Most individuals are happy with their hearing aids: Based upon one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of people who wear hearing aids are pleased 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 grocery store, 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% feeling? Why aren’t they as happy with their devices?
Individuals with hearing aids have some good and some bad things to say about them. (We can easily fix most of the bad stuff and that’s the good news!)
For people who are happy with their hearing aids, this article will make you even happier. If you aren’t as happy with it as wish you were, we’ll investigate what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
There’s frequently a reconnection with friends and loved ones for people who have had their ability to hear restored with hearing aids. Their energy levels are higher. They feel like they can better participate and remain active.
They find their days filled with less discouragement over their failure to hear. Because they don’t have to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less exhausted.
For many individuals, a hearing aid helps them feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. In the beginning, sounds seemed distorted
Contemporary hearing aids are digital. They don’t only make sounds louder, they have lots of settings to help you hear better in a variety of places. Because of this, some people might be dissatisfied when they’re in a loud setting 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 getting used to them will take a bit of practice.
3. I couldn’t learn how to use my hearing aid by myself
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as many people may think. If it doesn’t sound right when they leave the office they may get the misconception that this is as good as it gets and choose not to use the hearing aid.
Hearing is more complex than you might recognize. Hearing aids are developed to manage various types and levels of hearing loss by changing the way sound goes into the ear.
Our experienced hearing specialists will undertake a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly suggested that you practice using your hearing aid by talking with a friend at first.
If it still doesn’t sound right after a couple of weeks, talk to us. We can help you get a better knowledge of how your functions work and we can 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 playful whisper sounds like? How about gentle laughter? What about soft music, singing birds, wind chimes, or the wind? Maybe you can’t remember what kids playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the soft breathing of your significant other.
Many people 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 full magnificence of the world around can once again be experienced by individuals who get hearing aids.
5. Getting used to my new hearing aid took some getting accustomed to.
You most likely weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a toddler. Now you might prefer to use them all the time. It may take time to get used to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
Our bodies are designed to feel uncomfortable 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 invested in my hearing aids sooner
Individuals who put in the time to get used to their hearing aids would not go back. They normally feel disappointed about waiting so long and they would never trade 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.
Focus on improved hearing
Be patient and don’t give up, even if you aren’t yet having the best experience. It’s worth the time and effort. Before long, wearing the hearing aid will become automatic.
Let us know about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can often give you advice on how to get used to your hearing aids faster. Experiencing all that life has to offer with restored hearing is worth the adjustment.