People are more self-reliant than ever. 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. 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 educate yourself on the Internet. Does that mean you’ll never require a specialist ever again?
Well, not necessarily. Take, for instance, your hearing aids. Imagine if you detect some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these practical little devices. Does that mean you should just drive up to the local pharmacy and get a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this may make you feel like you’re being self-sufficient and sound like the convenient solution, there are a few real disadvantages. In reality, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and reliable if you come in to get a consultation with us.
Hearing loss symptoms
The symptoms of hearing loss may appear to be clear-cut, even obvious. Things become more difficult to hear, right? While that may sometimes be the truth, in other circumstances the symptoms can be less obvious. In many instances, we are unaware of what to look for and we miss the symptoms of hearing loss.
Here are some of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- Having to continually turn the volume up: Are you consistently turning up the volume on your television? Well, there’s your first common symptom. This is one of the more apparent ones, but it tends to progress so slowly that it’s often missed.
- Trouble hearing conversations in noisy settings: Do you have a difficult time keeping up with conversations when you go out to eat with family or friends? This is usually a rather dependable sign that some degree of hearing loss might be occurring.
- Needing people to repeat what they said: You’re often needing people to repeat what they said. Even if it seems as if people are talking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. If you begin to encounter a great number of people who “mumble,” it might be your ears that are the issue.
- Exhaustion and headaches: Typically, when you have hearing loss, your brain fights to keep up. It needs to work much harder to process information, it’s like squinting constantly, but with your ears. This can lead to chronic headaches and exhaustion.
Clearly, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everyone’s hearing loss experience is unique. 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 the symptoms of hearing loss. Maybe 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 situations, 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 if the volume in your ear is simply turned down. Actually, individuals tend to lose their hearing in particular frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear get damaged.
And most people don’t even detect it. Compensating for these types of changes is something that the brain is extremely good at. Because of this, it’s usually necessary to get a hearing examination. This screening process can help you uncover hearing loss you might not even realize you have. This will also help you understand which frequencies you’re beginning to lose (and be better able to manage your symptoms because of this.)
Seeing a hearing specialist has its benefits
Matching your hearing requirements to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll need to do by yourself if you decide on 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 select the ideal device for your needs and we will tune it to boost the particular frequency that you’re having trouble hearing.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following advantages:
- Your hearing specialist can also help you understand how to program your hearing aid properly. So that you can get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
- Your hearing specialist can ensure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you comprehend and plan appropriate upkeep and maintenance.
- The ability to help you personalize the overall fit of your hearing aid, ensuring your devices are comfortable and effectively working.
- When you have trouble using or comprehending how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help walk you through the process and be sure you understand how to get the most out of your devices.
Even if you get lucky enough to select the best hearing aids for you, if don’t have the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing experience will most likely be less than ideal.
You will also be better capable of managing your hearing loss symptoms with the assistance of a hearing specialist. With the correct strategy, you’ll be much less likely to lose friends or become isolated from your family because of your hearing loss symptoms. You’ll be able to keep those relationships. And for most people, that’s one of the most significant parts of life.
Everything doesn’t always need to be DIY
Getting help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are somehow less self-sufficient. As a matter of fact, it’s just the opposite. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be enhanced by using the correct hearing aids.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, control your symptoms, and pick out the correct device for your needs.
In other words, if you think you have hearing loss, it’s time to contact us!
