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. Is your sink clogged? Again with the YouTube. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
You can discover any information you may want to know and self-learning has never been more accessible. Does that mean you’ll never need an expert ever again?
Well, not exactly. Hearing aids are a good example. Let’s envision that you develop a need for these useful 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 impression of self-sufficiency), but there are a few significant drawbacks. 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 may think that hearing loss symptoms are pretty self-evident. You are unable to hear as well, right? Well, yes, but the symptoms of hearing loss can be much more variable, and far less obvious. In many cases, we don’t know what to watch out for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Here are some of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- Having to continually crank up the volume: Is the volume on your television constantly going up? 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 frequently missed.
- Needing people to repeat what they just said: 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 begin to experience a great number of individuals who “mumble,” it might be your ears that are the issue.
- Having a difficult time hearing when it’s noisy: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with family and friends, you have a hard time following along with discussions. This is normally a rather reliable indication that some degree of hearing loss could be happening.
- Tiredness and headaches: Your brain often has to work overtime as it struggles to process sound. It’s like you’re constantly squinting with your ears as your brain works overtime attempting to process sound. Tiredness and chronic headaches can be the outcome.
Naturally, these symptoms aren’t necessarily the only signs of hearing loss. Everybody’s hearing loss experience is distinctive. But you should absolutely come see us for an assessment if you are noticing any of these symptoms.
Why is a diagnosis useful?
So, you have hearing loss symptoms. Perhaps you should run out to your local box-store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, that would be sort of like buying some corrective glasses without determining your prescription. In most circumstances, it will be essential to have a strong 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 merely turned down. Instead, as stereocilia in your ear get damaged, you tend to 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 it frequently goes undetected. The brain is really good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing exam is typically essential. This screening process can help you discover hearing loss you may not even know you have. You’ll also have the opportunity to accurately diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the quickest (and be better capable of managing your symptoms because of this.)
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 by yourself if you go with over-the-counter hearing aids.
But your hearing aids can be fine-tuned to your specific 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 specific frequency that you’re having trouble hearing.
Here are some other advantages to seeing a hearing specialist:
- When you have trouble using or comprehending how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help take you step-by-step through the process and be sure you understand how to get the most out of your devices.
- Your hearing specialist can make sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you understand and plan proper upkeep and maintenance.
- Programing your hearing aid more effectively is also something your hearing specialist can also help you with. This is crucial to a good experience with your devices.
- The ability to help you customize the overall fit of your hearing aid, ensuring your devices are comfortable and work properly.
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.
You will also be better capable of managing your hearing loss symptoms with the assistance of a hearing specialist. With the right strategy, you’ll be much less likely to lose friends or become isolated from your family because of your hearing loss symptoms. You’ll be able to keep those relationships. And for the majority of people, that’s one of the most important parts of life.
Not everything has to be DIY
Seeking 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 improved by using the right hearing aids.
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 suspect you have hearing loss, it’s time to call us!
