Most people are pleased with their hearing aids: As reported by one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of individuals who wear hearing aids are pleased with their results. When processing results with specific 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.
These are some dramatically positive figures for a complex device like a hearing aid. But we have to ask, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% feeling? What makes them less happy with their hearing devices?
Individuals who use hearing aids have some good and some bad things to say about them. (We can easily fix most 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. If you’re not as happy with it as you’d like to be, we’ll investigate what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear restored with a hearing aid frequently feel reconnected with those around them. They have more energy. They participate and stay more active.
Their inability to hear isn’t as frustrating anymore. They feel less fatigued because they don’t have to work so hard to understand what other people 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. In the beginning, sounds seemed distorted
Contemporary 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 loud setting like a restaurant or talking on the phone but very 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 assistance learning how to use my hearing aid
A common misconception about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. If it doesn’t sound right when they leave the office they may think that this is as good as it gets and decide it’s easier not to wear the hearing aid.
Hearing is more complex than you might know. Modern Hearing aids have settings that target many levels and types of hearing loss.
When you’re in the office, we will perform a complete hearing aid fitting. It’s strongly recommended that you practice using your hearing aid by chatting with a friend at first.
If it still doesn’t sound great after a couple of weeks, consult us. We can most likely make modifications or help you better understand how the hearing aid works in environments where you’re having difficulty.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing out on
Can you recollect what gentle laughter or a soft whisper sounds like? How about soft music, birds singing, wind chimes, or the wind? Maybe you can’t recollect what children playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the gentle breathing of your significant other.
Hearing these little discreet sounds that were forgotten about is unexpectedly pleasing 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 grandeur of the world around them.
5. It took a while to get used to my hearing aids
When you were a toddler and had to wear shoes for the first time, you probably thought that was uncomfortable. Now you may like to wear them all the time. It might take time to get used to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
When something like a hearing aid is first placed in your ear canal, your body is designed to initially feel discomfort. But within a short time, the body realizes there’s no threat and welcomes the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to get my hearing aid
People who put in the time to get used to their hearing aids wouldn’t go back. They wouldn’t trade all the benefits of hearing, and they frequently regret waiting so long to invest in a hearing aid.
Individuals who were patient and preserved were glad that they did. It’s made their life a whole lot more enriched.
Focus on improved hearing
Be patient and don’t quit, even if you’re not yet having the ideal experience. It’s worth the effort and time. It will become automatic before too long.
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 effective way. Enjoying all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the adjustment.
