Most people are happy with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid wearers are pleased with the hearing aid experience when speaking one-on-one, based on a recent survey. When speaking about specific activities, 85% were satisfied in a group setting and watching TV, 78% while shopping, and 75% in a restaurant or on the phone.
These are some wonderfully positive figures for a complex device like a hearing aid. But we have to ask, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% experiencing? 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 experience. (The good news, most 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 aren’t as happy with it as you’d like to be, we’ll investigate what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
There’s often 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 feel like they can better engage and stay active.
Their inability to hear isn’t as discouraging anymore. Because they don’t need to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less tired.
For many individuals, 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 don’t only make sounds louder, they have lots of settings to help you hear better in various places. Because of this, some people may be dissatisfied when they’re in a loud environment like a restaurant or talking on the phone but really satisfied when in a one-on-one conversation.
It’s not hard to learn to use a hearing aid. But they do take a little practice getting used to them.
3. I needed help finding out how to use my hearing aid
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as some individuals may presume. People may leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound won’t get any better, which may prompt them not to wear them.
Hearing is more complex than you may realize. Modern Hearing aids have settings that address many degrees and types of hearing loss.
Our skilled hearing specialists will perform a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly recommended that you practice using your hearing aid by chatting with a friend initially.
If it still doesn’t sound great after a few weeks, talk to us. We can likely make adjustments or help you better understand how the hearing aid works in environments where you’re having trouble.
4. Without healthy hearing, you forgot what you were missing out on
Do you recall what a playful whisper sounds like? How about gentle laughter? How about the wind, wind chimes, singing birds, or quiet music? Maybe you can’t recall what children playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the delicate breathing of your significant other.
Hearing these little discreet sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasant according to many people who get hearing aids. Having these sounds restored means the whole magnificence of the world around can once again be experienced by people who get hearing aids.
5. Becoming accustomed to my new hearing aid took some getting accustomed to.
When you were a tot and had to wear shoes for the first time, you probably thought that was uncomfortable. Now you might choose to wear them all the time. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take a little time to get accustomed to.
Our bodies are designed to feel uncomfortable when something feels out of place, such as a hearing aid going into your outer ear. Eventually, when the body recognizes 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
Individuals would never go back to having hearing loss if they were patient and took the time to become accustomed to them. They usually regret waiting so long and they would never give up the advantages of healthy hearing.
Of those now wearing them who had trouble at first, say they’re so happy they stuck with it. It’s made their life so much more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the focus
If you aren’t having the best experience with your hearing aid, don’t quit. The effort and time will be worth it. It will become automatic before too long.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk with us about it. We can help you adjust your hearing aids in a faster and more efficient way. The patience is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.
