People are becoming self-dependent more than they ever did. Want to fix up your car? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? YouTube video. Attempting to learn cursive writing? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
Anything you want to know, you can find, and there’s great potential to teach and train yourself on the Internet. Does that mean you’ll never need an expert ever again?
Not always. Hearing aids are a good example. Imagine if you detect some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these practical little devices. Should you race out to Walmart and pick up a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds nice and easy (and gives you the impression of self-sufficiency), but there are a few considerable drawbacks. In fact, consulting a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more effective and more comfortable.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
The symptoms of hearing loss may appear to be straightforward, even obvious. You are unable to hear as well, right? Well, yes, but the presentations of hearing loss can be much more diverse, and far less apparent. In many situations, we are unaware of what to look for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Here are a few of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- Headaches and tiredness: Often, when you have hearing loss, your brain struggles to keep up. It’s having to work much harder to process information, it’s like squinting constantly, but with your ears. Fatigue and chronic headaches can be the outcome.
- Problems hearing conversations in noisy places: Do you have a tough time keeping up with conversations when you go out to eat with friends or family? You should certainly pay attention if you detect this symptom because it’s a pretty powerful sign of hearing loss.
- The persistent need to turn the volume up: Is your television volume continuously going up? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This one is often missed because it progresses gradually over a long time period.
- Asking people to repeat themselves: You’re frequently needing people to repeat what they said. Even if you feel like people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the problem. If you begin to encounter a great number of people who “mumble,” it might be your ears that are the problem.
Needless to say, these symptoms are not always the only symptoms of hearing loss. Everybody’s hearing loss experience is distinctive. But you should definitely come see us for an assessment if you are noticing any of these symptoms.
Can a diagnosis be useful?
So, you have hearing loss symptoms. Why not simply go to the store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, would you go out and buy prescription glasses without having an eye exam? It might work sometimes. But understanding more about your condition is really indispensable.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex problem. It’s not as if the volume in your ear is merely turned down. Actually, individuals tend to lose their hearing in specific frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear become damaged.
And it often goes unnoticed. The brain is quite good at compensating for these things. For this reason, it’s usually necessary to get a hearing exam. You might not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing examination can uncover any you might have. You’ll also have the opportunity to properly diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the quickest (and because of this, you will be in a better position to manage symptoms.)
Benefits of going to a hearing specialist
Matching your hearing needs to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll have to do on your own if you decide on over-the-counter hearing aids.
But your hearing aids can be calibrated to your particular hearing needs if you go to a hearing specialist. Your hearing specialist can help you choose 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 advantages:
- Your hearing specialist will help you comprehend how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having trouble understanding how to best utilize them.
- Confidence, that your device will be comfortable by getting a custom fitting.
- Your hearing specialist can make sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you comprehend and plan correct upkeep and maintenance.
- Programing your hearing aid more effectively is also something your hearing specialist can also help you with. So that you can get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is essential.
Without the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will likely be less ideal, even if you do happen to select the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
Also, hearing specialists will be able to help you control your hearing loss symptoms. With the right strategy, you’ll be much less likely to lose touch with friends or become isolated from your family because of your hearing loss symptoms. Those relationships will be preserved. And for the majority of individuals, that’s one of the most significant parts of life.
Everything doesn’t always have 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 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.
In other words, if you suspect you have hearing loss, it’s time to contact us!
