People are becoming self-reliant more than ever before. Want to remodel your kitchen? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? Again with the YouTube. Trying to learn cursive writing? YouTube… look, you get the idea.
Anything you want to learn, you can find, and there’s excellent potential to teach and train yourself on the Internet. Does that mean you’ll never need an expert ever again?
Well, not necessarily. Take, for example, your hearing aids. Imagine if you notice 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? Although this might make you feel like you’re being self-sufficient and sound like the easy option, there are some real disadvantages. 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 might appear to be straightforward, even obvious. You can’t hear as well, right? Well, yes, but the symptoms of hearing loss can be a lot more diverse, and much less obvious. In many situations, we are unaware of what to watch out for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Difficulty hearing conversations in loud settings: Do you have a difficult time following discussions when you go out to eat with family or friends? This is typically a pretty dependable sign that some amount of hearing loss might be occurring.
- The constant need to crank the volume up: Is your television volume constantly going up? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This one is often missed because it progresses gradually over a long time period.
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You’re frequently needing people to repeat what they said. Even if you feel as if people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. You should consider whether it’s an issue with your ears if lots of people start to seem like their “mumbling”.
- Tiredness and headaches: Often, when you have hearing loss, your brain struggles to keep up. It needs to work extra hard to process information, it’s like squinting all the time, but with your ears. This can lead to chronic headaches and fatigue.
Of course, these symptoms aren’t always the only signs of hearing loss. Everybody’s experience will be somewhat 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 are recognizing that you can’t hear as well as you once did. Why not just go to the store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, would you go out and buy prescription glasses without getting an eye exam? It might work in some cases. But knowing more about your condition is really indispensable.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex condition. It’s not as if the volume in your ear is merely turned down. Instead, as stereocilia inside of your ear become damaged, you often 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 quite good at. Because of this, it’s typically necessary to get a hearing exam. This screening process can help you expose hearing loss you might not even realize you have. You’ll also have the opportunity to accurately diagnose which frequencies are fading the quickest (and as a result, you will be in a better position to manage symptoms.)
Benefits of working with a hearing specialist
When you go and purchase a hearing aid at the store, you’ll be doing your best to match what’s available on the shelf with what you require.
But when you go see 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 tailor 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 understand how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having difficulty understanding how to best utilize them.
- The ability to help you customize the general fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and work effectively.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you understand how to adjust your hearing aid effectively. So that you can get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is essential.
- Your hearing specialist can ensure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you understand and plan appropriate upkeep and maintenance.
Even if you get lucky enough to pick 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 able to manage 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 correct approach. Those relationships will be maintained. And that can be extremely important.
Not everything has to be DIY
Seeking help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are somehow less self-sufficient. Quite the opposite, actually. The right hearing aid can increase your independence and self-sufficiency.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, managing your symptoms, and choosing the correct 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.
