Individuals are more self-reliant than ever. Want to fix up your car? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? YouTube video. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
Anything you want to learn, you can find, and there’s excellent potential to teach and educate yourself on the Internet. Does that mean you’ll never require an expert 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. Does that mean you should just drive up to the local pharmacy and grab a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds nice and easy (and gives you the impression of self-sufficiency), but there are some significant drawbacks. Actually, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and effective if you come in to get a consultation with us.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
You may think that hearing loss symptoms are fairly self-evident. You are unable to hear as well, right? While that may sometimes be the case, in other circumstances the symptoms can be less obvious. Certainly, individuals frequently miss the symptoms of hearing loss because they don’t know what to look for.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- The constant need to crank the volume up: Are you always turning the volume up on your television? Well, there’s your first common sign. This one is frequently missed because it develops gradually over a long period of time.
- Fatigue and headaches: 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. Tiredness and chronic headaches can be the result.
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You’re frequently needing people to repeat what they said. Even if you feel like people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the problem. You should consider whether it’s a problem with your ears if lots of people start to seem like their “mumbling”.
- 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. This is generally a pretty reliable sign that some amount of hearing loss could be happening.
Needless to say, these symptoms are not necessarily the only signs of hearing loss. Everyone’s experience will be a bit different. But if you are noticing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit us to get a diagnosis.
Can a diagnosis be useful?
So, you have the symptoms of hearing loss. Why not simply go to the store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, would you go out and purchase prescription glasses without getting an eye exam? In the majority of circumstances, it will be crucial to have a strong understanding of the precise nature of your condition.
Everyone’s experience of hearing loss is unique and complex. It’s not as if the volume in your ear is simply turned down. Instead, as stereocilia inside of your ear get 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 people don’t even notice it. The brain is quite good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing test is typically required. You might not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing test can uncover any you might have. You’ll also have the chance to properly diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the quickest (and as a result, you will be in a better position to control symptoms.)
Visiting a hearing specialist has its advantages
Matching your hearing needs to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll have to do by yourself 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.
Here are a few 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 also help you figure out how to adjust your hearing aid successfully. This is crucial to a quality experience with your devices.
- Your hearing specialist can help you set up the appropriate maintenance for your hearing aid, ensuring that your devices last for as long as possible.
- The ability to help you personalize the general fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and work effectively.
Without the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will most 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. Losing touch with family and friends due to hearing loss will be a great deal less likely if you take the right approach. You’ll be able to keep those relationships. And that can be exceptionally important.
Not everything has to be DIY
Seeking help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are in some way less self-sufficient. Quite the opposite, actually. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be improved by using the correct hearing aids.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, managing your symptoms, and choosing the right 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.
