Individuals are becoming self-reliant more than they ever did. Want to remodel your kitchen? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? YouTube video. Trying to learn cursive writing? YouTube… look, you get the idea.
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 a specialist ever again?
Well, not necessarily. Take, for instance, your hearing aids. 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 pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this may make you feel like you’re being self-sufficient and sound like the easy option, there are a few real downsides. 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 fairly self-evident. Things become more difficult to hear, right? While that may sometimes be the case, in other circumstances the symptoms can be less apparent. In many situations, we don’t know what to look for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Here are a few of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- Needing people to repeat what they said: You may frequently ask people to repeat themselves. Even if it seems as if people are speaking 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”.
- Exhaustion and headaches: Your brain frequently has to work overtime 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. This can lead to chronic headaches and tiredness.
- Difficulty hearing conversations in loud places: When you’re out at dinner with family and friends, you have a hard time following along with discussions. You should definitely pay attention if you detect this symptom because it’s a rather strong sign of hearing loss.
- The continual need to crank the volume up: Are you always turning the volume up on your television? Well, there’s your first common symptom. This is one of the more evident ones, but it tends to progress so gradually that it’s usually missed.
Obviously, there are other signs of hearing loss besides these. Everyone’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 useful?
So, you are realizing that you can’t hear as well as you used to. Maybe you should run out to your local box-store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, that would be sort of like buying some corrective glasses without determining your prescription. It may work in some cases. But knowing more about your condition is definitely essential.
Everybody’s experience of hearing loss is distinct and complex. It’s not like the volume in your ear is merely turned down. Actually, individuals tend to lose their hearing in specific frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear become damaged.
And most individuals don’t even detect it. The brain is really good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing exam is often needed. You might not even know you have hearing loss but a hearing test can uncover any you may have. This will also help you understand which frequencies you’re beginning to lose (and be better able to manage 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 the best you can to match what’s available on the shelf with what you need.
But your hearing aids can be calibrated to your particular hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. We will help you pick the ideal device for your requirements and we will calibrate it to boost the particular frequency that you’re having difficulty hearing.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following advantages:
- Your hearing specialist can also help you understand how to adjust your hearing aid effectively. This is crucial to a quality experience with your devices.
- The ability to help you customize the general fit of your hearing aid, ensuring your devices are comfortable and effectively working.
- Your hearing specialist will help you understand how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having difficulty understanding how to best utilize them.
- 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.
Even if you get lucky enough to select the best hearing aids for you, if don’t have the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing experience will probably be less than optimal.
You will also be better capable of managing your hearing loss symptoms with the help of a hearing specialist. Losing touch with friends and family due to hearing loss will be a lot less likely if you take the correct approach. You’ll be able to keep those connections. And for the majority of individuals, that’s one of the most worthwhile parts of life.
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 just the opposite. The correct hearing aid can improve your independence and self-sufficiency.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, controlling your symptoms, and picking out 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 contact us!