People are becoming self-reliant more than ever before. Does your car require some repairs? Simply watch that YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? Again with the YouTube. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? YouTube… look, you get the point.
Anything you want to know, you can find, and there’s great potential to teach and educate yourself on the Internet. Does that mean you’ll never require a specialist ever again?
Well, not necessarily. Hearing aids are a practical example. Imagine if you notice some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these helpful little devices. Should you run out to Walmart and pick up a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this might make you feel self-sufficient and sound like the easy option, there are a few real disadvantages. In fact, consulting a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more reliable and more comfortable.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
You may think that hearing loss symptoms are pretty self-evident. Things become more difficult to hear, right? Well, yes, but the presentations of hearing loss can be a lot more diverse, and much less evident. In many cases, we are unaware of what to watch out for and we miss the symptoms of hearing loss.
Some of the most common symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You might often ask people to repeat themselves. Even if you feel like people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the problem. If you start to experience a great number of people who “mumble,” it may be your ears that are the issue.
- Exhaustion and headaches: Often, when you have hearing loss, your brain fights to keep up. It’s like you’re continuously squinting with your ears as your brain works extra hard attempting to process sound. Exhaustion and chronic headaches can be the result.
- The continual need to crank the volume up: Is the volume on your television constantly going up? Well, there’s your first common sign. This one is often missed because it develops slowly over a long period of time.
- Having a hard time hearing when it’s loud: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with family and friends, you have a tough time following along with conversations. This is usually a rather dependable indication that some amount of hearing loss might be happening.
Clearly, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everyone’s experience will be slightly 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 helpful?
So, you have the symptoms of hearing loss. Perhaps you should go 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. In the majority of circumstances, it will be essential to have a strong understanding of the exact nature of your condition.
Everyone’s experience of hearing loss is unique and complex. It’s not like the volume in your ear is merely turned down. Actually, individuals tend to lose their hearing in specific frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear get damaged.
And it frequently goes unnoticed. The brain is very good at compensating for these things. For this reason, it’s usually necessary to get a hearing examination. This screening process can help you uncover hearing loss you might not even know you have. You’ll also have the opportunity to accurately diagnose which frequencies are fading the fastest (and as a result, you will be in a better position to control 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 when you visit a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be customized to your requirements. Your hearing specialist can help you select the best device for your symptoms and then customize that device specifically for the frequency you need help with.
Here are some other advantages to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Your hearing specialist will help you understand how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having difficulty understanding how to best utilize them.
- Programing your hearing aid more successfully is also something your hearing specialist can also assist you with. This is critical to a quality experience with your devices.
- Certainty, that your device will be comfortable by getting a professional fitting.
- Your hearing specialist can help you set up the necessary maintenance for your hearing aid, making sure that your devices last for as long as possible.
Without the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will likely be less optimal, even if you do happen to select the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
You will also be better able to manage your hearing loss symptoms with the help of a hearing specialist. With the correct approach, you’ll be much less likely to lose friends or become isolated from your family on account of your hearing loss symptoms. Those connections will be maintained. And for most individuals, 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 need some help with hearing aids. In fact, it’s just the opposite. The correct hearing aid can increase your independence and self-sufficiency.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, manage your symptoms, and select the correct device for your needs.
In other words, if you suspect you have hearing loss, it’s time to call us!