Most individuals are pleased with their hearing aids: According to one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of individuals who wear hearing aids are happy with their experience. 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.
These are some dramatically positive figures for an intricate device like a hearing aid. But that still leaves us wondering, what’s happening with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. What makes them less happy with their hearing devices?
Individuals with hearing aids have some good and some bad things to convey about them. (The good news, most of the bad stuff can be easily fixed.)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will make you love it even more. If you’re not as happy with it as wish you were, we’ll explore what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear restored with a hearing aid often feel reconnected with people around them. They have more energy. They participate and stay more active.
Their inability to hear isn’t as 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. In the beginning, sounds seemed distorted
Hearing aids nowadays are digital. They have many advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than simply making everything louder. Because of this, some individuals might be dissatisfied when they’re in a loud setting like a restaurant or talking on the phone but very satisfied when in a one-on-one conversation.
It isn’t difficult to learn to use a hearing aid. But getting used to them will take a little practice.
3. I couldn’t find out how to use my hearing aid on my own
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as some individuals may presume. People might leave the office with the mistake that the sound can’t get any better, which may prompt them not to use them.
Hearing is more complex than you may recognize. Hearing aids are designed to manage numerous types and levels of hearing loss by changing how sound enters the ear.
Our skilled hearing specialists will undertake a hearing aid fitting in the office. 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 couple of weeks, talk to us. We can help you have a better comprehension of how your functions work and we can likely make some fine adjustments for you.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing
Do you remember what a subtle whisper sounds like? What about gentle laughter? How about the wind, wind chimes, singing birds, or soft music? Maybe you’ve forgotten how it makes you feel to hear the delicate breath of a significant other sitting close beside you or youngsters playing outside.
Many individuals who get a hearing aid share that it’s a nice surprise to suddenly hear these small things that they had forgotten about. 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 used to.
When you were a toddler and had to put on shoes for the first time, you likely thought that was uncomfortable. Now you might choose to use them all the time. It might take time to become accustomed to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
When something like a hearing aid is initially placed in your ear canal, your body is made to initially feel uncomfortable. But within a short time, the body recognizes 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 who put in the time to get used to their hearing aids would not go back. They wouldn’t trade all the advantages of hearing, and they frequently 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.
Pay attention to improved hearing
If you’re not having the best experience with your hearing aid, don’t give up. It’s worth the time and effort. Soon, wearing the hearing aid will become automatic.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk with us about it. We can help you fine-tune 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.