Individuals are becoming self-reliant more than ever before. Want to remodel your kitchen? Simply watch that YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? YouTube video. Attempting to learn cursive writing? YouTube… look, you get the point.
You can find any information you may want to know and self-learning has never been more available. So the real question is, are we done needing professionals?
Not always. Take, for example, your hearing aids. Imagine if you detect 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? It sounds nice and easy (and gives you the illusion of self-sufficiency), but there are a few 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 might appear to be clear-cut, 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 evident. Indeed, individuals frequently miss the indications of hearing loss because they’re unsure about what to watch out for.
Some of the most common symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Asking people to repeat themselves: You may frequently ask people to repeat themselves. Even if you feel as if people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. If you start to experience a great many individuals who “mumble,” it may 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 symptom. This one is frequently missed because it develops slowly over a long time period.
- Having a difficult time hearing when it’s loud: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with friends and family, you have a tough time following along with discussions. You should certainly pay attention if you notice this symptom because it’s a pretty powerful indication of hearing loss.
- Tiredness and headaches: Typically, when you have hearing loss, your brain fights to keep up. 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.
Clearly, there are other signs of hearing loss besides these. Everybody’s hearing loss experience is unique. But you should absolutely come see us for a consultation if you are noticing any of these symptoms.
Can a diagnosis be helpful?
So, you are recognizing that you are unable to hear as well as you once did. Maybe you should run out to your local box-store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, would you go out and buy prescription glasses without getting an eye exam? In most situations, it will be crucial to have a detailed understanding of the precise nature of your condition.
Everybody’s experience of hearing loss is distinct and complex. It’s not like the volume in your ear is simply turned down. Actually, individuals tend to lose their hearing in particular frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear become damaged.
And it often goes undetected. Compensating for these kinds of changes is something that the brain is really good at. That’s why a hearing test is often necessary. You might not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing test can expose any you might have. This will also help you understand which frequencies you’re beginning to lose (and because of this, you will be in a better position to control symptoms.)
Advantages of going to a hearing specialist
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 your hearing aids can be fine-tuned to your particular hearing needs if you go to a hearing specialist. We will help you choose 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:
- Programing your hearing aid more successfully is also something your hearing specialist can also help you with. In order to get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
- When you have problems using or comprehending how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help walk you through the process and be sure you understand how to get the most out of 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.
- Certainty, that your device will be comfortable by getting a custom fitting.
Even if you get lucky enough to select the best hearing aids for you, if don’t have the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing experience will probably be less than optimal.
Also, hearing specialists will be able to help you control your hearing loss symptoms. With the right strategy, you’ll be much less likely to lose touch with friends or become distant with family because of your hearing loss symptoms. You’ll be able to maintain those relationships. And that can be extremely important.
Not everything has to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient just because you require some help with hearing aids. In fact, it’s actually the opposite. The correct hearing aid can increase 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.
In other words, if you suspect you have hearing loss, it’s time to call us!
