Individuals are becoming self-reliant more than they ever did. Does your car require some repairs? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? Again with the YouTube. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
Anything you want to learn, you can find, and there’s great potential to teach and train yourself on the Internet. Does that mean you’ll never need a specialist ever again?
Well, not exactly. Hearing aids are a practical example. Imagine if you notice some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these practical little devices. Should you race out to Walmart and pick up a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this may make you feel self-sufficient and sound like the convenient solution, there are a few real downsides. Actually, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and effective if you come in to get a consultation with us.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
You might think that hearing loss symptoms are fairly self-evident. Things get harder to hear, right? Well, yes, but the symptoms of hearing loss can be much more variable, and much less apparent. In many cases, we are unaware of what to watch out for and we miss the symptoms of hearing loss.
Here are a few of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- Headaches and tiredness: Typically, when you have hearing loss, your brain struggles to keep up. It’s having to work extra hard to process information, it’s like squinting constantly, but with your ears. Exhaustion and chronic headaches can be the result.
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You’re frequently needing people to repeat what they said. Even if it seems as if people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the problem. You should consider whether it’s an issue with your ears if lots of individuals start to sound like their “mumbling”.
- Having a hard time hearing when it’s loud: When you’re out at dinner with friends and family, you have a tough time following along with conversations. You should definitely pay attention if you detect this symptom because it’s a fairly strong sign of hearing loss.
- The continual need to turn the volume up: Is the volume on your television constantly going up? Well, there’s your first common sign. This is one of the more evident ones, but it tends to progress so gradually that it’s frequently missed.
Naturally, these symptoms aren’t necessarily the only symptoms of hearing loss. Everybody’s hearing loss experience is distinctive. But you should definitely come see us for a consultation if you are noticing any of these symptoms.
Can a diagnosis be useful?
So, you are recognizing that you can’t hear as well as you used to. Maybe you should run out to your local box-store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, would you go out and purchase prescription glasses without getting an eye exam? In most situations, it will be essential to have a detailed understanding of the precise nature of your condition.
Everybody’s experience of hearing loss is unique and complex. It’s not like somebody just turns the volume knob in your ear. Instead, as stereocilia in your ear become damaged, you usually lose your hearing in parts at a time, that is, you normally lose the ability to hear high-frequency or low-frequency sounds first.
And most individuals don’t even notice it. The brain is really good at compensating for these things. For this reason, it’s usually necessary to get a hearing exam. This screening process can help you expose hearing loss you might not even know you have. You’ll also have the opportunity to properly diagnose which frequencies are fading the fastest (and as a result, you will be in a better position to control symptoms.)
Visiting a hearing specialist has its benefits
Matching your hearing needs to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll have to do by yourself if you decide on over-the-counter hearing aids.
But your hearing aids can be fine-tuned to your particular hearing needs if you go to a hearing specialist. We will help you select the ideal device for your requirements and we will calibrate it to boost the particular frequency that you’re having difficulty hearing.
Here are a few other advantages to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Your hearing specialist can ensure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you understand and plan proper upkeep and maintenance.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you figure out how to program your hearing aid effectively. This is crucial to a quality experience with your devices.
- Your hearing specialist can help you understand how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having difficulty understanding how to best utilize them.
- Confidence, that your device will be comfortable by getting a custom fitting.
Even if you get lucky enough to pick the best hearing aids for you, if don’t have the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing experience will most likely be less than optimal.
Also, hearing specialists will be able to help you manage your hearing loss symptoms. With the correct approach, you’ll be a lot less likely to lose friends or become distant with family because of your hearing loss symptoms. You’ll be able to keep those relationships. And for the majority of individuals, that’s one of the most important parts of life.
Not everything has to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient simply because you require some help with hearing aids. Quite the opposite, actually. The correct hearing aid can increase your independence and self-sufficiency.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, control your symptoms, and select the right device for your needs.
So call us so that we can help you address your hearing loss.