People are becoming self-dependent more than ever before. Does your car need 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 excellent potential to teach and educate yourself on the Internet. Does that mean you’ll never require a specialist ever again?
Not always. Take, for example, your hearing aids. Let’s envision that you develop a need for these handy little devices. Should you run out to Walmart and pick up a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this might make you feel self-sufficient and sound like the easy option, there are a few real downsides. Actually, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and reliable if you come in to get a consultation with us.
What are the symptoms 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 diverse, and far less evident. In many cases, we don’t know what to look for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Some of the most common symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Asking people to repeat themselves: You may often ask people to repeat themselves. This is an indication of hearing loss, even if it feels like the volume is the problem. You should consider whether it’s an issue with your ears if lots of individuals start to sound like their “mumbling”.
- Trouble hearing conversations in loud places: Do you have a difficult time following conversations when you go out to eat with friends or family? This is usually a fairly dependable sign that some degree of hearing loss could be occurring.
- Headaches and tiredness: Your brain frequently has to work overtime as it struggles to process sound. 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 exhaustion.
- Having to constantly turn the volume up: Are you consistently turning the volume up on your television? Well, that’s a sign of hearing loss. This is one of the more apparent ones, but it tends to progress so slowly that it’s often missed.
Obviously, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everybody’s hearing loss experience is unique. But if you are noticing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit us to get a diagnosis.
Why is a diagnosis helpful?
So, you are realizing that you can’t hear as well as you once did. Why not just go to the store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, that would be kind of like purchasing some corrective glasses without knowing your prescription. In the majority of circumstances, it will be essential 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 somebody simply turns the volume knob in your ear. Actually, people tend to lose their hearing in particular frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear get damaged.
And it often goes undetected. The brain is really good at compensating for these things. For this reason, it’s typically necessary to get a hearing assessment. This screening process can help you discover hearing loss you might not even realize you have. This will also help you know which frequencies you’re starting to lose (and be better able to manage your symptoms as a result.)
Benefits of working with a hearing specialist
When you go and buy a hearing aid at the store, you’ll be doing the best you can to match what’s available on the shelf with what you require.
But your hearing aids can be fine-tuned to your particular hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. Your hearing specialist can help you pick the best device for your symptoms and then customize that device specifically for the frequency you need help with.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following benefits:
- When you have problems using or comprehending how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help take you step-by-step through the process and be certain that you comprehend how to get the most out of your devices.
- Certainty, that your device will be comfortable by getting a professional fitting.
- Your hearing specialist can make sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you understand and plan correct upkeep and maintenance.
- Adjusting your hearing aid more successfully is also something your hearing specialist can also help you with. This is crucial to a good experience with your devices.
Without the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will likely be less optimal, even if you do happen to pick the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
In addition, hearing specialists will be able to help you control your hearing loss symptoms. Losing touch with friends and family because of hearing loss will be a lot less likely if you take the right approach. You’ll be able to maintain those connections. And that can be extremely 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. As a matter of fact, it’s just the opposite. The correct hearing aid can improve your independence and self-sufficiency.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, controlling your symptoms, and choosing the correct hearing aids are all things that your hearing specialist will help you do.
In other words, if you think you have hearing loss, it’s time to call us!