, consult us. We can help you have a better comprehension of how your functions work and we can most likely do some fine-tuning for you.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing without healthy hearing
Do you recall what a playful whisper sounds like? What about gentle laughter? How about the wind, wind chimes, birds singing, or quiet music? Perhaps you can’t recall what kids playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the gentle breathing of your significant other.
Hearing these little subtle 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 allows them to again 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 tot and had to wear shoes for the first time, you likely thought that was awkward. Now you might prefer to use them all the time. It may take time to get used to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
Our bodies are designed to feel discomfort when something seems out of place, like a hearing aid going into your outer ear. But within a short time, the body recognizes there’s no threat and welcomes the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I would have purchased my hearing aids sooner
Individuals would never go back to having hearing loss if they were persistent and took the time to become accustomed to them. They usually feel disappointed about waiting so long and they would never give up the benefits of healthy hearing.
People now wearing them who had trouble at first, say they’re so thankful they persevered. It’s made their life a whole lot more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the drive
If you aren’t having the best experience with your hearing aid, don’t give up. It’s worth the effort and time. Soon, wearing 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 efficient way. The adjustment is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.