Most people are pleased with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid wearers are satisfied with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, as reported by a recent survey. When talking about specific 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 that still leaves us wondering, what’s going on with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. Why aren’t they as satisfied with their devices?
Let’s discover the good and the bad things individuals have to say about their hearing aid experience. (The good news, the majority of the bad stuff can be easily fixed.)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will help you love it even more. If you’re not as satisfied with it as wish you were, we’ll explore what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
There’s frequently a reconnection with friends and loved ones for individuals who have had their ability to hear revived with hearing aids. They have more vitality. They participate and stay more active.
Their inability to hear isn’t so frustrating anymore. They feel less exhausted because they don’t have to struggle to understand what others are saying.
People are often happiest when they feel connected with other people and their world, and for many wearing a hearing aid makes that possible.
2. They may sound distorted initially
Modern hearing aids are digital. They have lots of advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than simply making everything louder. Because of this, some individuals may be dissatisfied when they’re in a noisy environment like a restaurant or talking on the phone but quite pleased when in a one-on-one conversation.
Hearing aids aren’t complicated to learn to use. But they do take some practice getting used to them.
3. I needed help learning how to use my hearing aid
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as some people may presume. People might leave the office with the mistake that the sound can’t get any better, which may prompt them not to wear them.
Hearing is more complex than you might realize. Hearing aids are developed to target various types and degrees of hearing loss by transforming the way sound enters the ear.
When you are in the office, we will do a complete hearing aid fitting. When you get home, we suggest 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 knowledge of how your functions work and we can most likely make some fine adjustments for you.
4. Without healthy hearing, you forgot what you were missing
Can you recollect what gentle laughter or a delicate 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 unexpectedly pleasant according to many people who get hearing aids. It means a great deal to have these sounds restored, it allows them to once more experience the fullness and grandeur 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. But now, of course, you’re completely comfortable with them. Similarly, a new watch or a new hat might take some time to get accustomed to.
When something like a hearing aid is first placed in your ear canal, your body is made to initially feel discomfort. Eventually, when the body recognizes that it’s not threatened, it will become accustomed to and comfortable with the new device.
6. I wish I would have invested in my hearing aids sooner
Individuals who took the time to get used to their hearing aids would never go back. They usually feel disappointed about putting off for so long and they would never trade the advantages of healthy hearing.
People now wearing them who had trouble at first, say they’re so glad they persevered. Their lives have become so much more enriched.
Focus on 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 second nature before too long.
Let us know about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can help you fine-tune your hearing aids in a faster and more efficient way. Enjoying all that life has to provide with restored hearing is worth the patients.