Individuals are becoming self-dependent more than they ever did. Does your car require some repairs? Just watch that 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. So the real question is, are we done needing specialists?
Not always. Hearing aids are a practical example. Let’s envision that you develop a need for these beneficial little devices. Does that mean you should just drive up to the local pharmacy and grab a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this might make you feel self-sufficient and sound like the convenient option, there are some real downsides. 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?
The symptoms of hearing loss might seem clear-cut, even obvious. You are unable to hear as well, right? While that might sometimes be the truth, in other circumstances the symptoms can be less evident. In many cases, we are unaware of what to watch out for and we miss the symptoms of hearing loss.
Here are a few of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- Having a difficult time hearing when it’s noisy: When you’re out at dinner with family and friends, you have a difficult time following along with discussions. This is usually a rather dependable sign that some amount of hearing loss may be occurring.
- Needing people to repeat what they just said: You may frequently ask people to repeat themselves. Even if it seems like people are talking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. If you start to encounter a great many individuals who “mumble,” it might be your ears that are the issue.
- Headaches and tiredness: Often, when you have hearing loss, your brain fights to keep up. It’s having to work extra hard to process information, it’s like squinting all the time, but with your ears. This can trigger chronic headaches and exhaustion.
- Having to continually turn up the volume: Are you always turning up the volume on your television? Well, that’s a sign of hearing loss. This is one of the more evident ones, but it tends to progress so gradually that it’s frequently missed.
Clearly, there are other signs of hearing loss besides these. 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 helpful?
So, you are realizing that you are unable to hear as well as you used to. Perhaps you should go out to your local box-store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, would you go out and purchase prescription glasses without having an eye exam? It may work in some cases. But knowing more about your condition is really essential.
Everybody’s experience of hearing loss is unique and complex. It’s not like the volume in your ear is simply turned down. Actually, individuals tend to lose their hearing in particular frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear get damaged.
And it often goes undetected. Compensating for these types of changes is something that the brain is extremely good at. That’s why a hearing test is typically essential. You might not even know you have hearing loss but a hearing test can uncover any you may have. You’ll also have the chance to properly diagnose which frequencies are fading the quickest (and as a result, you will be in a better position to manage symptoms.)
Seeing a hearing specialist has its benefits
Matching your hearing requirements to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll have to do on your own if you decide on over-the-counter hearing aids.
But your hearing aids can be calibrated to your particular hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. Your hearing specialist can help you choose 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:
- Confidence, that your device will be comfortable by getting a custom fitting.
- 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 make sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you comprehend and plan correct upkeep and maintenance.
- Programing your hearing aid more effectively is also something your hearing specialist can also assist you with. So that you can get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
Even if you get lucky enough to pick the best hearing aids for you, if don’t have the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing experience will most likely be less than optimal.
You will also be better capable of managing your hearing loss symptoms with the help of a hearing specialist. Feeling isolated from family and friends due to hearing loss will be a lot less likely if you take the right approach. Those relationships will be maintained. And that can be incredibly important.
Not everything has to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient just because you require some assistance with hearing aids. Quite the opposite, actually. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be enhanced by using the correct hearing aids.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, controlling your symptoms, and picking out the right hearing aids are all things that your hearing specialist will help you do.
In other words, if you suspect you have hearing loss, it’s time to call us!