People are becoming self-reliant more than ever before. Does your car need 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.
You can find any information you might want to know and self-learning has never been more available. So the real question is, are we done needing specialists?
Well, not exactly. Hearing aids are a practical example. Let’s envision that you develop a need for these beneficial little devices. Does that mean you should just drive up to the local pharmacy and pick up a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds fairly effortless (and gives you the impression of self-sufficiency), but there are some substantial drawbacks. 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 may think that hearing loss symptoms are pretty self-evident. Things get harder to hear, right? While that may sometimes be the truth, in other situations the symptoms can be less obvious. Certainly, people frequently miss the signs of hearing loss because they don’t know what to watch out for.
Here are a few of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- Having to continually crank up the volume: Are you consistently turning up the volume on your television? Well, there’s your first common symptom. This one is often missed because it progresses gradually over a long period of time.
- Problems hearing conversations in noisy settings: Do you have a tough time keeping up with conversations when you go out to eat with friends or family? This is usually a fairly dependable indication that some amount of hearing loss might be occurring.
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You’re often needing people to repeat what they said. Even if it seems like people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. You should consider whether it’s an issue with your ears if lots of people start to seem like their “mumbling”.
- Tiredness and headaches: Often, when you have hearing loss, your brain struggles to keep up. It’s like you’re continuously squinting with your ears as your brain works extra hard attempting to process sound. Tiredness and chronic headaches can be the result.
Needless to say, these symptoms are not always the only signs of hearing loss. Everyone’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. Why not just go to the 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 cases, it will be essential to have a detailed understanding of the precise nature of your condition.
Everyone’s experience of hearing loss is distinct and complex. It’s not like the volume in your ear is simply turned down. Actually, people tend to lose their hearing in particular frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear become damaged.
And most individuals don’t even detect it. The brain is very good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing exam is often required. This screening process can help you uncover hearing loss you might not even know you have. This will also allow you to understand which frequencies you’re beginning to lose (and because of this, you will be in a better position to control symptoms.)
Visiting a hearing specialist has its advantages
Matching your hearing requirements to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll need to do on your own if you go with over-the-counter hearing aids.
But your hearing aids can be calibrated to your specific hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. We will help you select the ideal device for your needs and we will tune it to boost the particular frequency that you’re having difficulty hearing.
Here are a few other advantages to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Your hearing specialist can help you understand how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having difficulty understanding how to best use them.
- Confidence, that your device will be comfortable by getting a custom fitting.
- Your hearing specialist can help you set up the appropriate maintenance for your hearing aid, ensuring that your devices last for as long as possible.
- Programing your hearing aid more effectively is also something your hearing specialist can also assist you with. This is crucial to a quality experience with your devices.
Even if you get lucky enough to select the best hearing aids for you, if don’t have the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing experience will most likely be less than optimal.
You will also be better capable of managing your hearing loss symptoms with the help of a hearing specialist. Feeling isolated from family and friends because of hearing loss will be much less likely if you take the right approach. Those connections will be preserved. And that can be exceedingly important.
Everything doesn’t always need to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient simply because you need some assistance with hearing aids. In fact, it’s actually the opposite. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be improved by using the right hearing aids.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, regulate your symptoms, and select the right device for your needs.
In other words, if you suspect you have hearing loss, it’s time to contact us!