Individuals are becoming self-reliant more than they ever did. Want to fix up your car? Simply watch that YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? Again with the YouTube. Attempting to learn cursive writing? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
You can discover any information you might want to know and self-learning has never been more available. So the real question is, are we finished needing professionals?
Well, not necessarily. Hearing aids are a good example. Let’s imagine that you develop a need for these beneficial little devices. Does that mean you should just drive up to the local pharmacy and get a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this may make you feel like you’re being self-sufficient and sound like the convenient solution, there are a few real disadvantages. In fact, going to see a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more reliable and more comfortable.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
The symptoms of hearing loss may appear to be clear-cut, even obvious. You are unable to hear as well, right? While that might sometimes be the case, in other situations the symptoms can be less evident. In many situations, we don’t know what to watch out for and we miss the symptoms of hearing loss.
Here are some of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- Difficulty hearing conversations in noisy settings: Do you have a hard time keeping up with conversations when you go out to dinner with family or friends? This is typically a rather dependable indication that some degree of hearing loss may be occurring.
- Needing people to repeat what they just said: You might often ask people to repeat themselves. Even if it seems as if people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the problem. If you begin to encounter a great number of individuals who “mumble,” it might be your ears that are the issue.
- Headaches and exhaustion: Your brain frequently has to work overtime as it struggles to process sound. It’s like you’re continuously squinting with your ears as your brain works overtime attempting to process sound. This can result in chronic headaches and exhaustion.
- Having to continually crank the volume up: Are you always 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.
Of course, these symptoms are not always the only symptoms of hearing loss. Everybody’s hearing loss experience is distinctive. But you should certainly come see us for an assessment if you are detecting any of these symptoms.
Why is a diagnosis useful?
So, you have the symptoms of hearing loss. Why not just go to the store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, would you go out and purchase prescription glasses without getting an eye exam? In most situations, it will be essential to have a strong understanding of the precise nature of your condition.
Everyone’s experience of hearing loss is unique and complex. It’s not like someone just turns the volume knob in your ear. 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 most people don’t even detect it. The brain is very good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing test is often needed. This screening process can help you uncover hearing loss you might not even know you have. This will also help you understand which frequencies you’re beginning to lose (and as a result, you will be in a better position to manage symptoms.)
Benefits of working with a hearing specialist
Matching your hearing needs to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll have to do by yourself if you decide on over-the-counter hearing aids.
But when you visit a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be tailored to your needs. We will help you select the ideal device for your requirements and we will calibrate it to boost the particular frequency that you’re having trouble hearing.
Here are a few other advantages to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Certainty, that your device will be comfortable by getting a professional fitting.
- Your hearing specialist can make sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you understand and plan appropriate upkeep and maintenance.
- When you have trouble using or understanding how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help walk you through the process and be certain that you understand how to get the most out of your devices.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you understand how to program your hearing aid effectively. This is crucial to a good experience with your devices.
Even if you get lucky enough to pick the best hearing aids for you, if don’t have the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing experience will most likely be less than ideal.
In addition, 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 distant with family on account of your hearing loss symptoms. You’ll be able to maintain those connections. And that can be extremely important.
Everything doesn’t always have to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient just because you require some help with hearing aids. As a matter of fact, it’s just the opposite. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be enhanced by using the right hearing aids.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, controlling your symptoms, and choosing the right 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!