People are becoming self-dependent more than they ever did. Want to remodel your kitchen? Just watch that YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? Again with the YouTube. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
Anything you want to know, you can find, and there’s amazing potential to teach and educate yourself on the Internet. Does that mean you’ll never require a professional ever again?
Not always. Take, for instance, your hearing aids. Let’s picture that you develop a need for these handy little devices. Should you run out to Walmart and get a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds fairly effortless (and gives you the illusion 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 symptoms of hearing loss?
You may think that hearing loss symptoms are fairly self-evident. Things get harder to hear, right? While that might sometimes be the truth, in other situations the symptoms can be less obvious. Indeed, people frequently miss the indications of hearing loss because they’re unsure about what to watch out for.
Some of the most common symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Problems hearing conversations in loud settings: When you’re out at dinner with friends and family, you have a hard time following along with conversations. You should definitely pay attention if you notice this symptom because it’s a rather strong indication of hearing loss.
- Tiredness and headaches: Your brain often has to work extra hard as it struggles to process sound. It needs to work much harder to process information, it’s like squinting constantly, but with your ears. Tiredness and chronic headaches can be the result.
- 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 is one of the more evident ones, but it tends to progress so gradually that it’s frequently missed.
- Needing people to repeat what they just said: You might often ask people to repeat themselves. This is a sign of hearing loss, even if it feels like the volume is the issue. You should consider whether it’s an issue with your ears if lots of people start to sound like their “mumbling”.
Naturally, these symptoms are not always the only signs of hearing loss. Everybody’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.
Why is a diagnosis useful?
So, you are recognizing that you can’t hear as well as you used to. Perhaps you should run out to your local box-store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, would you go out and buy prescription glasses without getting an eye exam? In most circumstances, it will be crucial to have a detailed understanding of the precise nature of your condition.
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 specific frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear get damaged.
And most individuals don’t even notice it. The brain is quite good at compensating for these things. Because of this, it’s usually necessary to get a hearing exam. You may not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing examination can uncover any you may have. You’ll also have the opportunity to correctly diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the fastest (and be better capable of managing your symptoms because of this.)
Benefits of working with a hearing specialist
When you go and buy 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 customized to your needs. Your hearing specialist can help you pick the best device for your symptoms and then customize that device specifically for the frequency you need help with.
Here are a few other benefits to seeing a hearing specialist:
- 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.
- Programing your hearing aid more effectively is also something your hearing specialist can also assist you with. In order to get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
- Your hearing specialist will help you understand how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having trouble understanding how to best use them.
- The ability to help you individualize the overall fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and work effectively.
Without the advantage 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 assistance of a hearing specialist. Losing touch with family and friends due to hearing loss will be much less likely if you take the right approach. You’ll be able to maintain those connections. And that can be exceptionally important.
Everything doesn’t always need to be DIY
Seeking help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are somehow less self-sufficient. As a matter of 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 requirements.
In other words, if you think you have hearing loss, it’s time to call us!