Individuals are more self-dependent than ever. Want to fix up your car? Just watch that YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? Again with the YouTube. Attempting to learn cursive writing? YouTube… look, you get the point.
You can discover any information you may want to learn and self-learning has never been more accessible. So the real question is, are we finished needing professionals?
Not always. Hearing aids are a good example. Imagine if you notice some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these practical little devices. Should you run out to Walmart and pick up a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this may make you feel self-sufficient and sound like the convenient solution, there are some real disadvantages. Actually, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and reliable if you come in to get a consultation with us.
Hearing loss signs
You may think that hearing loss symptoms are fairly self-evident. Things become more difficult to hear, right? Well, yes, but the presentations of hearing loss can be much more variable, and far less evident. Indeed, people frequently miss the signs 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:
- Having to continually turn up the volume: Is the volume on your television constantly going up? Well, there’s your first common symptom. This is one of the more obvious ones, but it tends to progress so slowly that it’s usually missed.
- Having a hard time hearing when it’s noisy: When you’re out at dinner with family and friends, you have a tough time following along with conversations. This is typically a rather dependable sign that some degree of hearing loss may be happening.
- Tiredness and headaches: Typically, when you have hearing loss, your brain struggles to keep up. It’s like you’re constantly squinting with your ears as your brain works extra hard attempting to process sound. Tiredness and chronic headaches can be the outcome.
- Asking people to repeat themselves: You’re often needing people to repeat what they said. Even if it seems as if people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the problem. You should consider whether it’s an issue with your ears if lots of people start to sound like their “mumbling”.
Clearly, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everybody’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.
Can a diagnosis be helpful?
So, you are recognizing that you can’t hear as well as you used to. Maybe you should go out to your local box-store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, would you go out and buy prescription glasses without getting an eye exam? It may work in some cases. But understanding more about your condition is definitely indispensable.
Everyone’s experience of hearing loss is distinct and complex. It’s not as though someone simply turns the volume knob in your ear. Instead, as stereocilia in your ear get damaged, you tend to 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 individuals don’t even notice it. The brain is quite good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing test is typically necessary. This screening process can help you discover hearing loss you may not even realize you have. This will also help you understand which frequencies you’re beginning to lose (and be better able to manage your symptoms as a result.)
Benefits of working with a hearing specialist
Matching your hearing needs to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll have to do by yourself if you decide on over-the-counter hearing aids.
But when you visit a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be tailored to your needs. We will help you pick the ideal device for your needs and we will calibrate it to boost the specific frequency that you’re having difficulty hearing.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following advantages:
- Your hearing specialist can also help you understand how to adjust your hearing aid successfully. This is critical to a good experience with your devices.
- 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 use them.
- Your hearing specialist can ensure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you understand and plan appropriate upkeep and maintenance.
- Certainty, that your device will be comfortable by getting a custom fitting.
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 probably be less than optimal.
Additionally, hearing specialists will be able to help you manage your hearing loss symptoms. Feeling isolated from friends and family 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 exceedingly important.
Not everything has to be DIY
Seeking help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are in some way less self-sufficient. As a matter of fact, it’s just the opposite. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be enhanced by using the correct hearing aids.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, managing your symptoms, and choosing the correct hearing aids are all things that your hearing specialist will help you do.
So give us a call so that we can help you address your hearing loss.
