Most individuals are happy with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid wearers are pleased with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, based on a recent survey. When talking about particular activities, 85% were satisfied in a group environment and watching TV, 78% while shopping, and 75% in a restaurant or on the phone.
These are some spectacularly positive figures for an intricate device like 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?
People with hearing aids have some good and some bad things to say about them. (The good news, most of the bad things can be easily fixed.)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will help you love it even more. If you aren’t as happy with it as you’d like to be, we’ll explore what to do about it.
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. They have more energy. They participate and stay more active.
Their failure to hear isn’t so discouraging anymore. They feel less exhausted because they don’t have to struggle to understand what people are saying.
People are often happiest when they feel connected to others and their world, and for many wearing a hearing aid makes this possible.
2. They may sound distorted initially
Hearing aids today are digital. They have lots of advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than just making everything louder. That’s why people may 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 getting used to them will take a little practice.
3. I needed help learning how to use my hearing aid
A frequent misconception about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. If it doesn’t sound good when they first get home 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 recognize. 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.
Talk with us if you’re still having difficulty after a couple of weeks. We can very likely make modifications or help you better comprehend how the hearing aid works in environments where you’re having trouble.
4. Without healthy hearing, you forgot what you were missing
Do you remember what a playful whisper sounds like? How about gentle laughter? How about soft music, birds singing, wind chimes, or the wind? Maybe you can’t remember what children playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the soft breathing of your significant other.
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. It means a great deal to have these sounds restored, it allows them to once again experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. It took a while to get used to my hearing aids
You probably weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a toddler. But now, of course, you’re totally comfortable with them. Similarly, a new watch or a new hat might take a bit of time to get accustomed to.
When something like a hearing aid is initially put in your ear canal, your body is designed to initially feel uncomfortable. But within a short time, the body realizes there is no threat and accepts the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to get my hearing aid
Individuals who put in the time to get used to their hearing aids would never go back. They typically regret putting off for so long and they would never trade the advantages of healthy hearing.
People who had patience and preserved were thankful that they did. 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 give up. The effort and the time will be worth it. Soon, using the hearing aid will become automatic.
Talk to us today about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can typically give you tips on how to get used to your hearing aids faster. Enjoying all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the patients.
