Individuals are becoming self-dependent more than ever before. Want to fix up your car? Just 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. So the real question is, are we done needing professionals?
Not always. Hearing aids are a good example. Let’s imagine that you develop a need for these handy little devices. Should you race out to Walmart and get a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds nice and easy (and gives you the illusion of self-sufficiency), but there are a few considerable drawbacks. 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?
You might think that hearing loss symptoms are fairly self-evident. You are unable to hear as well, right? Well, yes, but the symptoms of hearing loss can be much more variable, and far less apparent. Certainly, people often miss the signs of hearing loss because they’re unsure about what to watch out for.
Some of the most common symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Tiredness and headaches: Often, when you have hearing loss, your brain fights to keep up. 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 outcome.
- Difficulty hearing conversations in noisy places: Do you have a tough time keeping up with discussions when you go out to eat with family or friends? You should definitely pay attention if you detect this symptom because it’s a pretty powerful sign of hearing loss.
- Having to constantly crank up the volume: Are you constantly turning up the volume on your television? Well, there’s your first common symptom. This is one of the more obvious ones, but it tends to develop so slowly that it’s usually missed.
- Asking people to repeat themselves: You may often ask people to repeat themselves. This is an indication of hearing loss, even if it seems like the volume is the issue. If you begin to come across a great many individuals who “mumble,” it might be your ears that are the problem.
Clearly, there are other signs of hearing loss besides these. Everyone’s experience will be slightly different. But you should definitely come see us for an assessment if you are noticing any of these symptoms.
Why is a diagnosis helpful?
So, you have hearing loss symptoms. Why not simply go to the store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, would you go out and buy prescription glasses without getting an eye exam? In most circumstances, it will be essential to have a strong understanding of the precise nature of your condition.
Everyone’s experience of hearing loss is distinct and complex. It’s not as though someone simply turns the volume knob in your ear. Instead, as stereocilia in 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 people don’t even notice it. The brain is quite good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing test is often required. You might not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing examination can expose any you may have. This will also allow you to know which frequencies you’re beginning to lose (and because of this, you will be in a better position to manage symptoms.)
Benefits of working with a hearing specialist
Matching your hearing needs to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll need to do on your own if you go with over-the-counter hearing aids.
But your hearing aids can be calibrated to your particular hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. We will help you select the ideal device for your requirements and we will tune it to boost the particular frequency that you’re having trouble hearing.
Here are some other advantages to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Your hearing specialist will help you comprehend how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having trouble understanding how to best use them.
- Your hearing specialist can help you plan the appropriate maintenance for your hearing aid, ensuring that your devices last for as long as possible.
- Adjusting your hearing aid more effectively is also something your hearing specialist can also assist you with. This is crucial to a quality experience with your devices.
- Confidence, that your device will be comfortable by getting a professional fitting.
Without the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will likely be less optimal, even if you do happen to pick 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 because of hearing loss will be a lot less likely if you take the correct approach. You’ll be able to keep those connections. And for the majority of individuals, that’s one of the most worthwhile parts of life.
Not everything has to be DIY
Getting help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are in some way less self-sufficient. As a matter of fact, it’s just the opposite. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be improved by using the right hearing aids.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, regulate your symptoms, and pick out the right device for your requirements.
In other words, if you suspect you have hearing loss, it’s time to call us!