What happy hearing aid users know

People who are satisfied with their hearing aids will tell you that they can provide a life-changing experience. Wearing hearing aids makes it possible to stay connected with loved ones, engage in conversations that make life meaningful and fully experience the world. That said, it’s not uncommon to hear people talk about disappointing experiences with hearing aids. But what makes people’s opinions so different? 

There are a number of factors that can influence the satisfaction you get from your hearing aids. But if you’re not aware of them, life with hearing aids might not live up to your hopes and expectations. 

Some of the most frequently mentioned benefits of hearing aids among happy hearing aid users include reconnecting with loved ones and enjoying everyday sounds like music or nature. Those might seem like simple things, but they have the power to boost mental well-being by reducing social isolation and anxiety¹.

Better interpersonal communication fosters stronger relationships at home and out in the broader world; hearing aids’ positive effects can even include enhanced job performance and increased earning potential. Studies have also indicated that they can help slow the development of dementia and support better cognitive function².

There are some common questions (and answers) about the effects of not wearing hearing aids:

• Can not wearing hearing aids cause dizziness? Yes. Studies show that untreated hearing loss can affect balance⁴, leading to instability.
• Can not wearing hearing aids make hearing and understanding speech worse? Yes. Untreated hearing loss may cause cause auditory deprivation⁵, which is where your brain struggles to process sound due to lack of stimulation. In short, your understanding of speech will only continue to get worse over time if your hearing loss is not addressed. 
• Is there a link between hearing loss and dementia? Yes. Research shows hearing loss increases the risk of dementia in older adults⁶.

Knowing the potential of what hearing aids can do for you, let’s take a look at some tips from happy hearing aid wearers about navigating the process of getting and using hearing aids. 

It all starts with exploring your options. But with so many types of hearing aids on the market, the choice can feel overwhelming—especially if you’ve never worn them before. So how do you shop smart? Start by defining your needs and what’s important to you, based on this list of factors:

• Hearing needs: See a hearing care professional (HCP) and get a professional hearing test—which can be done for free at Miracle-Ear—is the first step in finding the right hearing aid. Your HCP will analyze the results of your test to understand which of the many available hearing aids could help your unique hearing the most. 
• Budget: Take a look at your finances to estimate what you can comfortably afford, and think about whether you want to pay all at once or use a payment plan. The good news is that hearing aids are available at a range of price points. 
• Value vs. cost: Consider what you’re getting for the price of hearing aids—and whether all costs are presented up front. Some of the lowest-priced devices on the market are personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), which do not actually qualify as hearing aids and amplify all sounds—including background noise. Some hearing aids include lifetime care and maintenance, ongoing hearing tests and more services, while with other models, those are future add-on costs you need to estimate and factor in. 
• Personal preferences: Hearing aids come in various styles, sizes and colors. Think about whether you’d like a discreet option or don’t mind something slightly more visible. You might also want to try on a couple of different styles in person to see how they feel in your ears. Choose a model that suits both your comfort and aesthetic preferences.
• Lifestyle needs: Think about where and how you’ll use your hearing aids. Do you sing in a choir? Attend a lot of meetings for work? Spend a lot of time outdoors? If you’re frequently moving between varied sound environments, look for options that can adapt to changes with a variety of programs (or automated adaptations), advanced noise-filtering or directional microphones. Active users may also want to consider waterproof designs.

Getting comfortable with hearing aids takes time, but once you’ve made it over the initial hurdle, continuing to wear them appropriately will make a major difference in improving your experience. Follow these tips on how to use hearing aids correctly:

• Use hearing aids consistently: Wear your hearing aids daily to help your brain re-adapt to understanding the signals from your inner ear and interpreting sounds. Consistency is key to fully adjusting.
• Adapt to different environments: Practice using your hearing aids in various settings, like noisy places or quiet rooms, to better understand how they function in the real world. Take notes about your experiences in different sound environments.
• Fine-tune with your HCP’s help: Attend follow-up appointments with your HCP and bring your notes about different sound environments. Together, you can make adjustments that improve your listening experience.
• Try out features: Use built-in features and custom noise settings for clearer sound in public places, or Bluetooth streaming for clearer sound when talking on the phone.
• Use accessories and apps: Accessories like remote microphones, audio clips and TV streamers—and the Miracle-Ear App—can enhance your hearing experience, providing greater control and customization.

Happy hearing aid users know the important role that maintenance plays in making the most of their devices. Caring for your hearing aids keeps them working effectively for the longest time possible. Proper hearing aid care includes regular cleaning and replacing certain parts (such as wax guards, tubing or domes) as they wear out. Set a hearing aid maintenance routine for yourself—many people like to do it right before bed or first thing in the morning—to make it easier to stick to it. You’ll  also want to bring them to your HCP for a closer look or a tune-up every so often as part of your maintenance schedule. Regular check-ups and maintenance are included in your hearing aid purchase as part of the Miracle-Ear Advantage.

Not everyone is eager to wear hearing aids—some may have heard about others’ negative experiences or hold misconceptions. If you’re wondering how to convince someone to wear a hearing aid, it’s important to approach their concerns with honesty and empathy. Seek out someone who has experienced hearing loss and the positive effects of hearing aids firsthand, or if you’ve overcome challenges yourself, consider sharing real-life stories and having a frank conversation about the ups and downs. Let them make decisions in their own time, but let them know that they’re not alone if they have questions or doubts. With the right understanding and support, they might just take the step toward better hearing and a higher quality of life.