Individuals are becoming self-dependent more than they ever did. Want to fix up your car? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? Again with the YouTube. Attempting to learn cursive writing? YouTube… look, you get the point.
Anything you want to know, you can find, and there’s amazing potential to teach and educate yourself on the Internet. Does that mean you’ll never need an expert ever again?
Not always. Take, for instance, your hearing aids. Imagine if you notice some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these practical little devices. Should you race out to Walmart and get a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds fairly effortless (and gives you the illusion of self-sufficiency), but there are a few significant drawbacks. In reality, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and effective if you come in to get a consultation with us.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
The symptoms of hearing loss may appear to be straightforward, even obvious. Things get harder to hear, right? Well, yes, but the symptoms of hearing loss can be a lot more variable, and far less obvious. In many cases, we don’t know what to look for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Some of the most common symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Needing people to repeat what they just said: You’re often needing people to repeat what they said. Even if you feel like people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the problem. If you begin to experience a great many individuals who “mumble,” it may be your ears that are the problem.
- Headaches and exhaustion: Your brain often 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 result in chronic headaches and tiredness.
- Problems hearing conversations in loud settings: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with family and friends, you have a difficult time following along with discussions. You should certainly pay attention if you notice this symptom because it’s a fairly powerful indication of hearing loss.
- The constant need to crank the volume up: Are you consistently turning the volume up on your television? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This one is often missed because it progresses gradually over a long time period.
Clearly, there are other signs of hearing loss besides these. Everybody’s hearing loss experience is unique. But you should certainly come see us for an assessment if you are detecting any of these symptoms.
Why is a diagnosis useful?
So, you have hearing loss symptoms. Maybe you should go 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? In most cases, it will be essential to have a strong understanding of the precise nature of your condition.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex problem. It’s not as though someone just turns the volume knob in your ear. Instead, as stereocilia in your ear get damaged, you often lose your hearing in parts at a time, that is, you normally lose the ability to hear high-frequency or low-frequency sounds first.
And it often goes unnoticed. Compensating for these types of changes is something that the brain is quite good at. That’s why a hearing test is typically necessary. 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.)
Benefits 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 specific hearing needs if you go to a hearing specialist. Your hearing specialist can help you select 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 advantages:
- Certainty, that your device will be comfortable by getting a custom fitting.
- Your hearing specialist can help you set up the appropriate maintenance for your hearing aid, making sure that your devices last for as long as possible.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you understand how to program your hearing aid properly. In order to get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
- Your hearing specialist will help you comprehend how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having difficulty understanding how to best use them.
Without the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will likely be less ideal, even if you do happen to pick the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
You will also be better able to manage your hearing loss symptoms with the assistance of a hearing specialist. Losing touch with 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 the majority of individuals, that’s one of the most important parts of life.
Everything doesn’t always have to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient just because you require some assistance with hearing aids. As a matter of fact, it’s just the opposite. The right hearing aid can improve your independence and self-sufficiency.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, regulate your symptoms, and select the correct device for your requirements.
So call us so that we can help you address your hearing loss.