People are becoming self-dependent more than they ever did. Does your car require some repairs? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? Again with the YouTube. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? 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 done needing professionals?
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 run out to Walmart and get a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this might make you feel self-sufficient and sound like the convenient option, there are a few real downsides. In fact, consulting a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more reliable and more comfortable.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
You might think that hearing loss symptoms are pretty self-evident. Things get harder to hear, right? While that might sometimes be the case, in other circumstances the symptoms can be less apparent. In many instances, we are unaware of what to watch out for and we miss the symptoms of hearing loss.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Having to constantly turn the volume up: Is your television volume continuously going up? Well, there’s your first common symptom. This one is often missed because it progresses slowly over a long period of time.
- Having a hard time hearing when it’s noisy: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with friends and family, you have a hard time following along with conversations. You should certainly pay attention if you detect this symptom because it’s a pretty powerful indication of hearing loss.
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You might often ask people to repeat themselves. This is an indication of hearing loss, even if it feels like the volume is the issue. If you start to experience a great many people who “mumble,” it may be your ears that are the problem.
- Tiredness and headaches: Your brain frequently has to work overtime as it struggles to process sound. It’s having to work much harder to process information, it’s like squinting constantly, but with your ears. Tiredness and chronic headaches can be the outcome.
Clearly, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everybody’s experience will be somewhat different. But you should definitely come see us for a consultation if you are detecting any of these symptoms.
Why is a diagnosis useful?
So, you are realizing that you can’t hear as well as you used to. Perhaps you should run out to your local box-store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, would you go out and purchase prescription glasses without getting an eye exam? In the majority of circumstances, it will be essential to have a strong understanding of the exact nature of your condition.
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 particular frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear become damaged.
And it often goes unnoticed. Compensating for these kinds of changes is something that the brain is very good at. Because of this, it’s usually necessary to get a hearing test. You may not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing assessment can uncover any you might have. You’ll also have the chance to accurately diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the fastest (and be better able to manage your symptoms because of this.)
Advantages of going to a hearing specialist
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 choose the ideal device for your requirements and we will tune it to boost the specific frequency that you’re having trouble hearing.
Here are some other advantages to seeing a hearing specialist:
- 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.
- The ability to help you individualize the general fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and effectively working.
- Your hearing specialist can help you set up the necessary maintenance for your hearing aid, ensuring that your devices last for as long as possible.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you understand how to program your hearing aid properly. This is crucial to a good experience with your devices.
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.
Also, 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 great deal less likely if you take the correct approach. You’ll be able to maintain those connections. And for most individuals, that’s one of the most important parts of life.
Everything doesn’t always have to be DIY
Getting help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are somehow less self-sufficient. In fact, it’s actually the opposite. The correct hearing aid can improve your independence and self-sufficiency.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, control your symptoms, and pick out the correct device for your needs.
So contact us so that we can help you address your hearing loss.
