The majority of people who use hearing aids are pleased with their results: Based upon one recent survey, when talking 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 supermarket, and 85% were satisfied watching TV or in a group.
For an advanced device like a hearing aid, these are some incredibly positive results. But we have to question, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% experiencing? Why aren’t they as happy with their devices?
Let’s examine the good and the bad things individuals have to say about their hearing aid results. (The good news, the majority of the bad things can be easily fixed.)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will make you love it even more. And for people who are less thrilled, this article should help you deal with your concerns.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear revived with a hearing aid frequently feel reconnected with individuals around them. They have more vitality. They engage and stay more active.
Their failure to hear isn’t as frustrating anymore. Because they don’t have to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less tired.
People are typically happiest when they feel connected with other people and their world, and for many using a hearing aid makes that possible.
2. In the beginning, sounds seemed distorted
Modern hearing aids are digital. They have many 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.
Hearing aids aren’t hard to learn to use. But getting used to them will take a little practice.
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 might think. People may leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound won’t get any better, which may prompt them not to use them.
Hearing is more complex than you may recognize. Hearing aids are designed to manage various types and degrees of hearing loss by transforming the way sound goes into the ear.
Our expert hearing specialists will undertake a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly advised that you practice using your hearing aid by chatting with a friend initially.
Consult with us if you’re still having difficulty after a couple of weeks. We can help you get a better knowledge of how your functions work and we can most likely make some fine adjustments for you.
4. Without healthy hearing, you forgot what you were missing out on
Do you remember what a subtle whisper sounds like? How about gentle laughter? How about soft music, singing birds, wind chimes, or the wind? Maybe you can’t remember what children playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the delicate breathing of your significant other.
Hearing these little subtle sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasing 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 individuals who get hearing aids.
5. It took a while to get accustomed to my hearing aids
When you were a toddler and had to wear shoes for the first time, you most likely thought that was awkward. But now, of course, you’re completely comfortable with them. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take a little time to get accustomed to.
Our bodies are made to feel discomfort when something feels out of place, like a hearing aid going into your outer ear. Eventually, when the body knows 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
People would never go back to having hearing loss if they were persistent and took the time to get used to them. They wouldn’t give up all the advantages of hearing, and they often regret waiting so long to get a hearing aid.
People now wearing them who had trouble at first, say they’re so glad they persevered. Their lives have become a great deal more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the focus
If you aren’t having the ideal experience with your hearing aid, don’t give up. The effort and time will be worth it. Soon, using the hearing aid will become automatic.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk to us about it. We can help you fine-tune your hearing aids in a faster and more effective way. Experiencing all that life has to provide with restored hearing is worth the patients.