The majority of individuals who use hearing aids are satisfied with their results: According to one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of individuals who use hearing aids are happy with their results. When talking about particular activities, 85% were satisfied in a group setting and watching TV, 78% while shopping, 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 happening with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. Why aren’t they as satisfied with their 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. And for individuals who are less thrilled, 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 frequently feel reconnected with individuals around them. They have more energy. They feel like they can better engage and stay active.
Their inability to hear isn’t so discouraging anymore. They feel less exhausted because they don’t have to struggle to understand what other people are saying.
For many people, a hearing aid allows them to feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. At first, sounds seemed distorted
Modern hearing aids are digital. They don’t just make sounds louder, they have lots of settings to help you hear best in a variety of 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’s not difficult to learn to use a hearing aid. But they do take a little practice getting used to them.
3. I needed assistance learning how to use my hearing aid
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as many individuals may think. People might leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound won’t get any better, which may prompt them not to wear them.
You may not even realize how complex hearing loss can be. Modern Hearing aids have settings that target many degrees and types of hearing loss.
When you’re in the office, we will do a complete hearing aid fitting. It’s strongly advised that you practice using your hearing aid by chatting with a friend initially.
Talk with us if you’re still having difficulty after a few weeks. We can help you have a better knowledge of how your settings work and we can likely make some fine adjustments for you.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing
Can you recollect what gentle laughter or a delicate whisper sounds like? How about the wind, wind chimes, singing birds, or quiet music? Maybe you can’t recollect what children playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the gentle breathing of your significant other.
Many individuals who get a hearing aid share that it’s a pleasing surprise to suddenly hear these little things that they had forgotten about. It means a great deal to have these sounds restored, it lets them once again experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. Getting used to my new hearing aid took some getting accustomed to.
You probably weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a toddler. But now, of course, you’re totally comfortable with them. Similarly, a new watch or a new hat might take some time to get used to.
When something like a hearing aid is initially placed in your ear canal, your body is designed to initially feel uncomfortable. Eventually, when the body understands that it’s not threatened, it will become used to and comfortable with the new device.
6. I wish I would have purchased my hearing aids sooner
People who made the effort to get used to their hearing aids wouldn’t go back. They typically regret putting off for so long and they would never give up the advantages of healthy hearing.
Among those now wearing them who had trouble at first, say they’re so happy they persevered. Their lives have become so much more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the drive
If you’re not having the ideal experience with your hearing aid, don’t give up. The effort and the time will be worth it. Before long, wearing the hearing aid will become automatic.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, consult us about it. We can usually give you advice on how to get used to your hearing aids faster. The patience is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.