Individuals are more self-reliant than ever. Does your car require some repairs? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? Again with the YouTube. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
You can find any information you might want to learn and self-learning has never been more available. So the real question is, are we done needing experts?
Well, not necessarily. Take, for example, your hearing aids. Let’s imagine that you develop a need for these beneficial little devices. Does that mean you should just go out to the local pharmacy and get a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this may make you feel self-sufficient and sound like the convenient solution, there are some real downsides. Actually, 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? Well, yes, but the presentations of hearing loss can be much more variable, and far less apparent. In many cases, 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:
- Having to continually turn the volume up: Are you constantly turning up the volume on your television? Well, there’s your first common symptom. This is one of the more apparent ones, but it tends to progress so gradually that it’s often missed.
- Asking people to 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 an issue with your ears if lots of individuals start to seem like their “mumbling”.
- Headaches and exhaustion: Often, when you have hearing loss, your brain fights to keep up. It’s having to work much harder to process information, it’s like squinting constantly, but with your ears. This can lead to chronic headaches and tiredness.
- Having a hard time hearing when it’s noisy: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with family and friends, you have a difficult time following along with discussions. This is generally a fairly dependable indication that some amount of hearing loss might be occurring.
Obviously, there are other signs 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.
Why is a diagnosis useful?
So, you have hearing loss symptoms. Perhaps you should go out to your local box-store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, that would be kind of like purchasing some corrective glasses without determining your prescription. It might work sometimes. But understanding more about your condition is really indispensable.
Everyone’s experience of hearing loss is distinct and complex. It’s not as if the volume in your ear is simply turned down. 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 it often goes unnoticed. Compensating for these types of changes is something that the brain is extremely good at. That’s why a hearing test is often necessary. This screening process can help you discover hearing loss you may not even recognize you have. This will also allow you to know which frequencies you’re beginning to lose (and as a result, you will be in a better position to manage symptoms.)
Seeing a hearing specialist has its advantages
Matching your hearing requirements to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll need to do on your own if you decide on over-the-counter hearing aids.
But when you go see a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be tailored to your requirements. 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.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following advantages:
- 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 use them.
- Programing your hearing aid more successfully is also something your hearing specialist can also help you with. In order to get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
- Your hearing specialist can help you plan the necessary maintenance for your hearing aid, making sure that your devices last for as long as possible.
- Confidence, that your device will be comfortable by getting a custom fitting.
Without the advantage 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.
You will also be better able to manage your hearing loss symptoms with the help of a hearing specialist. Feeling isolated from family and friends due to hearing loss will be much less likely if you take the correct approach. You’ll be able to maintain those connections. And for most people, that’s one of the most significant parts of life.
Not everything has to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient simply because you need some help with hearing aids. Quite the opposite, actually. The correct hearing aid can increase your independence and self-sufficiency.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, managing your symptoms, and selecting the correct hearing aids are all things that your hearing specialist will help you do.
In other words, if you think you have hearing loss, it’s time to give us a call!