Most people are pleased with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid users are pleased with the hearing aid experience when speaking one-on-one, according to a recent survey. When talking about particular activities, 85% were satisfied in a group environment and watching TV, 78% while in the store, and 75% in a restaurant or on the phone.
These are some spectacularly positive figures for a complex device like a hearing aid. But we have to ask, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% experiencing? Why aren’t they as happy with their devices?
Let’s discover the good and the bad things individuals have to say about their hearing aid results. (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 satisfied with it as you’d like to be, we’ll discover what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear revived with a hearing aid often feel reconnected with those around them. Their energy levels are higher. They feel like they can better participate and remain active.
Their inability to hear isn’t as discouraging anymore. Because they don’t have to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less fatigued.
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 only make sounds louder, they have many 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 quite satisfied when in a one-on-one conversation.
It isn’t 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 people may think. People may leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound won’t get any better, which could prompt them not to wear them.
Hearing is more complex than you might recognize. Modern Hearing aids have settings that address many levels and types of hearing loss.
Our qualified hearing specialists will undertake a hearing aid fitting in the office. When you get home, we recommend that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in a variety of settings.
If it still doesn’t sound great after a few weeks, consult us. We can very likely make adjustments or help you better comprehend how the hearing aid works in settings where you’re having difficulty.
4. Without healthy hearing, you forgot what you were missing
Can you recollect what gentle laughter or a soft whisper sounds like? How about soft music, birds singing, wind chimes, or the wind? Perhaps you can’t recall 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 communicate that it’s a nice surprise to suddenly hear these small things that they had forgotten about. It means a great deal to have these sounds restored, it allows them to once more experience the fullness and grandeur of the world around them.
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 most likely thought that was uncomfortable. Now you may prefer to wear them all the time. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take a little time to get used to.
When something like a hearing aid is initially put in your ear canal, your body is designed to initially feel uncomfortable. 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 hadn’t put off so long to get my hearing aid
Individuals would never go back to having hearing loss if they were patient and took the time to get used to them. They usually feel disappointed about waiting so long and they would never give up the advantages of healthy hearing.
Individuals who had patience and preserved were glad that they did. It’s made their life a whole lot more enriched.
Pay attention to improved hearing
Be patient and don’t give up, even if you aren’t yet having the best experience. The effort and time will be worth it. It will become automatic before too long.
Talk to us today about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can usually give you advice on how to get used to your hearing aids faster. Enjoying all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the patients.
The content of this blog is the intellectual property of MedPB.com and is reprinted here with permission.
The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive a personalized free hearing test and hearing loss consultation, call today to set up an appointment.
