People are becoming self-dependent more than they ever did. Does your car require some repairs? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? YouTube video. Trying to learn cursive writing? YouTube… look, you get the idea.
You can discover any information you may want to know and self-learning has never been more available. Does that mean you’ll never require a professional ever again?
Well, not exactly. Take, for instance, your hearing aids. Let’s picture that you develop a need for these handy 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 convenient option, there are a few real disadvantages. In reality, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and effective if you come in to get a consultation with us.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
You may think that hearing loss symptoms are fairly self-evident. You can’t hear as well, right? Well, yes, but the presentations of hearing loss can be a lot more variable, and far less evident. In many situations, we don’t know what to watch out for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Here are some of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- 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 feels like the volume is the issue. You should consider whether it’s a problem with your ears if lots of individuals start to seem like their “mumbling”.
- Having a difficult time hearing when it’s noisy: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with friends and family, you have a difficult time following along with discussions. You should definitely pay attention if you notice this symptom because it’s a pretty powerful sign of hearing loss.
- Having to continually turn up the volume: Is your television volume constantly going up? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This one is often missed because it progresses gradually over a long time period.
- Headaches and exhaustion: Your brain often has to work overtime as it struggles to process sound. It’s like you’re continuously squinting with your ears as your brain works overtime attempting to process sound. This can trigger chronic headaches and fatigue.
Of course, these symptoms are not necessarily the only symptoms of hearing loss. Everyone’s hearing loss experience is unique. 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 useful?
So, you are realizing that you can’t hear as well as you once did. 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 purchasing some corrective glasses without determining your prescription. It may work in some cases. But knowing more about your condition is absolutely indispensable.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex problem. It’s not like the volume in your ear is merely turned down. Actually, individuals tend to lose their hearing in particular frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear get damaged.
And it frequently goes undetected. The brain is really good at compensating for these things. Because of this, it’s typically necessary to get a hearing assessment. You may not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing examination can uncover any you might have. You’ll also have the chance to properly diagnose which frequencies are fading the quickest (and because of this, you will be in a better position to control symptoms.)
Advantages of going to a hearing specialist
When you go and purchase a hearing aid off the shelf, you’ll be doing the best you can to match what’s available on the shelf with what you require.
But when you visit a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be tailored to your needs. Your hearing specialist can help you select the best device for your symptoms and then tailor that device specifically for the frequency you need assistance with.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following advantages:
- Your hearing specialist can also help you understand how to program your hearing aid effectively. This is critical to a good experience with your devices.
- The ability to help you customize the overall fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and work properly.
- Your hearing specialist can ensure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you comprehend and plan appropriate upkeep and maintenance.
- When you have difficulty using or understanding how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help walk you through the process and make sure you comprehend how to get the most out of your devices.
Without the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will most likely be less optimal, even if you do happen to select 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 much less likely to lose touch with friends or become isolated from your family because of your hearing loss symptoms. Those connections will be preserved. And for most people, that’s one of the most important parts of life.
Not everything has to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient just because you need some help with hearing aids. In fact, it’s actually the opposite. The correct hearing aid can increase your independence and self-sufficiency.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, controlling your symptoms, and choosing the correct hearing aids are all things that your hearing specialist will help you do.
So call us so that we can help you address your hearing loss.
