The majority of individuals who wear hearing aids are happy with their results: 91% of hearing aid users are satisfied with the hearing aid experience when speaking one-on-one, based on a recent survey. 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 dramatically positive numbers for a complex device like a hearing aid. But that still leaves us questioning, what’s happening with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. What makes them less satisfied with their hearing aid?
Let’s examine the good and the bad things people have to say about their hearing aid results. (The good news, the majority of the bad things can be easily fixed.)
For people who are happy with their hearing aids, this article will make you even happier. If you aren’t as satisfied with it as you’d like to be, we’ll discover what to do about it.
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. Their energy levels are increased. They feel like they can better engage and remain active.
They find their days filled with less discouragement over their inability to hear. Because they don’t need to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less fatigued.
For many people, a hearing aid helps them feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. At first, sounds seemed distorted
Hearing aids nowadays are digital. They have many advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than simply 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 difficult to learn to use. But they do take some practice getting used to them.
3. I needed assistance learning how to use my hearing aid
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as many people might presume. People might leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound can’t get any better, which could prompt them not to wear them.
You may not even understand how complex hearing loss is. Hearing aids are designed to address various types and degrees of hearing loss by transforming the way sound enters the ear.
Our experienced hearing specialists will undertake a hearing aid fitting in the office. When you get home, we suggest that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in a variety of settings.
Consult with us if you’re still having trouble after a couple of weeks. We can likely make modifications or help you better comprehend how the hearing aid works in environments where you’re having difficulty.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing out on
Can you recollect what gentle laughter or a soft whisper sounds like? How about the wind, wind chimes, birds singing, or quiet music? Maybe you’ve forgotten how it makes you feel to hear the gentle breath of a significant other sitting close beside you or children playing outside.
Hearing these little discreet sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasing according to many individuals who get hearing aids. 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 used to.
When you were a tot and had to put on shoes for the first time, you most likely thought that was uncomfortable. But now, of course, you’re totally comfortable with them. 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 discomfort 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 waited so long to invest in my hearing aid
People who made the effort to get used to their hearing aids would not go back. They typically feel disappointed about putting off for so long and they would never trade the benefits of being able to hear.
People who were patient and preserved were happy that they did. It’s made their life a whole lot more enriched.
Pay attention to improved hearing
Be patient and don’t give up, even if you aren’t yet having the best experience. The effort and time will be worth it. Before long, using the hearing aid will become automatic.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk with us about it. We can typically give you advice on how to get used to your hearing aids faster. The adjustment is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.
