The majority of individuals who use hearing aids are pleased with their results: As reported by one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of individuals who wear hearing aids are happy with their experience. 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.
For an advanced device like a hearing aid, these are some amazingly positive results. But we have to ask, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% feeling? Why aren’t they as satisfied with their devices?
Individuals with hearing aids have some good and some bad things to say about them. (The good news, the majority 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’re not as happy with it as wish you were, we’ll discover what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
There’s often a reconnection with friends and loved ones for people who have had their ability to hear revived with hearing aids. Their energy levels are increased. They engage and stay more active.
Their inability to hear isn’t as discouraging anymore. Because they don’t need to work as hard 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. They might sound distorted initially
Hearing aids nowadays are digital. They don’t only make sounds louder, they have lots of settings to help you hear better in various places. Because of this, some individuals may be dissatisfied when they’re in a loud setting like a restaurant or talking on the phone but quite pleased when in a one-on-one conversation.
It isn’t hard to learn to use a hearing aid. But they do take some practice getting used to them.
3. I couldn’t learn how to use my hearing aid by myself
Hearing aids aren’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution as some people may think. People may leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound won’t get any better, which could prompt them not to use them.
You may not even realize how complex hearing loss can be. Hearing aids are developed to address various types and degrees of hearing loss by adjusting how sound goes into the ear.
When you’re in the office, we will perform a complete hearing aid fitting. It’s strongly suggested that you practice using your hearing aid by talking with a friend at first.
If it still doesn’t sound good after a few weeks, consult us. We can likely make modifications or help you better understand 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? What about soft music, singing birds, wind chimes, or the wind? Maybe you’ve forgotten what it’s like to hear the soft breath of a significant other sitting near you or children playing outside.
Many people who get a hearing aid communicate that it’s a pleasing surprise to suddenly hear these small things that they had forgotten about. It means a great deal to have these sounds restored, it lets them once again experience the fullness and grandeur of the world around them.
5. Getting used to my new hearing aid took some getting accustomed to.
When you were a toddler and had to wear shoes for the first time, you probably thought that was awkward. Now you might like 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.
Our bodies are made to feel discomfort when something seems out of place, such as a hearing aid going into your outer ear. Eventually, when the body knows that it’s not threatened, it will become accustomed to and comfortable with the new device.
6. I wish I hadn’t put off so long to purchase my hearing aid
People who put in the time to get used to their hearing aids would not go back. They wouldn’t trade all the advantages of hearing, and they often regret waiting so long to get a hearing aid.
People who were patient and preserved were happy that they did. It’s made their life a great deal more enriched.
Focus on improved hearing
Be patient and don’t quit, even if you’re not yet having the best experience. The effort and the time will be worth it. Soon, using the hearing aid will become automatic.
Let us know about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can typically give you advice on how to adjust to your hearing aids faster. The adjustment is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.