Individuals are becoming self-reliant more than they ever did. Want to fix up your car? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? Again with the YouTube. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
You can find any information you might want to learn and self-learning has never been more available. So the real question is, are we done needing experts?
Not always. Take, for example, your hearing aids. Imagine if you notice some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these helpful little devices. Should you race out to Walmart and get a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds nice and easy (and gives you the illusion of self-sufficiency), but there are a few substantial drawbacks. Actually, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and effective if you come in to get a consultation with us.
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 presentations of hearing loss can be a lot more variable, and far less obvious. In many instances, we are unaware of what to look for and we miss the symptoms of hearing loss.
Here are some of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You’re often needing people to repeat what they said. This is a sign of hearing loss, even if it seems like the volume is the issue. If you start to encounter a great many individuals who “mumble,” it may be your ears that are the issue.
- Headaches and tiredness: Your brain often has to work extra hard as it struggles to process sound. It’s like you’re constantly squinting with your ears as your brain works extra hard attempting to process sound. Fatigue and chronic headaches can be the result.
- Having to constantly crank up the volume: Are you always turning up the volume on your television? Well, there’s your first common sign. This is one of the more obvious ones, but it tends to progress so gradually that it’s often missed.
- Having a difficult time hearing when it’s noisy: Do you have a difficult time keeping up with conversations when you go out to dinner with friends or family? You should certainly pay attention if you observe this symptom because it’s a rather powerful indication of hearing loss.
Obviously, there are other signs of hearing loss besides these. Everyone’s hearing loss experience is unique. But you should certainly come see us for a consultation if you are detecting any of these symptoms.
Can a diagnosis be helpful?
So, you have hearing loss symptoms. Perhaps you should run out to your local box-store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, would you go out and purchase prescription glasses without getting an eye exam? It might work in some cases. But knowing more about your condition is absolutely essential.
Everyone’s experience of hearing loss is unique and complex. It’s not like someone simply turns the volume knob in your ear. Actually, individuals tend to lose their hearing in particular frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear get damaged.
And it frequently goes unnoticed. The brain is quite good at compensating for these things. For this reason, it’s typically necessary to get a hearing examination. You might not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing examination can uncover any you might have. You’ll also have the chance to properly diagnose which frequencies are fading the quickest (and be better capable of managing your symptoms as a result.)
Seeing a hearing specialist has its benefits
Matching your hearing requirements to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll have to do by yourself if you go with over-the-counter hearing aids.
But your hearing aids can be calibrated to your specific 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 particular frequency that you’re having trouble hearing.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following benefits:
- Your hearing specialist can also help you figure out how to adjust your hearing aid effectively. This is critical to a quality experience with your devices.
- Your hearing specialist can help you comprehend how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having trouble understanding how to best utilize them.
- Certainty, that your device will be comfortable by getting a professional fitting.
- Your hearing specialist can help you plan the necessary maintenance for your hearing aid, making sure that your devices last for as long as possible.
Without the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will likely be less ideal, even if you do happen to pick the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
You will also be better able to manage your hearing loss symptoms with the assistance of a hearing specialist. Feeling isolated from friends and family because of hearing loss will be a great deal less likely if you take the right approach. You’ll be able to keep those relationships. And for the majority of people, that’s one of the most worthwhile parts of life.
Everything doesn’t always have to be DIY
Getting help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are somehow less self-sufficient. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be increased by using the correct hearing aids.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, controlling your symptoms, and picking out the right hearing aids are all things that your hearing specialist will help you do.
In other words, if you suspect you have hearing loss, it’s time to give us a call!