People are becoming self-reliant more than ever before. Does your car require some repairs? Just watch that YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? Again with the YouTube. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
Anything you want to know, you can find, and there’s excellent potential to teach and educate yourself on the Internet. Does that mean you’ll never need an expert ever again?
Not always. Take, for example, 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 set of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this may make you feel like you’re being self-sufficient and sound like the easy solution, there are some real disadvantages. In reality, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and reliable if you come in to get a consultation with us.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
The symptoms of hearing loss may appear to be straightforward, even obvious. Things become more difficult to hear, right? While that may sometimes be the truth, in other situations the symptoms can be less apparent. Indeed, people frequently miss the signs of hearing loss because they don’t know what to look for.
Here are some of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- Fatigue and headaches: Your brain often has to work overtime as it struggles to process sound. It needs to work much harder to process information, it’s like squinting constantly, but with your ears. Exhaustion and chronic headaches can be the consequence.
- Having to continually crank the volume up: Is your television volume continuously going up? Well, that’s a sign of hearing loss. This one is frequently missed because it develops slowly over a long period of time.
- Problems hearing conversations in loud places: When you’re out at dinner with friends and family, you have a difficult time following along with discussions. This is typically a fairly dependable sign that some degree of hearing loss may be occurring.
- Needing people to repeat what they just said: You’re often needing people to repeat what they said. Even if it seems as if people are talking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the problem. You should consider whether it’s an issue with your ears if lots of individuals start to sound like their “mumbling”.
Needless to say, these symptoms aren’t necessarily the only symptoms of hearing loss. Everyone’s experience will be a bit 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 helpful?
So, you are recognizing that you can’t hear as well as you used to. Why not just go to the store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, that would be sort of like purchasing some corrective glasses without determining your prescription. In most cases, it will be crucial to have a detailed understanding of the exact nature of your condition.
Everybody’s experience of hearing loss is distinct and complex. It’s not as if the volume in your ear is merely turned down. Actually, people tend to lose their hearing in specific frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear get damaged.
And most individuals don’t even detect it. The brain is quite good at compensating for these things. For this reason, it’s typically necessary to get a hearing test. You may not even know you have hearing loss but a hearing examination can expose any you might have. You’ll also have the chance to properly diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the fastest (and be better able to manage your symptoms as a result.)
Advantages of going to a hearing specialist
Matching your hearing needs to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll have to do on your own if you go with over-the-counter hearing aids.
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 choose 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:
- Your hearing specialist will help you understand how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having trouble understanding how to best use them.
- The ability to help you personalize the general fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and work effectively.
- 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 figure out how to program your hearing aid properly. In order to get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
Without the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will likely be less optimal, even if you do happen to select the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
Additionally, hearing specialists will be able to help you manage your hearing loss symptoms. With the right approach, you’ll be much less likely to lose touch with friends or become isolated from your family because of your hearing loss symptoms. You’ll be able to maintain those relationships. And for the majority of individuals, that’s one of the most worthwhile parts of life.
Everything doesn’t always need 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, manage your symptoms, and select the right device for your needs.
In other words, if you suspect you have hearing loss, it’s time to give us a call!