People are more self-reliant than ever. Want to fix up your car? Just watch that YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? YouTube video. Trying to learn cursive writing? YouTube… look, you get the point.
Anything you want to know, you can find, and there’s excellent potential to teach and train yourself on the Internet. So the real question is, are we finished needing specialists?
Well, not necessarily. Hearing aids are a practical example. Imagine if you detect 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 might make you feel like you’re being self-sufficient and sound like the convenient solution, there are a few real disadvantages. In reality, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and reliable if you come in to get a consultation with us.
Hearing loss symptoms
You might think that hearing loss symptoms are fairly self-evident. You are unable to hear as well, right? While that may sometimes be the case, in other situations the symptoms can be less obvious. Indeed, people often miss the symptoms of hearing loss because they don’t know what to watch out for.
Here are a few of the most prevalent 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 tough time following along with conversations. You should definitely pay attention if you observe this symptom because it’s a pretty powerful sign of hearing loss.
- Headaches and fatigue: Typically, when you have hearing loss, your brain fights to keep up. It’s like you’re constantly squinting with your ears as your brain works extra hard attempting to process sound. This can result in chronic headaches and tiredness.
- The constant need to crank the volume up: Are you consistently turning up the volume on your television? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This one is frequently missed because it progresses slowly over a long period of time.
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You might frequently ask people to repeat themselves. This is an indication of hearing loss, even if it feels like the volume is the issue. If you begin to encounter a great many individuals who “mumble,” it may be your ears that are the problem.
Naturally, these symptoms are not necessarily the only symptoms of hearing loss. Everybody’s hearing loss experience is distinctive. But you should definitely come see us for a consultation if you are detecting any of these symptoms.
Can a diagnosis be helpful?
So, you have the symptoms of hearing loss. Why not just go to the store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, that would be sort of like purchasing some corrective glasses without determining your prescription. In the majority of circumstances, it will be essential to have a strong understanding of the precise nature of your condition.
Everybody’s experience of hearing loss is unique and complex. It’s not as if the volume in your ear is simply turned down. Instead, as stereocilia inside of your ear become damaged, you usually 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 it often goes unnoticed. Compensating for these types of changes is something that the brain is very good at. That’s why a hearing exam is typically needed. This screening process can help you discover hearing loss you may not even recognize you have. This will also allow you to know which frequencies you’re beginning to lose (and be better able to manage your symptoms because of this.)
Advantages of going to a hearing specialist
When you go and purchase a hearing aid at the store, you’ll be doing the best you can to match what’s available on the shelf with what you require.
But your hearing aids can be calibrated to your specific hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. Your hearing specialist can help you select the best device for your symptoms and then customize that device specifically for the frequency you need assistance with.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following benefits:
- Confidence, 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.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you figure out how to adjust your hearing aid successfully. This is crucial to a good experience with your devices.
- When you have problems using or understanding how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help take you step-by-step through the process and make sure you comprehend how to get the most out of your devices.
Without the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will most likely be less ideal, even if you do happen to pick the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
Also, hearing specialists will be able to help you manage your hearing loss symptoms. With the right strategy, you’ll be a lot less likely to lose friends or become distant with family because of your hearing loss symptoms. You’ll be able to maintain those relationships. And for the majority of individuals, that’s one of the most significant parts of life.
Not everything has to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient simply because you require some help with hearing aids. Quite the opposite, actually. The right hearing aid can improve your independence and self-sufficiency.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, managing your symptoms, and picking out 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 call us!