The majority of individuals who wear hearing aids are satisfied with their experience: 91% of hearing aid users are happy with the hearing aid experience when speaking one-on-one, as reported by a recent survey. When speaking about particular activities, 85% were satisfied in a group environment and watching TV, 78% while in the store, and 75% in a restaurant or on the phone.
These are some wonderfully positive figures 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%. Why aren’t they as satisfied with their devices?
Let’s examine the good and the bad things people have to say about their hearing aid experience. (We can easily fix the majority of the bad stuff and that’s the good news!)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will make you love it even more. And for individuals who are less excited, this article should help you address your concerns.
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 increased. They feel like they can better participate and stay active.
They find their days filled with less frustration over their inability to hear. Because they don’t have to struggle to hear what people are saying, they feel less tired.
For many people, 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
Hearing aids nowadays are digital. They have lots of 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.
It’s not hard to learn to use a hearing aid. 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
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as many people may think. People might leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound won’t get any better, which may prompt them not to wear them.
You may not even realize how complex hearing loss is. Hearing aids are developed to address various types and levels of hearing loss by changing how sound goes into the ear.
When you are in the office, we will do a thorough hearing aid fitting. When you get home, we recommend that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in a variety of settings.
If it still doesn’t sound right after a few weeks, consult us. We can help you get a better knowledge of how your settings work and we can likely make some fine adjustments for you.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing out on
Do you recall what a subtle 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 delicate breathing of your significant other.
Hearing these little subtle sounds that were forgotten about is unexpectedly pleasing according to many people who get hearing aids. It means so much to have these sounds restored, it lets them once again experience the fullness and grandeur of the world around them.
5. It took a while to get accustomed to my hearing aids
You likely weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a baby. Now you may choose to wear them all the time. It may take time to become accustomed to a new hat or a new watch, in a similar way.
When something like a hearing aid is first placed in your ear canal, your body is designed to initially feel uncomfortable. But pretty soon, the body realizes there is no threat and accepts the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I would have purchased my hearing aids sooner
People would never go back to having hearing loss if they were patient and took the time to become accustomed to them. They wouldn’t trade all the benefits of hearing, and they frequently regret waiting so long to invest in a hearing aid.
People now wearing them who struggled initially, say they’re so happy they stuck with it. It’s made their life a great deal 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 time and effort. It will become second nature before too long.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk with us about it. We can help you fine-tune your hearing aids in a faster and more effective way. The adjustment is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.