People are more self-reliant than ever. Does your car need some repairs? 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 great potential to teach and train yourself on the Internet. So the real question is, are we done needing specialists?
Not always. Take, for instance, your hearing aids. Imagine if you notice some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these practical little devices. Should you run out to Walmart and get a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this might make you feel like you’re being self-sufficient and sound like the convenient option, 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.
Hearing loss symptoms
The symptoms of hearing loss might appear to be clear-cut, even obvious. You can’t hear as well, right? While that might sometimes be the truth, in other situations the symptoms can be less apparent. Indeed, individuals frequently miss the signs of hearing loss because they don’t know what to look for.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Headaches and fatigue: 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. Fatigue and chronic headaches can be the result.
- Having a hard time hearing when it’s loud: Do you have a difficult time keeping up with discussions when you go out to eat with family or friends? You should certainly pay attention if you detect this symptom because it’s a fairly strong sign of hearing loss.
- Needing people to repeat what they just said: You may often ask people to repeat themselves. Even if it seems like people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. If you start to come across a great many people who “mumble,” it might be your ears that are the issue.
- Having to continually turn up the volume: Is your television volume continuously going up? Well, there’s your first common sign. This one is frequently missed because it progresses gradually over a long time period.
Clearly, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everyone’s hearing loss experience is distinctive. But you should certainly come see us for a consultation if you are noticing any of these symptoms.
Why is a diagnosis helpful?
So, you are realizing that you are unable to hear as well as you once did. Maybe you should run out to your local box-store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, that would be kind of like purchasing some corrective glasses without determining your prescription. It may work sometimes. But knowing more about your condition is definitely indispensable.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex problem. It’s not as though somebody simply turns the volume knob in your ear. Instead, as stereocilia inside of your ear become damaged, you usually lose your hearing in parts at a time, that is, you normally lose the ability to hear high-frequency or low-frequency sounds first.
And it often goes unnoticed. The brain is really good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing exam is typically necessary. This screening process can help you discover hearing loss you may not even realize you have. You’ll also have the chance to properly diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the quickest (and be better capable of managing your symptoms as a result.)
Advantages 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 when you go see a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be tailored to your needs. We will help you pick the ideal device for your requirements and we will calibrate it to boost the particular frequency that you’re having difficulty hearing.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following advantages:
- The ability to help you individualize the general fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and effectively working.
- When you have trouble using or understanding how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help walk you through the process and be certain that you comprehend how to get the most out of your devices.
- Your hearing specialist can ensure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you comprehend and plan correct upkeep and maintenance.
- Adjusting your hearing aid more effectively 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 essential.
Without the advantage 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.
In addition, hearing specialists will be able to help you manage your hearing loss symptoms. Losing touch with friends and family due to hearing loss will be a lot less likely if you take the right approach. You’ll be able to keep those connections. And for most people, that’s one of the most worthwhile parts of life.
Not everything has to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient simply because you require some assistance with hearing aids. In fact, it’s just the opposite. 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.
So give us a call so that we can help you address your hearing loss.
