Most people are pleased with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid users are pleased with the hearing aid experience when speaking one-on-one, based on a recent survey. When breaking down 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.
For an advanced device like a hearing aid, these are some extremely positive results. But we have to question, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% feeling? What makes them less happy with their hearing devices?
Let’s explore 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.)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will make you love it even more. And for individuals 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 restored with a hearing aid frequently feel reconnected with people around them. They have more energy. They engage and stay more active.
Their failure to hear isn’t so discouraging anymore. Because they don’t have to work as hard 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. They might sound distorted initially
Contemporary hearing aids 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 find out how to use my hearing aid by myself
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as many individuals might presume. If it doesn’t sound good when they leave the office they may get the misconception that this is as good as it gets and choose not to use the hearing aid.
Hearing is more complex than you may know. Hearing aids are developed to manage various types and levels of hearing loss by transforming the way sound goes into the ear.
Our qualified hearing specialists will perform a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly suggested that you practice using your hearing aid by talking with a friend at first.
If it still doesn’t sound great after a couple of weeks, consult us. We can help you have a better knowledge of how your settings work and we can likely do some fine-tuning for you.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing out on without complete hearing
Can you recall what gentle laughter or a soft whisper sounds like? What about the wind, wind chimes, singing birds, or soft music? Perhaps you can’t recall what kids playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the soft breathing of your significant other.
Hearing these little subtle sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasing according to many people who get hearing aids. Having these sounds restored means the full brilliance of the world around can once again be experienced by individuals who get hearing aids.
5. It took some time to get used to my hearing aids
You probably weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a toddler. But now, of course, you’re completely comfortable with them. It may take time to get used to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
Our bodies are made to feel uncomfortable when something feels out of place, like a hearing aid going into your outer ear. Eventually, when the body knows that it’s not threatened, it will become used to and comfortable with the new device.
6. I wish I hadn’t put off so long to invest in 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 wouldn’t give up all the advantages of hearing, and they often regret putting off for so long to invest in a hearing aid.
People who were patient and stuck with it were glad that they did. It’s made their life so much more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the drive
If you’re not having the best experience with your hearing aid, don’t quit. It’s worth the effort and time. It will become second nature before too long.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, consult us about it. We can help you fine-tune your hearing aids in a faster and more effective way. Experiencing all that life has to provide with restored hearing is worth the patients.
