Individuals are becoming self-reliant more than ever before. Does your car require some repairs? Simply watch that YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? Again with the YouTube. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? YouTube… look, you get the idea.
You can discover any information you may want to learn and self-learning has never been more available. Does that mean you’ll never require an expert ever again?
Well, not exactly. Take, for example, your hearing aids. Imagine if you notice some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these practical little devices. Should you race out to Walmart 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 some 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?
The symptoms of hearing loss may seem clear-cut, even obvious. You are unable to hear as well, right? While that might sometimes be the truth, in other circumstances the symptoms can be less obvious. In many instances, we don’t know what to look for and we miss the symptoms of hearing loss.
Here are some of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- Tiredness and headaches: Your brain frequently has to work overtime 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. This can lead to chronic headaches and exhaustion.
- Needing people to repeat what they said: You’re frequently needing people to repeat what they said. Even if you feel as if people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the problem. If you begin to experience a great many people who “mumble,” it might be your ears that are the issue.
- The constant need to turn the volume up: Is your television volume constantly going up? Well, there’s your first common sign. This one is frequently missed because it develops gradually over a long time period.
- Having a tough time hearing when it’s noisy: Do you have a hard time following conversations when you go out to dinner with family or friends? You should definitely pay attention if you observe this symptom because it’s a fairly strong sign of hearing loss.
Clearly, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everyone’s experience will be somewhat different. But you should absolutely come see us for a consultation if you are detecting any of these symptoms.
Can a diagnosis be useful?
So, you are recognizing that you can’t hear as well as you once did. 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 purchasing some corrective glasses without knowing your prescription. It may work in some cases. But knowing more about your condition is absolutely essential.
Everybody’s experience of hearing loss is distinct and complex. It’s not like the volume in your ear is simply turned down. Instead, as stereocilia in your ear become 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 it often goes unnoticed. The brain is very good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing test is typically needed. This screening process can help you expose hearing loss you may not even realize you have. You’ll also have the chance to correctly diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the fastest (and as a result, you will be in a better position to control symptoms.)
Benefits of going to a hearing specialist
When you go and buy a hearing aid off the shelf, you’ll be doing the best you can to match what’s available on the shelf with what you require.
But when you go see a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be customized to your requirements. Your hearing specialist can help you pick the best device for your symptoms and then customize that device specifically for the frequency you need assistance with.
Here are some other advantages to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Adjusting your hearing aid more effectively is also something your hearing specialist can also assist you with. So that you can get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
- Your hearing specialist can ensure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you understand and plan appropriate upkeep and maintenance.
- 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 certain that you understand how to get the most out of your devices.
- The ability to help you personalize the overall fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and work effectively.
Even if you get lucky enough to select the best hearing aids for you, if don’t have the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing experience will most likely be less than optimal.
In addition, hearing specialists will be able to help you control your hearing loss symptoms. Feeling isolated from family and friends due to hearing loss will be a lot less likely if you take the correct approach. Those relationships will be maintained. And for most individuals, 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 in some way less self-sufficient. As a matter of fact, it’s just the opposite. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be increased by using the right hearing aids.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, controlling your symptoms, and picking out the correct hearing aids are all things that your hearing specialist will help you do.
So contact us so that we can help you address your hearing loss.