Individuals are more self-reliant than ever. Want to remodel your kitchen? Simply watch that YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? Again with the YouTube. Attempting to learn cursive writing? YouTube… look, you get the idea.
You can find any information you might want to know and self-learning has never been more accessible. So the real question is, are we finished needing experts?
Well, not exactly. Hearing aids are a good example. Let’s picture that you develop a need for these useful little devices. Should you race out to Walmart and get a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds nice and easy (and gives you the impression of self-sufficiency), but there are a few 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. You are unable to hear as well, right? While that may sometimes be the case, in other situations the symptoms can be less apparent. In many instances, we are unaware of what to look for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Some of the most common symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Headaches and tiredness: Your brain often has to work overtime as it struggles to process sound. It needs to work extra hard to process information, it’s like squinting constantly, but with your ears. This can trigger chronic headaches and fatigue.
- 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 is one of the more obvious ones, but it tends to progress so gradually that it’s frequently missed.
- Having a hard time hearing when it’s loud: Do you have a tough time keeping up with discussions when you go out to eat with family or friends? You should certainly pay attention if you observe this symptom because it’s a rather strong indication of hearing loss.
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You’re frequently needing people to repeat what they said. Even if you feel as if people are talking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. If you start to encounter a great number of people who “mumble,” it might be your ears that are the problem.
Needless to say, these symptoms aren’t always the only signs of hearing loss. 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. Maybe you should go 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 situations, it will be essential to have a strong understanding of the exact nature of your condition.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex issue. 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 become damaged.
And it often goes unnoticed. The brain is very good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing exam is typically essential. This screening process can help you expose hearing loss you may not even recognize you have. You’ll also have the opportunity to accurately diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the fastest (and be better capable of managing your symptoms because of this.)
Seeing a hearing specialist has its advantages
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 require.
But when you visit a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be customized to your needs. We will help you select the ideal device for your requirements and we will tune it to boost the particular frequency that you’re having trouble hearing.
Here are some other benefits to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Your hearing specialist will help you understand how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having trouble understanding how to best use them.
- The ability to help you personalize the overall fit of your hearing aid, ensuring your devices are comfortable and work properly.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you figure out how to program your hearing aid successfully. This is critical to a good experience with your devices.
- Your hearing specialist can help you plan the necessary maintenance for your hearing aid, ensuring that your devices last for as long as possible.
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 probably be less than optimal.
Also, 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 much less likely if you take the correct approach. You’ll be able to keep those relationships. And for most individuals, that’s one of the most worthwhile parts of life.
Everything doesn’t always need to be DIY
Getting help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are in some way less self-sufficient. As a matter of fact, it’s actually the opposite. The correct hearing aid can increase your independence and self-sufficiency.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, managing your symptoms, and selecting the right hearing aids are all things that your hearing specialist will help you do.
So call us so that we can help you address your hearing loss.
