Individuals are more self-dependent than ever. Does your car require some repairs? Simply watch that YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? YouTube video. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? YouTube… look, you get the point.
Anything you want to know, 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 good example. Imagine if you notice some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these helpful little devices. Does that mean you should just go out to the local pharmacy and get a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds nice and easy (and gives you the illusion of self-sufficiency), but there are a few considerable 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?
The symptoms of hearing loss may seem straightforward, even obvious. Things become more difficult to hear, right? Well, yes, but the presentations of hearing loss can be much more diverse, and much less evident. Certainly, individuals frequently miss the signs of hearing loss because they’re unsure about what to look for.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Difficulty hearing conversations in noisy settings: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with friends and family, you have a hard time following along with discussions. This is generally a pretty reliable indication that some amount of hearing loss could be happening.
- Tiredness and headaches: Your brain often has to work extra hard as it struggles to process sound. It needs to work extra hard to process information, it’s like squinting all the time, but with your ears. This can lead to chronic headaches and tiredness.
- Having to constantly turn the volume up: Are you constantly turning up the volume on your television? Well, that’s a sign of hearing loss. This is one of the more evident ones, but it tends to develop so slowly that it’s frequently missed.
- Needing people to repeat what they just said: You’re frequently needing people to repeat what they said. Even if it seems as if people are talking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. If you start to experience a great number of individuals who “mumble,” it may be your ears that are the issue.
Naturally, these symptoms are not always the only symptoms of hearing loss. Everybody’s experience will be somewhat 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 useful?
So, you have hearing loss symptoms. Maybe you should go out to your local box-store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, would you go out and purchase prescription glasses without getting an eye exam? In most circumstances, it will be crucial to have a detailed understanding of the precise nature of your condition.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex condition. It’s not as if 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 usually lose the ability to hear high-frequency or low-frequency sounds first.
And most individuals don’t even notice it. Compensating for these types of changes is something that the brain is quite good at. That’s why a hearing test is typically necessary. You may not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing examination can uncover any you may have. This will also help you know which frequencies you’re beginning to lose (and because of this, you will be in a better position to control symptoms.)
Benefits of working with a hearing specialist
Matching your hearing needs 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 fine-tuned to your particular hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. We will help you choose the ideal device for your needs and we will calibrate it to boost the specific frequency that you’re having difficulty hearing.
Here are a few other advantages to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Your hearing specialist can help you plan the necessary maintenance for your hearing aid, ensuring that your devices last for as long as possible.
- The ability to help you individualize the overall fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and work effectively.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you understand how to adjust your hearing aid properly. In order to get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
- Your hearing specialist will help you understand how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having difficulty understanding how to best utilize them.
Without the benefit 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.
In addition, hearing specialists will be able to help you control your hearing loss symptoms. With the right approach, you’ll be a lot less likely to lose friends or become isolated from your family on account of your hearing loss symptoms. Those relationships will be preserved. And for the majority of people, that’s one of the most important parts of life.
Not everything has to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient just because you need some assistance with hearing aids. Quite the opposite, actually. The correct hearing aid can improve your independence and self-sufficiency.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, controlling your symptoms, and selecting the right 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!