Hearing Aids: What Users Really 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: 91% of hearing aid wearers are pleased with the hearing aid experience when talking one-on-one, according to 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 spectacularly positive figures for an intricate device such as a hearing aid. But we have to question, what are the other 9%, 15%, and 25% experiencing? What makes them less satisfied with their hearing devices?

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

If you love your hearing aid, this article will make 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

There’s frequently a reconnection with friends and loved ones for individuals who have had their ability to hear restored with hearing aids. Their energy levels are increased. They engage and stay more active.

They find their days filled with less frustration over their failure to hear. They feel less exhausted because they don’t have to work so hard to understand what people are saying.

For many people, a hearing aid allows them to 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 simply make sounds louder, they have lots of settings to help you hear better in a variety of 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 difficult to learn to use a hearing aid. But they do take a little practice getting used to them.

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

A frequent misunderstanding about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. People may leave the office with the misunderstanding that the sound can’t get any better, which may prompt them not to use them.

You might not even recognize how complex hearing loss can be. Hearing aids are developed to manage various types and levels of hearing loss by changing how sound enters the ear.

Our skilled hearing specialists will perform a hearing aid fitting in the office. It’s strongly recommended that you practice using your hearing aid by chatting with a friend at first.

If it still doesn’t sound good after a couple of weeks, talk to us. We can help you have a better comprehension of how your settings work and we can most likely make some fine adjustments for you.

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

Can you recall what gentle laughter or a delicate whisper sounds like? How 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 soft breathing of your significant other.

Many people who get a hearing aid communicate that it’s a nice surprise to suddenly hear these small things that they had forgotten about. Having these sounds restored means the full magnificence of the world around can once again be experienced by people who get hearing aids.

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 likely thought that was uncomfortable. But now, of course, you’re completely comfortable with them. Similarly, a new watch or a new hat might take a little time to get used to.

Our bodies are made to feel discomfort when something seems out of place, like a hearing aid going into your outer ear. But pretty soon, the body recognizes 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 put in 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 thankful that they did. It’s made their life so much more enriched.

Focus on improved hearing

Be patient and don’t give up, even if you’re not yet having the best experience. The effort and the time will be worth it. Before long, using the hearing aid will become second nature.

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 offer 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.