Individuals are becoming self-reliant more than they ever did. Want to fix up your car? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? Again with the YouTube. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? YouTube… look, you get the idea.
Anything you want to know, you can find, and there’s amazing potential to teach and train yourself on the Internet. So the real question is, are we done needing experts?
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 pick up a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this might make you feel self-sufficient and sound like the easy solution, there are some real downsides. Actually, 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?
You may think that hearing loss symptoms are fairly self-evident. You can’t hear as well, right? Well, yes, but the symptoms of hearing loss can be much more variable, and far less evident. In many situations, we don’t know what to look for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Here are a few of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- Exhaustion and headaches: 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 overtime attempting to process sound. This can lead to chronic headaches and exhaustion.
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You may often ask people to repeat themselves. Even if it seems like people are talking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. You should consider whether it’s a problem with your ears if lots of individuals start to seem like their “mumbling”.
- Difficulty hearing conversations in loud places: Do you have a tough time following conversations when you go out to eat with family or friends? You should definitely pay attention if you observe this symptom because it’s a fairly powerful indication of hearing loss.
- Having to constantly turn up the volume: Are you consistently turning the volume up on your television? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This is one of the more apparent ones, but it tends to progress so gradually that it’s frequently missed.
Naturally, these symptoms aren’t always the only symptoms of hearing loss. Everybody’s hearing loss experience is unique. But if you are noticing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit us to get a diagnosis.
Can a diagnosis be helpful?
So, you are recognizing that you can’t hear as well as you once did. Maybe you should go 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. In the majority of cases, it will be essential to have a detailed understanding of the precise nature of your condition.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex condition. It’s not as though someone simply turns the volume knob in your ear. 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 notice it. Compensating for these kinds of changes is something that the brain is very good at. That’s why a hearing test is typically necessary. This screening process can help you uncover hearing loss you may not even know you have. This will also help you know which frequencies you’re beginning to lose (and be better able to manage your symptoms because of this.)
Visiting a hearing specialist has its benefits
When you go and buy a hearing aid off the shelf, you’ll be doing your best to match what’s available on the shelf with what you require.
But when you visit a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be customized to your needs. Your hearing specialist can help you select the best device for your symptoms and then customize that device specifically for the frequency you need help with.
Here are a few other advantages to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Certainty, that your device will be comfortable by getting a professional fitting.
- 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 utilize them.
- Programing your hearing aid more successfully is also something your hearing specialist can also assist you with. So that you can get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
- Your hearing specialist can ensure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you comprehend and plan appropriate upkeep and maintenance.
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 most likely be less than optimal.
You will also be better capable of managing your hearing loss symptoms with the help of a hearing specialist. Losing touch with friends and family 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 that can be exceedingly important.
Not everything has to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient just because you need some help with hearing aids. Quite the opposite, actually. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be increased by using the correct hearing aids.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, controlling your symptoms, and picking out the right hearing aids are all things that your hearing specialist will help you do.
So call us so that we can help you address your hearing loss.