Individuals are more self-dependent than ever. Want to fix up your car? Just watch that YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? Again with the YouTube. Trying to learn cursive writing? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
Anything you want to know, you can find, and there’s excellent potential to teach and train yourself on the Internet. So the real question is, are we finished needing specialists?
Well, not exactly. Take, for example, your hearing aids. Imagine if you detect some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these practical little devices. Does that mean you should just go out to the local pharmacy and get a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds fairly effortless (and gives you the impression of self-sufficiency), but there are some substantial 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 signs of hearing loss?
The symptoms of hearing loss may seem straightforward, even obvious. You can’t hear as well, right? Well, yes, but the symptoms of hearing loss can be a lot more variable, and far less obvious. In many cases, we are unaware of what to look for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Here are some of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- Headaches and tiredness: Typically, when you have hearing loss, your brain struggles to keep up. It’s like you’re continuously squinting with your ears as your brain works overtime attempting to process sound. Fatigue and chronic headaches can be the consequence.
- Needing people to repeat what they just said: You’re often needing people to repeat what they said. This is an indication of hearing loss, even if it seems like the volume is the issue. If you begin to experience a great many individuals who “mumble,” it might be your ears that are the issue.
- Difficulty hearing conversations in loud places: Do you have a tough time keeping up with conversations when you go out to dinner with family or friends? This is typically a pretty dependable indication that some amount of hearing loss may be occurring.
- The continual need to turn the volume up: Are you always turning the volume up on your television? Well, there’s your first common sign. This is one of the more evident ones, but it tends to develop so gradually that it’s usually missed.
Obviously, there are other signs of hearing loss besides these. Everyone’s hearing loss experience is unique. But you should definitely come see us for an assessment if you are detecting any of these symptoms.
Can a diagnosis be useful?
So, you have hearing loss symptoms. Why not just go to the store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, that would be kind of like purchasing some corrective glasses without knowing your prescription. It may work sometimes. But knowing more about your condition is definitely essential.
Everybody’s experience of hearing loss is unique and complex. It’s not like someone simply turns the volume knob in your ear. Instead, as stereocilia in your ear become damaged, you usually 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 usually necessary to get a hearing exam. This screening process can help you discover hearing loss you might not even know you have. This will also help you understand which frequencies you’re starting to lose (and because of this, you will be in a better position to manage symptoms.)
Advantages of working with a hearing specialist
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 go see a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be tailored to your requirements. Your hearing specialist can help you pick the best device for your symptoms and then customize that device specifically for the wavelengths you need assistance with.
Here are a few other benefits to seeing a hearing specialist:
- When you have trouble using or comprehending how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help walk you through the process and be sure you comprehend how to get the most out of your devices.
- Confidence, that your device will be comfortable by getting a professional fitting.
- Adjusting your hearing aid more successfully is also something your hearing specialist can also help 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 understand and plan correct upkeep and maintenance.
Without the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will most likely be less ideal, even if you do happen to pick the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
Also, hearing specialists will be able to help you control your hearing loss symptoms. With the correct approach, you’ll be a lot less likely to lose friends or become distant with family because of your hearing loss symptoms. Those connections will be preserved. And for most individuals, that’s one of the most worthwhile parts of life.
Everything doesn’t always have 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 improve your independence and self-sufficiency.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, managing your symptoms, and selecting the right hearing aids are all things that your hearing specialist will help you do.
In other words, if you think you have hearing loss, it’s time to give us a call!