Individuals are becoming self-dependent more than they ever did. Does your car require some repairs? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? YouTube video. Trying to learn cursive writing? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
Anything you want to learn, you can find, and there’s amazing potential to teach and train yourself on the Internet. Does that mean you’ll never need an expert ever again?
Not always. Hearing aids are a good example. 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 nice and easy (and gives you the impression of self-sufficiency), but there are some substantial drawbacks. In reality, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and effective if you come in to get a consultation with us.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
The symptoms of hearing loss may appear to be clear-cut, even obvious. Things get harder to hear, right? Well, yes, but the presentations of hearing loss can be a lot more diverse, and much less obvious. In many cases, we are unaware of what to look for and we miss the symptoms of hearing loss.
Here are a few of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You may often ask people to repeat themselves. Even if you feel like people are talking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. If you begin to experience a great number of people who “mumble,” it may be your ears that are the problem.
- Having a difficult time hearing when it’s loud: Do you have a difficult time following conversations when you go out to dinner with family or friends? You should definitely pay attention if you detect this symptom because it’s a fairly strong sign of hearing loss.
- Headaches and exhaustion: Your brain often has to work extra hard as it struggles to process sound. It’s like you’re constantly squinting with your ears as your brain works extra hard attempting to process sound. Tiredness and chronic headaches can be the consequence.
- The persistent need to turn the volume up: Is the volume on your television continuously going up? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This is one of the more evident ones, but it tends to develop so slowly that it’s frequently missed.
Clearly, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everybody’s hearing loss experience is unique. 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 hearing loss symptoms. Why not simply go to the store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, that would be kind of like buying some corrective glasses without determining your prescription. In the majority of circumstances, 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 somebody simply turns the volume knob in your ear. Actually, people tend to lose their hearing in particular frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear get damaged.
And it frequently goes unnoticed. The brain is very good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing test is often essential. You may not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing assessment can expose any you might have. This will also help you understand which frequencies you’re beginning to lose (and be better capable of managing your symptoms as a result.)
Advantages of working with a hearing specialist
When you go and purchase 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 go see a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be customized to your requirements. We will help you pick the ideal device for your needs and we will tune it to boost the specific frequency that you’re having trouble hearing.
Here are some other benefits to seeing a hearing specialist:
- 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 comprehend how to get the most out of your devices.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you figure out how to program your hearing aid properly. This is critical to a good experience with your devices.
- 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.
- The ability to help you individualize the overall fit of your hearing aid, ensuring your devices are comfortable and work properly.
Without the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will most likely be less ideal, even if you do happen to pick the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
You will also be better capable of managing your hearing loss symptoms with the help of a hearing specialist. With the correct strategy, you’ll be a lot less likely to lose friends or become distant with family because of your hearing loss symptoms. Those connections will be maintained. And that can be incredibly important.
Everything doesn’t always have 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. The right hearing aid can improve your independence and self-sufficiency.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, control your symptoms, and pick out the correct device for your requirements.
In other words, if you think you have hearing loss, it’s time to give us a call!