People are becoming self-reliant more than ever before. Want to remodel your kitchen? Simply watch that YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? YouTube video. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
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 require a professional ever again?
Not always. Take, for instance, your hearing aids. Imagine if you notice some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these helpful little devices. Should you run out to Walmart and pick up a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds fairly effortless (and gives you the illusion of self-sufficiency), but there are some significant drawbacks. As a matter of fact, visiting a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more effective and more comfortable.
Hearing loss symptoms
You may think that hearing loss symptoms are pretty self-evident. You can’t hear as well, right? While that may sometimes be the truth, in other circumstances the symptoms can be less evident. In many situations, we are unaware of what to look for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Here are a few of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- The continual need to turn the volume up: Are you constantly turning the volume up on your television? Well, that’s a sign of hearing loss. This is one of the more obvious ones, but it tends to progress so slowly that it’s usually missed.
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You’re frequently 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 issue. If you start to experience a great many people who “mumble,” it might be your ears that are the issue.
- Headaches and tiredness: Your brain often has to work overtime as it struggles to process sound. It’s having to work extra hard to process information, it’s like squinting all the time, but with your ears. Fatigue and chronic headaches can be the consequence.
- Having a hard time hearing when it’s loud: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with friends and family, you have a hard time following along with conversations. You should certainly pay attention if you detect this symptom because it’s a pretty powerful sign of hearing loss.
Naturally, these symptoms aren’t necessarily the only signs of hearing loss. Everyone’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. Maybe you should run out to your local box-store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, that would be kind of like buying some corrective glasses without knowing your prescription. 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 like the volume in your ear is simply turned down. Actually, people tend to lose their hearing in particular frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear become damaged.
And most individuals don’t even detect it. Compensating for these kinds of changes is something that the brain is quite good at. For this reason, it’s usually necessary to get a hearing exam. This screening process can help you discover hearing loss you might not even realize you have. This will also allow you to know which frequencies you’re beginning to lose (and be better capable of managing your symptoms as a result.)
Visiting a hearing specialist has its advantages
When you go and purchase a hearing aid at the store, you’ll be doing the best you can to match what’s available on the shelf with what you need.
But your hearing aids can be calibrated to your particular hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. We will help you pick the ideal device for your needs and we will calibrate it to boost the particular frequency that you’re having difficulty hearing.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following benefits:
- Programing your hearing aid more effectively 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 essential.
- Confidence, that your device will be comfortable by getting a custom fitting.
- 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 utilize them.
- Your hearing specialist can ensure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you comprehend and plan correct upkeep and maintenance.
Without the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will likely be less ideal, even if you do happen to select the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
You will also be better capable of managing your hearing loss symptoms with the assistance of a hearing specialist. Feeling isolated from friends and family due to hearing loss will be a lot less likely if you take the right approach. Those relationships will be maintained. And for most 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 simply because you need some help with hearing aids. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be enhanced by using the right hearing aids.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, control your symptoms, and select the correct device for your needs.
In other words, if you suspect you have hearing loss, it’s time to contact us!