The majority of individuals who wear hearing aids are happy with their results: As reported by one recent survey, when speaking one-on-one, 91% of individuals who use hearing aids are pleased with their results. When speaking about particular activities, 85% were satisfied in a group setting and watching TV, 78% while in the store, 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%. Why aren’t they as happy with their devices?
Individuals with hearing aids have some good and some bad things to convey about them. (The good news, most of the bad things can be easily fixed.)
For people who are happy with their hearing aids, this article will make you even more happy. And for people who are less thrilled, this article should help you tackle your concerns.
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 energy. They feel like they can better engage and remain active.
They find their days filled with less frustration over their failure to hear. They feel less fatigued because they don’t have to work so hard to understand what people are saying.
People are often happiest when they feel connected with others and their world, and for many wearing a hearing aid makes that possible.
2. At first, sounds seemed distorted
Hearing aids nowadays are digital. They have many advanced settings for different hearing environments rather than just making everything louder. That’s why people may be so satisfied in a one-on-one conversation but dissatisfied in a restaurant or on the phone.
It isn’t hard to learn to use a hearing aid. But getting used to them will take some practice.
3. I needed help finding out how to use my hearing aid
A frequent misunderstanding about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. If it doesn’t sound good when they leave the office they may think that this is as good as it gets and decide it’s easier not to wear the hearing aid.
Hearing is more complex than you may realize. Hearing aids are developed to address various types and degrees of hearing loss by changing how sound goes into the ear.
When you’re in the office, we will do a complete 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 great after a couple of weeks, consult us. We can help you have a better comprehension of how your functions work and we can likely do some fine-tuning for you.
4. I had forgotten what I was missing out on without full hearing
Can you recollect what gentle laughter or a delicate 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 gentle breath of a significant other sitting near you or children playing outside.
Hearing these little subtle sounds that were forgotten about is surprisingly pleasing according to many individuals who get hearing aids. It means a great deal to have these sounds restored, it allows them to once again experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. It took a while to get used to my hearing aids
You most likely weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a baby. But now, of course, you’re totally comfortable with them. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take a bit of time to get accustomed to.
When something like a hearing aid is first put in your ear canal, your body is made to initially feel discomfort. But pretty soon, the body realizes there’s no threat and welcomes the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to get my hearing aid
Individuals who made the effort to get used to their hearing aids wouldn’t go back. They wouldn’t give up all the advantages of hearing, and they often regret putting off for so long to get a hearing aid.
Among those now wearing them who had trouble at first, say they’re so happy they stuck with it. Their lives have become so much more enriched.
Focus on improved hearing
Be patient and don’t give up, even if you’re not yet having the ideal experience. The effort and time will be worth it. It will become automatic before too long.
Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, talk to us about it. We can help you adjust your hearing aids in a faster and more efficient way. The patience is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.