Individuals are becoming self-dependent more than ever before. Does your car require some repairs? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? YouTube video. Trying to learn cursive writing? YouTube… look, you get the idea.
You can find any information you might want to learn and self-learning has never been more accessible. So the real question is, are we finished needing specialists?
Well, not exactly. Hearing aids are a good example. Imagine if you detect some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these practical little devices. Does that mean you should just go out to the local pharmacy and get 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 considerable drawbacks. In reality, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and effective if you come in to get a consultation with us.
Hearing loss signs
The symptoms of hearing loss may seem straightforward, even obvious. Things become more difficult to hear, right? Well, yes, but the presentations of hearing loss can be much more diverse, and much less obvious. Indeed, individuals often miss the signs of hearing loss because they don’t know what to watch out for.
Here are a few of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- Difficulty hearing conversations in noisy settings: Do you have a hard time keeping up with discussions when you go out to dinner with family or friends? You should certainly pay attention if you notice this symptom because it’s a rather powerful sign of hearing loss.
- Asking people to repeat themselves: You’re frequently needing people to repeat what they said. Even if you feel as if people are talking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the problem. If you start to experience a great many people who “mumble,” it may be your ears that are the issue.
- The continual need to crank the volume up: Are you always turning the volume up on your television? Well, there’s your first common sign. This one is frequently missed because it develops gradually over a long period of time.
- Headaches and fatigue: Often, when you have hearing loss, your brain struggles to keep up. It’s like you’re continuously squinting with your ears as your brain works overtime attempting to process sound. Tiredness and chronic headaches can be the result.
Clearly, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everybody’s hearing loss experience is unique. But you should definitely come see us for an assessment if you are noticing any of these symptoms.
Why is a diagnosis useful?
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 kind of like purchasing some corrective glasses without knowing your prescription. It may work sometimes. But knowing more about your condition is definitely indispensable.
Everybody’s experience of hearing loss is unique and complex. It’s not like the volume in your ear is merely turned down. Actually, individuals tend to lose their hearing in specific frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear become damaged.
And most people don’t even detect it. Compensating for these kinds of changes is something that the brain is extremely good at. 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 know you have. You’ll also have the opportunity to correctly diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the fastest (and because of this, you will be in a better position to manage symptoms.)
Seeing a hearing specialist has its benefits
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 need.
But when you visit a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be customized to your needs. Your hearing specialist can help you choose the best device for your symptoms and then customize that device specifically for the wavelengths you need help with.
Here are a few other advantages to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Your hearing specialist can also help you figure out how to adjust your hearing aid effectively. So that you can get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
- Certainty, that your device will be comfortable by getting a custom fitting.
- Your hearing specialist can help you plan the necessary maintenance for your hearing aid, making sure that your devices last for as long as possible.
- 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.
Even if you get lucky enough to pick the best hearing aids for you, if don’t have the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing experience will probably be less than optimal.
You will also be better able to manage your hearing loss symptoms with the help of a hearing specialist. Losing touch with family and friends because of hearing loss will be a lot less likely if you take the correct approach. You’ll be able to keep those relationships. And that can be exceedingly important.
Everything doesn’t always need to be DIY
Getting help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are in some way less self-sufficient. Quite the opposite, actually. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be enhanced by using the correct hearing aids.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, managing your symptoms, and choosing the right hearing aids are all things that your hearing specialist will help you do.
So give us a call so that we can help you address your hearing loss.
