Individuals are becoming self-dependent more than ever before. Want to remodel your kitchen? Simply watch that YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? Again with the YouTube. Trying to learn cursive writing? YouTube… look, you get the idea.
Anything you want to know, you can find, and there’s amazing potential to teach and train yourself on the Internet. Does that mean you’ll never require a specialist ever again?
Well, not necessarily. Hearing aids are a practical example. Let’s envision that you develop a need for these handy little devices. Should you run out to Walmart and pick up a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this may make you feel like you’re being self-sufficient and sound like the convenient solution, there are some real disadvantages. 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 are unable to hear as well, right? While that might sometimes be the truth, in other situations the symptoms can be less apparent. Certainly, individuals frequently miss the symptoms of hearing loss because they’re unsure about what to look for.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- The persistent need to crank the volume up: Are you always turning the volume up on your television? Well, there’s your first common sign. This is one of the more obvious ones, but it tends to develop so slowly that it’s frequently missed.
- Problems hearing conversations in loud places: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with family and friends, you have a tough time following along with discussions. This is normally a rather dependable indication that some degree of hearing loss could be happening.
- 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 feels like the volume is the problem. If you begin to come across a great many people who “mumble,” it may be your ears that are the issue.
- Headaches and tiredness: Your brain often has to work extra hard 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. Exhaustion and chronic headaches can be the outcome.
Obviously, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everyone’s hearing loss experience is unique. But you should absolutely come see us for an assessment if you are detecting any of these symptoms.
Can a diagnosis be helpful?
So, you are realizing that you can’t hear as well as you once did. Maybe you should run 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 might work in some cases. But knowing more about your condition is definitely essential.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex condition. It’s not like the volume in your ear is simply turned down. Instead, as stereocilia inside of your ear get damaged, you often 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 very good at. That’s why a hearing test is typically needed. You might not even know you have hearing loss but a hearing test can uncover any you may have. You’ll also have the opportunity to correctly diagnose which frequencies are fading the quickest (and be better capable of managing your symptoms as a result.)
Advantages of working with a hearing specialist
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 when you go see a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be tailored to your needs. We will help you pick the ideal device for your needs and we will calibrate it to boost the specific frequency that you’re having trouble hearing.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following benefits:
- When you have problems 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.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you figure out how to program your hearing aid effectively. This is crucial to a good experience with your devices.
- Your hearing specialist can help you set up the necessary maintenance for your hearing aid, making sure that your devices last for as long as possible.
- The ability to help you customize the overall fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and effectively working.
Without the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will most likely be less ideal, even if you do happen to select 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 help of a hearing specialist. Feeling isolated from friends and family because of hearing loss will be much less likely if you take the right approach. Those relationships will be preserved. And that can be exceedingly important.
Everything doesn’t always have to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient simply because you require some help with hearing aids. As a matter of fact, it’s just the opposite. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be enhanced by using the right hearing aids.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, controlling your symptoms, and picking out the right 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 give us a call!