Individuals are more self-reliant than ever. Want to fix up your car? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? YouTube video. Trying 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 educate yourself on the Internet. So the real question is, are we finished needing experts?
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 run out to Walmart and pick up a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds fairly effortless (and gives you the illusion of self-sufficiency), but there are a few significant drawbacks. In reality, 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 pretty self-evident. Things get harder to hear, right? Well, yes, but the presentations of hearing loss can be much more variable, and much less evident. Certainly, individuals often miss the signs of hearing loss because they’re unsure about what to look for.
Here are a few of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- The constant need to turn the volume up: Are you constantly turning the volume up on your television? Well, there’s your first common symptom. This is one of the more obvious ones, but it tends to develop so slowly that it’s often missed.
- Having a tough time hearing when it’s loud: Do you have a tough time following conversations when you go out to eat with friends or family? You should definitely pay attention if you notice this symptom because it’s a fairly powerful indication of hearing loss.
- Headaches and tiredness: Your brain frequently has to work extra hard as it struggles to process sound. It’s having to work much harder to process information, it’s like squinting constantly, but with your ears. Exhaustion and chronic headaches can be the consequence.
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You’re frequently needing people to repeat what they said. Even if it seems like people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. You should consider whether it’s an issue with your ears if lots of individuals start to sound like their “mumbling”.
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.
Can a diagnosis be helpful?
So, you are realizing that you are unable to hear as well as you used to. Why not just go to the store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, that would be kind of like purchasing some corrective glasses without knowing your prescription. It might work in some cases. But knowing more about your condition is definitely essential.
Everyone’s experience of hearing loss is distinct and complex. It’s not like the volume in your ear is merely turned down. Instead, as stereocilia in your ear become damaged, you often 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 detect it. Compensating for these types of changes is something that the brain is very good at. Because of this, it’s typically necessary to get a hearing assessment. You may not even know you have hearing loss but a hearing examination can uncover any you may have. This will also help you understand which frequencies you’re starting to lose (and because of this, you will be in a better position to control symptoms.)
Benefits of going to a hearing specialist
Matching your hearing needs 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 fine-tuned to your particular hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. We will help you choose 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 help you plan the necessary maintenance for your hearing aid, making sure that your devices last for as long as possible.
- The ability to help you personalize the general fit of your hearing aid, ensuring your devices are comfortable and work properly.
- Programing your hearing aid more effectively is also something your hearing specialist can also help you with. In order to get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
- When you have difficulty using or comprehending how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help take you step-by-step through the process and make sure you understand how to get the most out of your devices.
Without the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will most likely be less optimal, even if you do happen to select the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
Additionally, hearing specialists will be able to help you control your hearing loss symptoms. Feeling isolated from friends and family because of hearing loss will be much less likely if you take the correct approach. You’ll be able to keep those relationships. And for the majority of people, that’s one of the most significant parts of life.
Not everything has to be DIY
Getting help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are in some way less self-sufficient. Quite the opposite, actually. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be increased by using the correct hearing aids.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, manage your symptoms, and pick out the right device for your needs.
In other words, if you think you have hearing loss, it’s time to contact us!