Individuals are more self-dependent than ever. Want to remodel your kitchen? Just watch that YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? Again with the YouTube. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
You can discover any information you might want to know and self-learning has never been more accessible. Does that mean you’ll never require a professional ever again?
Not always. Take, for example, your hearing aids. Imagine if you detect some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these practical little devices. Should you race out to Walmart and get a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this might make you feel self-sufficient and sound like the easy option, there are some real disadvantages. As a matter of fact, consulting a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more reliable and more comfortable.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
The symptoms of hearing loss may seem clear-cut, even obvious. You are unable to hear as well, right? Well, yes, but the presentations of hearing loss can be much more variable, and much less evident. Certainly, people frequently miss the signs of hearing loss because they’re unsure about what to watch out for.
Here are some of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- Needing people to repeat what they just said: You’re frequently needing people to repeat what they said. Even if it seems as if people are speaking 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”.
- Having to constantly crank the volume up: Is the volume on your television continuously going up? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This one is often missed because it develops slowly over a long period of time.
- Having a tough time hearing when it’s noisy: Do you have a hard time keeping up with discussions when you go out to dinner with family or friends? This is generally a pretty dependable sign that some degree of hearing loss may be occurring.
- Tiredness and headaches: Typically, when you have hearing loss, your brain struggles to keep up. It needs to work extra hard to process information, it’s like squinting all the time, but with your ears. This can result in chronic headaches and fatigue.
Clearly, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everyone’s experience will be a bit different. But you should definitely come see us for a consultation if you are detecting any of these symptoms.
Why is a diagnosis helpful?
So, you are recognizing that you are unable to hear as well as you once did. Why not simply go to the store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, that would be kind of like buying some corrective glasses without knowing your prescription. In most circumstances, it will be crucial to have a strong understanding of the exact nature of your condition.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex issue. It’s not like the volume in your ear is simply turned down. Actually, people tend to lose their hearing in specific frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear get damaged.
And most people don’t even notice it. Compensating for these kinds of changes is something that the brain is quite good at. That’s why a hearing test is often essential. You may not even know you have hearing loss but a hearing examination can expose any you may have. This will also allow you to understand which frequencies you’re starting to lose (and be better capable of managing your symptoms as a result.)
Seeing a hearing specialist has its benefits
Matching your hearing requirements to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll have to do on your own if you go with over-the-counter hearing aids.
But when you visit a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be customized to your requirements. Your hearing specialist can help you pick the best device for your symptoms and then customize that device specifically for the frequency you need assistance with.
Here are a few other benefits to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Certainty, that your device will be comfortable by getting a professional fitting.
- Programing your hearing aid more effectively is also something your hearing specialist can also help you with. So that you can get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
- 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 certain that you understand how to get the most out of your devices.
- Your hearing specialist can help you set up the appropriate maintenance for your hearing aid, ensuring 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 ideal.
Additionally, hearing specialists will be able to help you control your hearing loss symptoms. With the correct strategy, you’ll be much less likely to lose touch with 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 exceedingly important.
Not everything has to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient simply because you require some help with hearing aids. In fact, it’s actually the opposite. The correct hearing aid can increase your independence and self-sufficiency.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, regulate your symptoms, and select the correct device for your needs.
In other words, if you suspect you have hearing loss, it’s time to call us!