The majority of people who use hearing aids are satisfied with their experience: 91% of hearing aid wearers are happy with the hearing aid experience when speaking one-on-one, as reported by a recent survey. When talking 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.
For a sophisticated device like a hearing aid, these are some extremely positive results. But we have to ask, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% feeling? What makes them less satisfied with their hearing aid?
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 stuff can be easily fixed.)
If you love your hearing aid, this article will help you love it even more. If you’re not 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 restored with a hearing aid frequently feel reconnected with those around them. They have more energy. They feel like they can better engage and stay active.
They find their days filled with less frustration over their inability to hear. Because they don’t have to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less fatigued.
People are typically happiest when they feel connected with others and their world, and for many wearing a hearing aid makes this possible.
2. At first, sounds seemed distorted
Hearing aids today are digital. They don’t just make sounds louder, they have lots of settings to help you hear best in a variety of places. Because of this, some people might be dissatisfied when they’re in a noisy environment like a restaurant or talking on the phone but really satisfied when in a one-on-one conversation.
Hearing aids aren’t difficult to learn to use. But they do take some practice getting used to them.
3. I needed assistance finding out how to use my hearing aid
A common misunderstanding about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. People might leave the office with the misconception that the sound won’t get any better, which could prompt them not to wear them.
Hearing is more complex than you may know. Hearing aids are designed to manage various types and degrees of hearing loss by changing how sound enters the ear.
When you are in the office, we will do a total 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 great after a couple of weeks, talk to 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 without full hearing
Do you recall what a subtle whisper sounds like? How about gentle laughter? What about soft music, singing birds, wind chimes, or the wind? Maybe you can’t remember what children playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the gentle breathing of your significant other.
Many people who get a hearing aid communicate that it’s a pleasing surprise to suddenly hear these little things that they had forgotten about. It means a whole lot to have these sounds restored, it lets them again experience the fullness and magnificence of the world around them.
5. It took a while to get used to my hearing aids
You likely weren’t at first comfortable with your first pair of shoes when you were a toddler. Now you might like to use them all the time. Similarly, a new watch or a new hat might take a bit of time to get used to.
Our bodies are made to feel uncomfortable when something feels out of place, like a hearing aid going into your outer ear. But pretty soon, the body realizes there’s no threat and welcomes the device as an extension of the body.
6. I wish I would have purchased my hearing aids sooner
Individuals who made the effort to get used to their hearing aids would not go back. They normally regret putting off for so long and they would never trade the advantages of being able to hear.
People who had patience and stuck with it were glad that they did. It’s made their life so much more enriched.
Pay attention to improved hearing
Be patient and don’t give up, even if you’re not yet having the best experience. The effort and time will be worth it. It will become automatic before too long.
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 patience is worth it when you get the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.