Hearing Aids: What Users Actually Think, and Why You Should Care

Hikers climbing on the mountain, man wearing hearing aids.

The majority of people who use hearing aids are pleased with their experience: Based upon one recent survey, when talking one-on-one, 91% of individuals who use hearing aids are satisfied with their results. When analyzing results with particular activities, 75% were satisfied in a restaurant or on the phone, 78% were satisfied while in the grocery store, and 85% were satisfied watching TV or in a group.

For a sophisticated device like a hearing aid, these are some amazingly positive results. But that still leaves us questioning, what’s happening with the other 25%, 15%, and 9%. What makes them less satisfied with their hearing aid?

Let’s discover the good and the bad things individuals have to say about their hearing aid results. (The good news, the majority of the bad things can be easily fixed.)

If you love your hearing aid, this article will make you love it even more. And for people who are less happy, this article should help you deal with 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 vitality. They participate and stay more active.

Their inability to hear isn’t as frustrating anymore. Because they don’t have to work as hard to hear what people are saying, they feel less fatigued.

For many individuals, a hearing aid allows them to feel more connected to their world and others, which is when they feel happiest.

2. At first, sounds seemed distorted

Hearing aids nowadays are digital. They don’t simply make sounds louder, they have many settings to help you hear better in a variety of places. Because of this, some individuals might be dissatisfied when they’re in a noisy setting like a restaurant or talking on the phone but very pleased when in a one-on-one conversation.

Hearing aids aren’t complicated to learn to use. But getting used to them will take a bit of practice.

3. I couldn’t find out how to use my hearing aid on my own

A frequent misconception about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. If it doesn’t sound good when they first get home they might think that this is as good as it gets and decide it’s easier not to use the hearing aid.

You may not even recognize how complex hearing loss is. Hearing aids are developed to address various types and degrees of hearing loss by adjusting the way sound enters the ear.

Our expert hearing specialists will complete a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly recommended 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, talk to us. We can help you get a better understanding of how your functions work and we can most likely make some fine adjustments for you.

4. Without full hearing, you forgot what you were missing

Can you recall what gentle laughter or a delicate whisper sounds like? How about the wind, wind chimes, singing birds, or soft music? Perhaps you can’t recall what kids playing sounds like, or you’ve forgotten the sound of the delicate breathing of your significant other.

Many people who get a hearing aid share that it’s a nice surprise to suddenly hear these little things that they had forgotten about. It means a great deal to have these sounds restored, it allows them to once more 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 tot and had to put on shoes for the first time, you probably thought that was uncomfortable. But now, of course, you’re completely comfortable with them. In a similar way, a new watch or a new hat might take a little time to get accustomed to.

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 recognizes 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 put in the time to get used to their hearing aids wouldn’t 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 had patience and preserved were glad that they did. Their lives have become a great deal more enriched.

Pay attention to improved hearing

If you’re not having the ideal experience with your hearing aid, don’t quit. The effort and time will be worth it. It will become automatic before too long.

Whatever you’re experiencing with your hearing aid today, consult us about it. We can typically offer tips on how to adjust to your hearing aids faster. Enjoying all that life has to provide with restored hearing is worth the adjustment.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.

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