People are more self-reliant than ever. Does your car need some repairs? Just watch that YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? Again with the YouTube. Trying to learn cursive writing? 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 professionals?
Not always. Hearing aids are a practical example. Imagine if you detect some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these helpful little devices. Should you run out to Walmart and get a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds fairly effortless (and gives you the impression of self-sufficiency), but there are some significant drawbacks. In reality, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and effective if you come in to get a consultation with us.
Hearing loss symptoms
You might think that hearing loss symptoms are pretty self-evident. You are unable to hear as well, right? Well, yes, but the presentations of hearing loss can be a lot more diverse, and far less obvious. Certainly, individuals frequently miss the signs of hearing loss because they don’t know what to watch out for.
Here are some of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- The constant need to turn the volume up: Are you constantly turning the volume up on your television? Well, that’s a sign of hearing loss. This one is frequently missed because it progresses gradually over a long time period.
- Headaches and exhaustion: 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 result in chronic headaches and fatigue.
- Asking people to repeat themselves: You’re frequently needing people to repeat what they said. This is a sign of hearing loss, even if it seems like the volume is the issue. You should consider whether it’s a problem with your ears if lots of individuals start to seem like their “mumbling”.
- Problems hearing conversations in loud places: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with family and friends, you have a difficult time following along with discussions. This is generally a pretty dependable sign that some amount of hearing loss could be occurring.
Obviously, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everybody’s experience will be a bit different. But if you are noticing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit us to get a diagnosis.
Can a diagnosis be helpful?
So, you are recognizing that you are unable to hear as well as you used to. Why not just go to the store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, that would be kind of like buying some corrective glasses without determining your prescription. It may work sometimes. But understanding more about your condition is definitely essential.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex issue. It’s not like somebody 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 become damaged.
And it often goes undetected. Compensating for these types of changes is something that the brain is extremely good at. For this reason, it’s usually necessary to get a hearing test. You may not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing examination can expose any you may have. You’ll also have the chance to accurately diagnose which frequencies are fading the fastest (and be better able to manage your symptoms because of this.)
Seeing a hearing specialist has its benefits
When you go and purchase a hearing aid off the shelf, you’ll be doing your best to match what’s available on the shelf with what you require.
But your hearing aids can be calibrated to your particular hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. Your hearing specialist can help you choose the best device for your symptoms and then customize that device specifically for the wavelengths you need help with.
Here are a few other advantages to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Your hearing specialist can also help you understand how to adjust your hearing aid properly. This is crucial to a quality experience with your devices.
- Certainty, that your device will be comfortable by getting a custom fitting.
- Your hearing specialist will help you understand how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having trouble understanding how to best use them.
- Your hearing specialist can help you set up the appropriate 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.
Additionally, hearing specialists will be able to help you control your hearing loss symptoms. Losing touch with family and friends due to hearing loss will be a lot less likely if you take the correct approach. You’ll be able to keep those relationships. And that can be exceedingly important.
Not everything has to be DIY
Seeking help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are somehow 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 correct device for your needs.
So contact us so that we can help you address your hearing loss.
