Individuals are becoming self-dependent more than they ever did. Want to remodel your kitchen? 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 educate yourself on the Internet. So the real question is, are we done needing experts?
Well, not exactly. Hearing aids are a practical example. Let’s picture that you develop a need for these useful little devices. Does that mean you should just go out to the local pharmacy and grab a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds fairly effortless (and gives you the illusion of self-sufficiency), but there are a few significant drawbacks. As a matter of fact, consulting a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more reliable and more comfortable.
Hearing loss symptoms
The symptoms of hearing loss might appear to be straightforward, even obvious. Things become more difficult to hear, right? While that may sometimes be the case, in other situations the symptoms can be less evident. In many situations, we don’t know what to look for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Some of the most common symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- The constant need to crank the volume up: Is the volume on your television constantly going up? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This one is often missed because it progresses gradually over a long time period.
- Having a tough time hearing when it’s loud: Do you have a difficult time following discussions when you go out to eat with friends or family? You should definitely pay attention if you observe this symptom because it’s a rather powerful indication of hearing loss.
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You may often ask people to repeat themselves. This is a sign of hearing loss, even if it feels like the volume is the issue. If you begin to encounter a great many individuals who “mumble,” it may be your ears that are the issue.
- Tiredness and headaches: Typically, when you have hearing loss, your brain struggles 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.
Clearly, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everyone’s hearing loss experience is distinctive. But if you are noticing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit us to get a diagnosis.
Can a diagnosis be helpful?
So, you have the symptoms of hearing loss. Perhaps you should run out to your local box-store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, would you go out and purchase prescription glasses without having an eye exam? In the majority of circumstances, it will be crucial to have a detailed understanding of the exact nature of your condition.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex condition. It’s not like the volume in your ear is simply turned down. Instead, as stereocilia inside of your ear become damaged, you tend to lose your hearing in parts at a time, that is, you usually lose the ability to hear high-frequency or low-frequency sounds first.
And it often goes undetected. The brain is really good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing exam is typically required. This screening process can help you discover hearing loss you may not even know you have. You’ll also have the chance to accurately diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the fastest (and be better capable of managing your symptoms as a result.)
Advantages of going to a hearing specialist
When you go and buy a hearing aid at the store, you’ll be doing the best you can to match what’s available on the shelf with what you need.
But your hearing aids can be calibrated to your particular hearing needs if you go to a hearing specialist. We will help you choose the ideal device for your needs and we will tune it to boost the particular frequency that you’re having trouble hearing.
Here are some other advantages to seeing a hearing specialist:
- When you have problems using or comprehending how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help take you step-by-step through the process and be sure you comprehend how to get the most out of your devices.
- Confidence, that your device will be comfortable by getting a custom fitting.
- Your hearing specialist can ensure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you comprehend and plan correct upkeep and maintenance.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you understand how to program your hearing aid effectively. So that you can get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
Without the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will most likely be less optimal, even if you do happen to pick the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
You will also be better able to manage your hearing loss symptoms with the assistance of a hearing specialist. With the correct approach, you’ll be a lot less likely to lose touch with friends or become distant with family because of your hearing loss symptoms. You’ll be able to maintain those relationships. And for the majority of people, that’s one of the most worthwhile parts of life.
Not everything has to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient simply because you require some assistance with hearing aids. Quite the opposite, actually. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be improved by using the correct hearing aids.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, managing your symptoms, and picking out the right 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 contact us!
