Most individuals are happy with their hearing aids: Based upon one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of people who wear hearing aids are pleased with their experience. 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.
For a sophisticated device like a hearing aid, these are some incredibly positive results. But that still leaves us wondering, what’s going on with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. Why aren’t they as happy with their devices?
People with hearing aids have some good and some bad things to convey about them. (The good news, the majority of the bad stuff can be easily fixed.)
For individuals who are pleased with their hearing aids, this article will make you even happier. And for individuals who are less happy, this article should help you address your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
There’s frequently a reconnection with friends and loved ones for individuals who have had their ability to hear restored with hearing aids. Their energy levels are higher. They engage and stay more active.
Their inability to hear isn’t so frustrating anymore. Because they don’t have to struggle to hear what people are saying, they feel less fatigued.
People are usually happiest when they feel connected to other people and their world, and for many using a hearing aid makes that possible.
2. Initially, sounds seemed distorted
Hearing aids nowadays are digital. They have lots of advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than just making everything louder. That’s why people might be so satisfied in a one-on-one conversation but dissatisfied in a restaurant or on the phone.
It isn’t hard to learn to use a hearing aid. But they do take a little practice getting used to them.
3. I couldn’t learn how to use my hearing aid by myself
A typical misunderstanding about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. If it doesn’t sound great when they leave the office they may think that this is as good as it gets and decide it’s easier not to use the hearing aid.
Hearing is more complex than you may realize. Modern Hearing aids incorporate settings that target many levels and types of hearing loss.
When you’re in the office, we will perform a complete hearing aid fitting. When you get home, we highly recommend that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in a variety of settings.
If it still doesn’t sound good after a couple of weeks, talk to us. We can help you get a better knowledge of how your settings work and we can likely make some fine adjustments for you.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing without full hearing
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 recollect what children 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 surprisingly pleasant according to many people who get hearing aids. Having these sounds restored means the whole brilliance of the world around can once again be experienced by people who get hearing aids.
5. Getting used to my new hearing aid took some getting accustomed to.
When you were a tot and had to put on shoes for the first time, you likely thought that was awkward. Now you might like to use them all the time. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take a bit of time to get used to.
Our bodies are made to feel uncomfortable when something seems out of place, such as a hearing aid going into your outer ear. Eventually, when the body knows that it’s not threatened, it will become accustomed to and comfortable with the new device.
6. I wish I would have purchased my hearing aids sooner
People who put in the time to get used to their hearing aids would not go back. They usually regret putting off for 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 thankful they stuck with it. It’s made their life a whole lot more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the drive
Be patient and don’t quit, even if you’re not yet having the ideal experience. It’s worth the time and effort. It will become second nature before too long.
Talk to us today about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can often give you tips on how to adjust to your hearing aids faster. The adjustment is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.