Individuals are more self-reliant than ever. Does your car require some repairs? Simply watch that YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? Again with the YouTube. Trying to learn cursive writing? YouTube… look, you get the idea.
You can find any information you might want to learn and self-learning has never been more accessible. Does that mean you’ll never require a specialist ever again?
Not always. Take, for instance, your hearing aids. Imagine if you detect some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these helpful little devices. Should you race out to Walmart and pick up 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 substantial drawbacks. In reality, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and effective if you come in to get a consultation with us.
Hearing loss signs
The symptoms of hearing loss may seem clear-cut, even obvious. Things become more difficult to hear, right? Well, yes, but the presentations of hearing loss can be much more variable, and much less obvious. In many situations, we are unaware of what to watch out for and we miss the symptoms of hearing loss.
Some of the most common symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Tiredness and headaches: Typically, when you have hearing loss, your brain struggles to keep up. It’s having to work extra hard to process information, it’s like squinting constantly, but with your ears. Tiredness and chronic headaches can be the outcome.
- Problems hearing conversations in noisy places: Do you have a difficult time keeping up with conversations when you go out to dinner with family or friends? You should definitely pay attention if you notice this symptom because it’s a rather strong indication of hearing loss.
- The constant need to crank the volume up: Are you constantly turning up the volume on your television? Well, that’s a sign of hearing loss. This is one of the more apparent ones, but it tends to progress so gradually that it’s usually missed.
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You’re often needing people to repeat what they said. This is a sign of hearing loss, even if it seems like the volume is the issue. You should consider whether it’s a problem with your ears if lots of people start to sound like their “mumbling”.
Obviously, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everyone’s experience will be somewhat different. But you should certainly come see us for a consultation if you are detecting any of these symptoms.
Why is a diagnosis helpful?
So, you are realizing that you are unable to hear as well as you used to. Why not just go to the store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, that would be sort of like buying some corrective glasses without determining your prescription. In the majority of cases, it will be essential to have a strong understanding of the exact nature of your condition.
Everybody’s experience of hearing loss is unique and complex. It’s not like the volume in your ear is merely turned down. Instead, as stereocilia in your ear become damaged, you usually lose your hearing in parts at a time, that is, you normally lose the ability to hear high-frequency or low-frequency sounds first.
And it often goes undetected. Compensating for these kinds of changes is something that the brain is extremely good at. Because of this, it’s usually necessary to get a hearing exam. This screening process can help you discover hearing loss you might not even know you have. You’ll also have the chance to accurately diagnose which frequencies are fading the fastest (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 have to do on your own if you go with over-the-counter hearing aids.
But when you visit a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be customized to your needs. We will help you pick the ideal device for your needs and we will tune it to boost the particular frequency that you’re having difficulty hearing.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following advantages:
- Your hearing specialist can help you set up the necessary maintenance for your hearing aid, making sure that your devices last for as long as possible.
- Programing your hearing aid more successfully is also something your hearing specialist can also help you with. This is crucial to a good experience with your devices.
- Certainty, that your device will be comfortable by getting a custom fitting.
- 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.
Even if you get lucky enough to pick the best hearing aids for you, if don’t have the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing experience will probably be less than optimal.
In addition, hearing specialists will be able to help you manage your hearing loss symptoms. Losing touch with friends and family due to hearing loss will be a great deal less likely if you take the right approach. Those relationships will be preserved. And for most people, that’s one of the most significant parts of life.
Everything doesn’t always have to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient simply because you need some assistance with hearing aids. Quite the opposite, actually. 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 pick out the correct device for your requirements.
So give us a call so that we can help you address your hearing loss.
