The majority of people who wear hearing aids are happy with their results: Based upon one recent survey, when speaking one-on-one, 91% of individuals who wear hearing aids are satisfied with their results. When breaking down 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 wonderfully positive figures for a complex device such as a hearing aid. But that still leaves us wondering, what’s going on with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. What makes them less happy with their hearing devices?
Let’s explore the good and the bad things individuals have to say about their hearing aid experience. (The good news, most of the bad stuff can be easily fixed.)
For people who are pleased with their hearing aids, this article will make you even more happy. If you aren’t 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 vitality. They feel like they can better participate and stay active.
Their inability to hear isn’t as frustrating anymore. They feel less tired because they don’t have to struggle to understand what other people are saying.
People are typically happiest when they feel connected to other people and their world, and for many using a hearing aid makes this possible.
2. At first, sounds seemed distorted
Contemporary hearing aids are digital. They don’t simply make sounds louder, they have lots of settings to help you hear best in various places. That’s why people may be so satisfied in a one-on-one conversation but dissatisfied in a restaurant or on the phone.
It’s not hard to learn to use a hearing aid. But they do take some practice getting used to them.
3. I couldn’t learn how to use my hearing aid by myself
A common misunderstanding about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. If it doesn’t sound good when they leave the office they might get the misconception that this is as good as it gets and choose not to wear the hearing aid.
You may not even understand how complex hearing loss can be. Modern Hearing aids incorporate settings that target many levels and types of hearing loss.
When you are in the office, we will do 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 right after a couple of weeks, talk to us. We can very likely make adjustments or help you better comprehend how the hearing aid works in settings where you’re having trouble.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing out on
Do you recall what a subtle whisper sounds like? What about gentle laughter? How about soft music, singing birds, wind chimes, or the wind? Perhaps you’ve forgotten what it’s like to hear the soft 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 pleasing surprise to suddenly hear these little things that they had forgotten about. Having these sounds restored means the full brilliance of the world around can once again be experienced by people who get hearing aids.
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 likely thought that was uncomfortable. But now, of course, you’re totally comfortable with them. It may take time to become accustomed to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
Our bodies are made to feel discomfort when something seems out of place, such as a hearing aid going into your outer ear. But pretty soon, the body realizes there’s no threat and welcomes the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I hadn’t put off so long to purchase my hearing aid
People who put in the time to get used to their hearing aids would never go back. They wouldn’t give up all the benefits of hearing, and they often regret waiting so long to invest in a hearing aid.
People now wearing them who had trouble at first, say they’re so glad they stuck with it. 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 quit. It’s worth the time and effort. 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 effective way. The adjustment is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.
