Individuals are more self-dependent than ever. Want to fix up your car? Just watch that YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? YouTube video. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? YouTube… look, you get the point.
You can discover any information you may want to know and self-learning has never been more available. So the real question is, are we done 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 drive up to the local pharmacy 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 some significant drawbacks. As a matter of fact, going to see a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more reliable and more comfortable.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
The symptoms of hearing loss may appear to be straightforward, even obvious. You can’t hear as well, right? Well, yes, but the symptoms of hearing loss can be much more diverse, and far less evident. In many situations, we don’t know what to watch out for and we miss the symptoms of hearing loss.
Here are a few of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- Headaches and exhaustion: Typically, when you have hearing loss, your brain struggles to keep up. It’s like you’re continuously squinting with your ears as your brain works overtime attempting to process sound. Tiredness and chronic headaches can be the outcome.
- Trouble hearing conversations in noisy settings: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with friends and family, you have a difficult time following along with conversations. You should definitely pay attention if you observe this symptom because it’s a rather strong sign of hearing loss.
- Having to constantly turn the volume up: Is your television volume continuously going up? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This is one of the more apparent ones, but it tends to develop so slowly that it’s often 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 problem. You should consider whether it’s a problem with your ears if lots of people start to sound like their “mumbling”.
Needless to say, these symptoms are not necessarily the only symptoms of hearing loss. Everybody’s experience will be slightly different. But you should definitely come see us for a consultation if you are detecting any of these symptoms.
Can a diagnosis be useful?
So, you are realizing that you are unable to hear as well as you once did. Maybe you should go out to your local box-store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, would you go out and purchase prescription glasses without having an eye exam? It may work sometimes. But understanding more about your condition is absolutely indispensable.
Everyone’s experience of hearing loss is unique and complex. It’s not like the volume in your ear is simply turned down. Instead, as stereocilia inside of 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 it often goes unnoticed. Compensating for these types of changes is something that the brain is very good at. That’s why a hearing exam is often essential. This screening process can help you uncover hearing loss you might not even know you have. You’ll also have the chance to accurately diagnose which frequencies are fading the fastest (and as a result, you will be in a better position to control symptoms.)
Seeing a hearing specialist has its benefits
When you go and buy a hearing aid at the store, you’ll be doing your best to match what’s available on the shelf with what you need.
But when you visit a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be tailored to your needs. We will help you select the ideal device for your needs and we will tune it to boost the specific frequency that you’re having difficulty hearing.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following benefits:
- The ability to help you customize the overall fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and work properly.
- 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.
- Programing your hearing aid more successfully is also something your hearing specialist can also help you with. This is critical to a good experience with your devices.
- Your hearing specialist can make sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you comprehend and plan proper upkeep and maintenance.
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 manage your hearing loss symptoms. With the right strategy, you’ll be a lot less likely to lose touch with 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 individuals, that’s one of the most significant parts of life.
Everything doesn’t always need to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient just because you need some help with hearing aids. Quite the opposite, actually. The correct hearing aid can increase your independence and self-sufficiency.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, control your symptoms, and select the right device for your requirements.
So call us so that we can help you address your hearing loss.