Most people are pleased with their hearing aids: 91% of hearing aid users are pleased with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, as reported by a recent survey. When speaking about specific 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 dramatically positive figures for a complex device such as 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 devices?
Let’s discover the good and the bad things people have to say about their hearing aid experience. (The good news, most of the bad things can be easily fixed.)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will make you love it even more. If you aren’t as satisfied with it as wish you were, we’ll explore what to do about it.
1. I feel more connected
People who have had their ability to hear revived with a hearing aid often feel reconnected with those around them. They have more vitality. They engage and stay more active.
Their inability to hear isn’t as frustrating anymore. They feel less tired because they don’t have to work so hard to understand what people are saying.
For many people, a hearing aid helps them feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.
2. They may sound distorted initially
Modern hearing aids are digital. They don’t only make sounds louder, they have lots of settings to help you hear best in various places. That’s why people may 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 some practice getting used to them.
3. I couldn’t learn how to use my hearing aid by myself
A frequent confusion about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. 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 may know. Hearing aids are designed to target numerous types and levels of hearing loss by changing how sound enters the ear.
When you’re in the office, we will do a total hearing aid fitting. When you get home, we highly recommend that you practice using your hearing aid with a friend in various settings.
Talk with us if you’re still having trouble after a couple of weeks. We can probably make modifications or help you better comprehend how the hearing aid works in settings where you’re having difficulty.
4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing
Can you recollect what gentle laughter or a soft whisper sounds like? What about soft music, birds singing, wind chimes, or the wind? Perhaps you can’t recollect what children playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the gentle breathing of your significant other.
Hearing these little discreet sounds that were forgotten about is unexpectedly pleasing according to many individuals who get hearing aids. Having these sounds restored means the full brilliance of the world around can once again be experienced by people who get hearing aids.
5. It took some time to get used to my hearing aids
When you were a tot and had to wear shoes for the first time, you likely thought that was awkward. 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 made to feel uncomfortable when something seems out of place, like a hearing aid going into your outer ear. But pretty soon, the body realizes there is no threat and welcomes the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I would have purchased my hearing aids sooner
People who took the time to get used to their hearing aids would not go back. They wouldn’t give up all the benefits of hearing, and they frequently regret waiting so long to invest in a hearing aid.
People who were patient and stuck with it were happy that they did. It’s made their life a whole lot more enriched.
Improved hearing should be the focus
If you aren’t having the ideal experience with your hearing aid, don’t quit. It’s worth the effort and time. Soon, using the hearing aid will become automatic.
Talk to us today about what you’re experiencing with your hearing aids. We can help you fine-tune your hearing aids in a faster and more efficient way. Enjoying all that life has to provide with restored hearing is worth the patients.