Individuals are more self-reliant than ever. Does your car need some repairs? Just watch that YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? Again with the YouTube. Trying to learn cursive writing? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
You can find any information you may want to learn and self-learning has never been more available. So the real question is, are we done needing professionals?
Well, not necessarily. 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 grab a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this may make you feel self-sufficient and sound like the convenient option, there are a few real downsides. In reality, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and reliable if you come in to get a consultation with us.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
You might think that hearing loss symptoms are fairly self-evident. You are unable to hear as well, right? Well, yes, but the symptoms of hearing loss can be a lot more variable, and much less evident. In many situations, we don’t know what to look for and we miss the symptoms of hearing loss.
Here are a few 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 like you’re constantly squinting with your ears as your brain works extra hard attempting to process sound. This can lead to chronic headaches and fatigue.
- Having to constantly crank up the volume: Is your television volume continuously going up? Well, there’s your first common symptom. This is one of the more evident ones, but it tends to progress so gradually that it’s usually missed.
- Asking people to repeat themselves: You might frequently ask people to repeat themselves. This is an indication of hearing loss, even if it feels 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”.
- Having a difficult time hearing when it’s noisy: Do you have a tough time following discussions when you go out to dinner with family or friends? You should certainly pay attention if you detect this symptom because it’s a pretty powerful sign of hearing loss.
Of course, these symptoms aren’t always the only signs of hearing loss. Everybody’s hearing loss experience is distinctive. But if you are noticing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit us to get a diagnosis.
Why is a diagnosis helpful?
So, you have the symptoms of hearing loss. Perhaps you should run out to your local box-store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, that would be sort of like buying some corrective glasses without knowing your prescription. It might work sometimes. But understanding 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. Actually, people tend to lose their hearing in particular frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear get damaged.
And it frequently goes unnoticed. The brain is quite good at compensating for these things. For this reason, it’s usually necessary to get a hearing examination. This screening process can help you uncover hearing loss you may not even recognize you have. This will also help you understand which frequencies you’re beginning to lose (and as a result, you will be in a better position to control symptoms.)
Visiting a hearing specialist has its benefits
Matching your hearing needs to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll need to do on your own if you go with over-the-counter hearing aids.
But your hearing aids can be calibrated to your particular hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. We will help you pick the ideal device for your needs and we will tune it to boost the particular frequency that you’re having trouble hearing.
Here are some other advantages to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Adjusting your hearing aid more effectively is also something your hearing specialist can also help you with. In order to get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is essential.
- Your hearing specialist can help you plan the appropriate maintenance for your hearing aid, making sure that your devices last for as long as possible.
- Your hearing specialist can help you understand how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having difficulty understanding how to best use them.
- Confidence, that your device will be comfortable by getting a custom fitting.
Without the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will most likely be less ideal, even if you do happen to pick the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
Also, hearing specialists will be able to help you control your hearing loss symptoms. With the correct approach, you’ll be a lot less likely to lose touch with friends or become distant with family on account of your hearing loss symptoms. Those connections will be maintained. And that can be extremely important.
Not everything has to be DIY
Seeking help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are somehow less self-sufficient. In fact, it’s actually the opposite. The right hearing aid can increase your independence and self-sufficiency.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, managing your symptoms, and choosing the correct 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 contact us!