The majority of people who wear hearing aids are pleased with their results: Based upon one recent survey, when speaking one-on-one, 91% of individuals who use hearing aids are happy with their results. When breaking down results with particular 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 spectacularly positive numbers 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 satisfied with their hearing devices?
People who use hearing aids have some good and some bad things to convey about them. (We can easily fix most of the bad stuff and that’s the good news!)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will help you love it even more. If you’re not as happy with it as wish you were, we’ll discover what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear restored with a hearing aid frequently feel reconnected with individuals around them. They have more vitality. They feel like they can better engage and stay active.
Their failure to hear isn’t as frustrating anymore. Because they don’t have to struggle to hear what people are saying, they feel less fatigued.
People are often happiest when they feel connected with others and their world, and for many wearing a hearing aid makes this possible.
2. At first, sounds seemed distorted
Modern hearing aids are digital. They don’t only 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 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 on my own
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as many people might presume. If it doesn’t sound great when they leave the office they might think 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 is. Modern Hearing aids include settings that target many degrees and types of hearing loss.
When you are in the office, we will perform a thorough hearing aid fitting. It’s strongly recommended that you practice using your hearing aid by chatting with a friend at first.
If it still doesn’t sound great after a couple of weeks, consult us. We can likely make adjustments or help you better understand how the hearing aid works in settings where you’re having difficulty.
4. Without healthy hearing, you forgot what you were missing out on
Do you recall what a subtle whisper sounds like? What about gentle laughter? What about the wind, wind chimes, singing birds, or quiet music? Maybe you’ve forgotten what it’s like to hear the soft breath of a significant other sitting close beside you or youngsters playing outside.
Hearing these little subtle sounds that were forgotten about is unexpectedly pleasing according to many people who get hearing aids. It means a great deal to have these sounds restored, it allows them to again experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. It took a while to get used to my hearing aids
When you were a tot and had to put on shoes for the first time, you probably thought that was awkward. Now you might prefer to wear them all the time. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take some time to get accustomed to.
Our bodies are designed to feel uncomfortable when something seems out of place, like a hearing aid going into your outer ear. 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 hadn’t put off so long to invest in my hearing aid
People who took the time to get used to their hearing aids wouldn’t go back. They wouldn’t trade all the benefits of hearing, and they frequently regret putting off for so long to invest in a hearing aid.
People who were patient and stuck with it were glad that they did. Their lives have become a great deal more enriched.
Focus on improved hearing
If you’re not having the ideal experience with your hearing aid, don’t quit. The effort and the time will be worth it. Soon, using the hearing aid will become automatic.
Let us know about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can help you adjust your hearing aids in a faster and more effective way. Enjoying all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the adjustment.