Individuals 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? 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 professionals?
Not always. Hearing aids are a practical example. Let’s envision that you develop a need for these useful 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 impression of self-sufficiency), but there are a few considerable 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 signs of hearing loss?
You may think that hearing loss symptoms are pretty self-evident. Things become more difficult to hear, right? While that may sometimes be the case, in other situations the symptoms can be less evident. Indeed, people often miss the symptoms of hearing loss because they don’t know what to look for.
Here are some of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- Exhaustion and headaches: Your brain often has to work extra hard as it struggles to process sound. It’s having to work extra hard to process information, it’s like squinting constantly, but with your ears. Fatigue and chronic headaches can be the consequence.
- Having a hard time hearing when it’s loud: Do you have a hard time following conversations when you go out to eat with family or friends? This is normally a rather dependable indication that some amount of hearing loss might be happening.
- The constant need to crank the volume up: Is the volume on your television continuously going up? Well, there’s your first common sign. This one is frequently missed because it progresses slowly over a long time period.
- Needing people to repeat what they said: You may frequently ask people to repeat themselves. Even if you feel like people are talking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the problem. You should consider whether it’s an issue with your ears if lots of people start to seem like their “mumbling”.
Obviously, there are other signs of hearing loss besides these. Everyone’s hearing loss experience is distinctive. But you should certainly come see us for an assessment if you are detecting any of these symptoms.
Can a diagnosis be useful?
So, you have the symptoms of hearing loss. Maybe you should run out to your local box-store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, would you go out and buy prescription glasses without having an eye exam? In the majority of cases, it will be crucial to have a detailed understanding of the exact nature of your condition.
Everybody’s experience of hearing loss is distinct and complex. It’s not like the volume in your ear is merely turned down. Instead, as stereocilia inside of your ear get 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. The brain is quite good at compensating for these things. For this reason, it’s usually necessary to get a hearing test. 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 starting to lose (and be better capable of managing your symptoms because of this.)
Benefits 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 need.
But your hearing aids can be fine-tuned to your particular hearing needs if you consult with 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 benefits to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Your hearing specialist can help you comprehend how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having difficulty understanding how to best utilize them.
- The ability to help you individualize the overall fit of your hearing aid, ensuring your devices are comfortable and work effectively.
- Your hearing specialist can help you set up the necessary maintenance for your hearing aid, ensuring that your devices last for as long as possible.
- Programing your hearing aid more effectively is also something your hearing specialist can also help you with. This is crucial to a quality experience with your devices.
Without the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will 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 right approach, you’ll be much less likely to lose touch with friends or become isolated from your family because of your hearing loss symptoms. You’ll be able to maintain those relationships. And that can be exceptionally important.
Everything doesn’t always need to be DIY
Seeking help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are in some way less self-sufficient. In fact, it’s actually the opposite. 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 needs.
So contact us so that we can help you address your hearing loss.
