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? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
Anything you want to learn, you can find, and there’s excellent potential to teach and train yourself on the Internet. So the real question is, are we finished needing specialists?
Well, not exactly. Hearing aids are a good example. Let’s imagine that you develop a need for these beneficial little devices. Should you race out to Walmart and pick up 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 substantial 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?
You may think that hearing loss symptoms are pretty self-evident. You can’t hear as well, right? While that may sometimes be the truth, in other situations the symptoms can be less apparent. Certainly, individuals often miss the indications of hearing loss because they’re unsure about what to watch out for.
Here are some of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- Headaches and exhaustion: Your brain often has to work extra hard as it struggles to process sound. It’s like you’re continuously squinting with your ears as your brain works overtime attempting to process sound. This can lead to chronic headaches and tiredness.
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You may frequently ask people to repeat themselves. This is a sign of hearing loss, even if it seems 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 to constantly turn up the volume: Is the volume on your television continuously going up? Well, that’s a sign of hearing loss. This is one of the more apparent ones, but it tends to develop so gradually that it’s usually missed.
- Having a tough time hearing when it’s loud: Do you have a difficult time following conversations when you go out to dinner with family or friends? You should certainly pay attention if you detect this symptom because it’s a rather strong sign of hearing loss.
Of course, these symptoms are not necessarily the only signs of hearing loss. Everybody’s experience will be slightly different. 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 useful?
So, you have the symptoms of hearing loss. Why not simply go to the store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, that would be sort of like buying some corrective glasses without determining your prescription. It might work in some cases. But understanding more about your condition is absolutely indispensable.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex condition. It’s not like the volume in your ear is merely turned down. Instead, as stereocilia in your ear become damaged, you usually 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 kinds of changes is something that the brain is very good at. For this reason, it’s usually necessary to get a hearing exam. This screening process can help you discover hearing loss you might not even know you have. This will also help you know which frequencies you’re beginning to lose (and as a result, you will be in a better position to control symptoms.)
Seeing 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 decide on over-the-counter hearing aids.
But when you visit a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be tailored to your requirements. Your hearing specialist can help you pick the best device for your symptoms and then customize that device specifically for the wavelengths you need help with.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following benefits:
- Your hearing specialist can help you comprehend how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having difficulty understanding how to best utilize them.
- Your hearing specialist can make sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you understand and plan proper upkeep and maintenance.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you understand how to program your hearing aid effectively. This is crucial to a quality experience with your devices.
- The ability to help you customize the general 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 probably be less than ideal.
In addition, hearing specialists will be able to help you control your hearing loss symptoms. Feeling isolated from family and friends because of hearing loss will be a lot less likely if you take the right approach. You’ll be able to maintain those relationships. And for most individuals, 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 simply because you require some help with hearing aids. As a matter of fact, it’s actually the opposite. The right hearing aid can improve your independence and self-sufficiency.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, controlling your symptoms, and choosing the right 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.