Individuals are more self-reliant than ever. Does your car require some repairs? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? Again with the YouTube. Trying to learn cursive writing? YouTube… look, you get the point.
Anything you want to know, you can find, and there’s amazing potential to teach and train yourself on the Internet. So the real question is, are we finished needing specialists?
Not always. Take, for example, your hearing aids. Let’s imagine that you develop a need for these useful little devices. Should you race out to Walmart and get a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds nice and easy (and gives you the illusion of self-sufficiency), but there are some substantial drawbacks. Actually, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and effective if you come in to get a consultation with us.
Hearing loss symptoms
You might think that hearing loss symptoms are pretty self-evident. You can’t hear as well, right? While that might sometimes be the truth, in other situations the symptoms can be less obvious. Certainly, people frequently miss the symptoms of hearing loss because they don’t know what to look for.
Here are some of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- Headaches and fatigue: Often, 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 overtime attempting to process sound. This can result in chronic headaches and exhaustion.
- The continual need to turn the volume up: Is your television volume continuously going up? Well, there’s your first common sign. This is one of the more evident ones, but it tends to develop so gradually that it’s usually missed.
- Needing people to repeat what they said: You’re frequently needing people to repeat what they said. Even if you feel as if people are talking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the problem. If you start to experience a great many individuals who “mumble,” it may be your ears that are the problem.
- Trouble hearing conversations in loud places: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with family and friends, you have a hard time following along with discussions. This is usually a pretty reliable indication that some amount of hearing loss could be happening.
Needless to say, these symptoms aren’t necessarily the only signs of hearing loss. 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 have hearing loss symptoms. Maybe you should run out to your local box-store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, that would be sort of like buying some corrective glasses without knowing your prescription. In most circumstances, it will be crucial to have a detailed understanding of the precise nature of your condition.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex issue. It’s not as though somebody just turns the volume knob in your ear. Instead, as stereocilia in your ear become damaged, you tend to lose your hearing in parts at a time, that is, you normally lose the ability to hear high-frequency or low-frequency sounds first.
And it frequently goes undetected. Compensating for these kinds of changes is something that the brain is extremely good at. That’s why a hearing test is often required. This screening process can help you uncover hearing loss you might not even realize you have. You’ll also have the chance to accurately diagnose which frequencies are fading the quickest (and be better able to manage your symptoms because of this.)
Seeing a hearing specialist has its benefits
When you go and buy a hearing aid off the shelf, you’ll be doing your best to match what’s available on the shelf with what you need.
But when you go see a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be customized to your needs. We will help you select the ideal device for your needs and we will tune it to boost the specific frequency that you’re having difficulty hearing.
Here are some other benefits to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Your hearing specialist can help you set up the appropriate maintenance for your hearing aid, making sure that your devices last for as long as possible.
- Confidence, that your device will be comfortable by getting a professional fitting.
- 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 essential.
- Your hearing specialist will help you comprehend how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having difficulty understanding how to best utilize them.
Even if you get lucky enough to pick the best hearing aids for you, if don’t have the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing experience will probably be less than ideal.
You will also be better able to manage your hearing loss symptoms with the help of a hearing specialist. With the correct strategy, you’ll be a lot less likely to lose friends or become distant with family on account of your hearing loss symptoms. You’ll be able to keep those relationships. And for most individuals, that’s one of the most important parts of life.
Everything doesn’t always have to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient just because you need some assistance with hearing aids. Quite the opposite, actually. The correct hearing aid can increase your independence and self-sufficiency.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, managing your symptoms, and choosing 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 give us a call!