Individuals are becoming self-reliant more than they ever did. Want to remodel your kitchen? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? Again with the YouTube. Attempting to learn cursive writing? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
Anything you want to learn, you can find, and there’s excellent potential to teach and train yourself on the Internet. Does that mean you’ll never require a specialist ever again?
Not always. Hearing aids are a good example. Let’s picture that you develop a need for these handy little devices. Does that mean you should just go out to the local pharmacy and grab a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this may make you feel self-sufficient and sound like the convenient option, there are some real downsides. In fact, going to see a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more reliable and more comfortable.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
The symptoms of hearing loss might appear to be clear-cut, even obvious. Things get harder to hear, right? Well, yes, but the symptoms of hearing loss can be much more diverse, and far less apparent. In many cases, we don’t know what to look for and we miss the symptoms of hearing loss.
Some of the most common symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Needing people to repeat what they just said: You’re frequently needing people to repeat what they said. Even if you feel like people are talking 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 to constantly crank up the volume: Are you always turning the volume up on your television? Well, there’s your first common sign. This one is often missed because it progresses slowly over a long time period.
- Headaches and exhaustion: Typically, when you have hearing loss, your brain struggles to keep up. It’s like you’re continuously squinting with your ears as your brain works overtime attempting to process sound. This can lead to chronic headaches and fatigue.
- Having a tough time hearing when it’s loud: Do you have a difficult time keeping up with conversations when you go out to eat with friends or family? You should certainly pay attention if you detect this symptom because it’s a rather powerful sign of hearing loss.
Naturally, these symptoms aren’t always the only symptoms of hearing loss. Everyone’s experience will be somewhat different. But you should absolutely come see us for a consultation if you are noticing any of these symptoms.
Why is a diagnosis useful?
So, you are recognizing that you can’t hear as well as you used to. Why not just go to the store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, would you go out and purchase prescription glasses without getting an eye exam? In the majority of circumstances, it will be crucial to have a detailed understanding of the precise nature of your condition.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex issue. It’s not like the volume in your ear is simply turned down. Actually, individuals tend to lose their hearing in particular frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear become damaged.
And it frequently goes undetected. Compensating for these types of changes is something that the brain is quite good at. That’s why a hearing exam is typically necessary. This screening process can help you discover hearing loss you might not even realize you have. This will also help you understand which frequencies you’re starting to lose (and be better able to manage your symptoms because of this.)
Advantages of going to a hearing specialist
Matching your hearing requirements to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll need to do on your own if you go with over-the-counter hearing aids.
But your hearing aids can be calibrated to your particular hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. We will help you select the ideal device for your requirements and we will calibrate it to boost the specific frequency that you’re having difficulty hearing.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following advantages:
- Your hearing specialist can help you set up the appropriate maintenance for your hearing aid, ensuring that your devices last for as long as possible.
- Certainty, that your device will be comfortable by getting a custom fitting.
- When you have trouble using or comprehending how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help walk you through the process and be certain that you understand how to get the most out of your devices.
- Programing your hearing aid more effectively is also something your hearing specialist can also assist you with. In order to get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
Even if you get lucky enough to pick the best hearing aids for you, if don’t have the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing experience will probably be less than optimal.
Also, hearing specialists will be able to help you manage your hearing loss symptoms. Losing touch with friends and family due to hearing loss will be a great deal less likely if you take the right approach. Those relationships will be preserved. And that can be incredibly important.
Everything doesn’t always need to be DIY
Getting help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are in some way less self-sufficient. Quite the opposite, actually. The right hearing aid can improve your independence and self-sufficiency.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, control your symptoms, and select the correct device for your needs.
In other words, if you suspect you have hearing loss, it’s time to give us a call!