Individuals are more self-reliant than ever. Does your car need some repairs? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? YouTube video. Trying to learn cursive writing? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
You can discover any information you may want to know and self-learning has never been more accessible. So the real question is, are we done needing professionals?
Well, not necessarily. Hearing aids are a good example. Imagine if you notice some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these helpful little devices. Should you race out to Walmart and get a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this may make you feel self-sufficient and sound like the easy 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
The symptoms of hearing loss might appear to be clear-cut, even obvious. Things get harder to hear, right? While that may sometimes be the truth, in other situations the symptoms can be less apparent. Indeed, people frequently miss the symptoms of hearing loss because they’re unsure about what to watch out for.
Here are a few of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- Headaches and exhaustion: 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 trigger chronic headaches and fatigue.
- Needing people to repeat what they said: You may often ask people to repeat themselves. This is a sign of hearing loss, even if it feels like the volume is the problem. You should consider whether it’s an issue with your ears if lots of individuals start to seem like their “mumbling”.
- Having a tough time hearing when it’s loud: Do you have a hard time following conversations when you go out to eat with family or friends? You should definitely pay attention if you notice this symptom because it’s a pretty strong sign of hearing loss.
- Having to constantly crank up the volume: Is the volume on your television continuously going up? Well, there’s your first common sign. This is one of the more obvious ones, but it tends to progress so slowly that it’s often missed.
Obviously, there are other signs 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.
Why is a diagnosis helpful?
So, you have the symptoms of hearing loss. 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? In the majority of circumstances, it will be essential to have a detailed understanding of the exact nature of your condition.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex problem. It’s not as though someone just 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 normally lose the ability to hear high-frequency or low-frequency sounds first.
And most individuals don’t even detect it. The brain is really good at compensating for these things. For this reason, it’s typically necessary to get a hearing test. This screening process can help you uncover hearing loss you might not even recognize you have. This will also help you understand which frequencies you’re starting to lose (and be better able to manage your symptoms because of this.)
Benefits of working with a hearing specialist
Matching your hearing requirements to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll have to do on your own if you go with over-the-counter hearing aids.
But when you go see a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be customized to your requirements. We will help you pick the ideal device for your requirements and we will tune it to boost the specific frequency that you’re having trouble hearing.
Here are a few other benefits to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Programing your hearing aid more successfully 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 can ensure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you understand and plan appropriate upkeep and maintenance.
- When you have problems using or comprehending how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help walk you through the process and be certain that you comprehend how to get the most out of your devices.
- The ability to help you customize the overall fit of your hearing aid, ensuring your devices are comfortable and effectively working.
Without the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will most likely be less ideal, even if you do happen to select the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
In addition, hearing specialists will be able to help you control your hearing loss symptoms. Losing touch with family and friends due to hearing loss will be a lot less likely if you take the correct approach. You’ll be able to keep those connections. And for most individuals, that’s one of the most important parts of life.
Everything doesn’t always need to be DIY
Seeking help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are in some way less self-sufficient. Quite the opposite, actually. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be increased by using the right hearing aids.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, controlling your symptoms, and selecting 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 give us a call!