People are more self-reliant than ever. Does your car require some repairs? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? Again with the YouTube. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
You can find any information you might want to know and self-learning has never been more accessible. So the real question is, are we finished needing specialists?
Well, not necessarily. Take, for instance, your hearing aids. Let’s picture that you develop a need for these beneficial little devices. Does that mean you should just drive up to the local pharmacy 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 easy option, there are a few real downsides. 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 might think that hearing loss symptoms are pretty self-evident. You are unable to hear as well, right? While that might sometimes be the case, in other circumstances the symptoms can be less obvious. Indeed, people frequently miss the symptoms of hearing loss because they don’t know what to look for.
Here are a few of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- Needing people to repeat what they said: You’re often needing people to repeat what they said. Even if it seems like people are talking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. If you start to experience a great number of individuals who “mumble,” it might be your ears that are the issue.
- The persistent need to turn the volume up: Are you consistently turning up the volume on your television? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This is one of the more apparent ones, but it tends to develop so gradually that it’s often missed.
- Headaches and fatigue: Your brain often has to work overtime as it struggles to process sound. It needs to work much harder to process information, it’s like squinting constantly, but with your ears. This can lead to chronic headaches and tiredness.
- Having a difficult time hearing when it’s noisy: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with friends and family, you have a hard time following along with discussions. You should definitely pay attention if you observe this symptom because it’s a rather powerful sign of hearing loss.
Naturally, these symptoms aren’t always the only symptoms of hearing loss. Everybody’s experience will be a bit different. But you should certainly come see us for a consultation if you are detecting any of these symptoms.
Can a diagnosis be helpful?
So, you are recognizing that you are unable to 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 buying some corrective glasses without determining your prescription. It may work in some cases. But understanding more about your condition is really indispensable.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex problem. It’s not like the volume in your ear is merely turned down. Instead, as stereocilia inside of your ear get 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 frequently goes unnoticed. The brain is really good at compensating for these things. Because of this, it’s typically necessary to get a hearing examination. You might not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing assessment can uncover any you may have. This will also help you know which frequencies you’re beginning to lose (and be better able to manage your symptoms because of this.)
Benefits of working with a hearing specialist
When you go and buy a hearing aid at the store, you’ll be doing your best to match what’s available on the shelf with what you need.
But your hearing aids can be fine-tuned to your particular hearing needs if you go to a hearing specialist. 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 trouble hearing.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following advantages:
- Confidence, that your device will be comfortable by getting a professional fitting.
- Your hearing specialist can help you plan the necessary maintenance for your hearing aid, making sure that your devices last for as long as possible.
- Adjusting your hearing aid more successfully is also something your hearing specialist can also assist you with. This is crucial to a quality experience with your devices.
- Your hearing specialist can help you comprehend how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having trouble understanding how to best use them.
Even if you get lucky enough to select the best hearing aids for you, if don’t have the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing experience will probably be less than optimal.
You will also be better capable of managing your hearing loss symptoms with the help of a hearing specialist. Losing touch with family and friends due to hearing loss will be much less likely if you take the correct approach. You’ll be able to maintain those connections. And that can be exceptionally important.
Not everything has to be DIY
Getting help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are in some way less self-sufficient. Quite the opposite, actually. The right 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.
In other words, if you think you have hearing loss, it’s time to contact us!