Most individuals are happy with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid users are satisfied with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, based on a recent survey. When speaking about specific 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 numbers for a complex device like a hearing aid. But that still leaves us questioning, what’s going on with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. What makes them less satisfied with their hearing devices?
Individuals who use hearing aids have some good and some bad things to convey about them. (The good news, the majority 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 wish you were, we’ll investigate 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 people around them. They have more vitality. They engage and stay more active.
They find their days filled with less frustration over their inability to hear. They feel less tired because they don’t have to struggle to understand what other people are saying.
For many individuals, a hearing aid helps them feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. Initially, sounds seemed distorted
Modern hearing aids are digital. They have many advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than simply making everything louder. Because of this, some individuals might be dissatisfied when they’re in a noisy environment like a restaurant or talking on the phone but quite satisfied when in a one-on-one conversation.
Hearing aids aren’t hard to learn to use. But they do take a little practice getting used to them.
3. I couldn’t find out how to use my hearing aid by myself
A common confusion about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. People might leave the office with the misconception that the sound won’t get any better, which may prompt them not to use them.
You might not even realize how complex hearing loss can be. Modern Hearing aids include settings that target many degrees and types of hearing loss.
When you’re in the office, we will perform a total hearing aid fitting. When you get home, we suggest that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in various settings.
If it still doesn’t sound right after a few weeks, consult us. We can help you have a better comprehension of how your functions work and we can most likely make some fine adjustments for you.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing out on without healthy hearing
Do you recall what a subtle whisper sounds like? What about gentle laughter? How about soft music, birds singing, wind chimes, or the wind? Perhaps you’ve forgotten what it’s like to hear the delicate breath of a significant other sitting close beside you or children playing outside.
Many individuals who get a hearing aid communicate that it’s a pleasing surprise to suddenly hear these little things that they had forgotten about. Having these sounds restored means the whole 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 tot and had to put on shoes for the first time, you likely thought that was uncomfortable. Now you may prefer to use them all the time. It might take time to become accustomed to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
When something like a hearing aid is initially placed in your ear canal, your body is designed to initially feel discomfort. But pretty soon, the body realizes there’s no threat and accepts the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I hadn’t put off so long to invest in my hearing aid
Individuals who took the time to get used to their hearing aids would not go back. They wouldn’t trade all the benefits of hearing, and they often regret putting off for so long to invest in a hearing aid.
People who had patience and preserved were glad that they did. It’s made their life a whole lot more enriched.
Focus on improved hearing
If you’re not having the best experience with your hearing aid, don’t quit. It’s worth the effort and time. It will become automatic before too long.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk to us about it. We can usually offer tips on how to get used to your hearing aids faster. Experiencing all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the patients.