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. Is your sink clogged? YouTube video. Attempting to learn cursive writing? YouTube… look, you get the point.
Anything you want to learn, you can find, and there’s great potential to teach and educate yourself on the Internet. Does that mean you’ll never need a professional ever again?
Not always. Hearing aids are a good example. Imagine if you notice 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 pick up a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this might make you feel like you’re being self-sufficient and sound like the convenient option, there are a few real downsides. In 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 may seem straightforward, even obvious. Things become more difficult to hear, right? Well, yes, but the presentations of hearing loss can be a lot more variable, and much less evident. Certainly, people often miss the indications of hearing loss because they don’t know what to look for.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Having to constantly turn the volume up: Are you consistently turning up the volume on your television? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This is one of the more evident ones, but it tends to develop so gradually that it’s usually missed.
- Asking people to repeat themselves: You may often ask people to repeat themselves. Even if it seems as if people are talking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. You should consider whether it’s a problem with your ears if lots of individuals start to seem like their “mumbling”.
- Having a hard time hearing when it’s noisy: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with family and friends, you have a hard time following along with conversations. You should definitely pay attention if you observe this symptom because it’s a fairly powerful sign of hearing loss.
- Tiredness and headaches: Your brain frequently has to work overtime as it struggles to process sound. It’s like you’re constantly squinting with your ears as your brain works overtime attempting to process sound. This can lead to chronic headaches and tiredness.
Naturally, 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.
Why is a diagnosis helpful?
So, you are recognizing that you are unable to hear as well as you once did. 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 having an eye exam? In the majority of circumstances, it will be essential to have a strong understanding of the precise nature of your condition.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex condition. It’s not like someone simply turns the volume knob in your ear. Instead, as stereocilia in your ear become damaged, you often 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 most people don’t even notice it. Compensating for these types of changes is something that the brain is really good at. That’s why a hearing test is often essential. You might not even know you have hearing loss but a hearing test can expose any you might have. You’ll also have the chance to correctly diagnose which frequencies are fading the quickest (and be better capable of managing your symptoms as a result.)
Visiting a hearing specialist has its advantages
When you go and purchase a hearing aid at the store, you’ll be doing your best to match what’s available on the shelf with what you need.
But your hearing aids can be fine-tuned to your particular hearing needs if you go to a hearing specialist. Your hearing specialist can help you choose the best device for your symptoms and then customize that device specifically for the frequency you need help with.
Here are some other advantages to seeing a hearing specialist:
- The ability to help you personalize the general fit of your hearing aid, ensuring your devices are comfortable and work properly.
- 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 utilize them.
- Your hearing specialist can ensure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you understand and plan correct upkeep and maintenance.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you figure out how to adjust your hearing aid effectively. This is critical to a good experience with your devices.
Without the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will likely be less ideal, even if you do happen to pick the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
Additionally, hearing specialists will be able to help you control your hearing loss symptoms. With the right strategy, you’ll be much less likely to lose friends or become isolated from your family on account of your hearing loss symptoms. You’ll be able to maintain those relationships. And that can be exceedingly important.
Not everything has to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient simply because you require some help 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, control your symptoms, and select the correct device for your requirements.
So give us a call so that we can help you address your hearing loss.
