People are becoming self-dependent more than they ever did. Want to fix up your car? Just watch that YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? YouTube video. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
You can find any information you may want to know and self-learning has never been more available. So the real question is, are we finished needing experts?
Not always. Hearing aids are a practical example. Imagine if you notice some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these practical 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 might make you feel like you’re being self-sufficient and sound like the convenient solution, there are some real disadvantages. In fact, going to see a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more reliable and more comfortable.
Hearing loss signs
You may think that hearing loss symptoms are pretty self-evident. Things get harder to hear, right? While that may sometimes be the truth, in other situations the symptoms can be less evident. In many situations, we are unaware of what to watch out for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Here are a few of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- Headaches and exhaustion: Your brain often has to work overtime as it struggles to process sound. It needs to work extra hard to process information, it’s like squinting all the time, but with your ears. Tiredness and chronic headaches can be the outcome.
- Having to continually crank up the volume: Are you constantly turning the volume up on your television? Well, that’s a sign of hearing loss. This one is frequently missed because it progresses slowly over a long time period.
- Needing people to repeat what they said: You’re often needing people to repeat what they said. Even if you feel 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 individuals start to seem like their “mumbling”.
- Trouble hearing conversations in loud places: Do you have a difficult time following discussions when you go out to dinner with family or friends? This is usually a pretty reliable indication that some amount of hearing loss could be happening.
Needless to say, these symptoms aren’t always the only signs of hearing loss. 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 are recognizing that you can’t hear as well as you used to. Why not simply go to the store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, would you go out and buy prescription glasses without having an eye exam? In most circumstances, it will be essential to have a detailed understanding of the exact nature of your condition.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex condition. It’s not as though somebody just turns the volume knob in your ear. Actually, individuals tend to lose their hearing in particular frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear become damaged.
And it frequently goes unnoticed. Compensating for these kinds of changes is something that the brain is very good at. That’s why a hearing test is typically needed. This screening process can help you discover hearing loss you might not even realize you have. This will also help you know which frequencies you’re starting to lose (and be better capable of managing your symptoms as a result.)
Advantages of going to 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 specific hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. We will help you select the ideal device for your needs and we will calibrate it to boost the particular frequency that you’re having trouble hearing.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following advantages:
- Your hearing specialist will help you comprehend how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having trouble understanding how to best utilize them.
- Your hearing specialist can make sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you comprehend and plan correct upkeep and maintenance.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you understand how to adjust your hearing aid successfully. This is critical to a good experience with your devices.
- The ability to help you individualize the general fit of your hearing aid, ensuring your devices are comfortable and effectively working.
Even if you get lucky enough to select 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 optimal.
You will also be better capable of managing your hearing loss symptoms with the assistance of a hearing specialist. Feeling isolated from friends and family because of hearing loss will be a lot less likely if you take the right approach. You’ll be able to keep those connections. And for the majority of people, that’s one of the most significant parts of life.
Everything doesn’t always have to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient simply because you require some help with hearing aids. Quite the opposite, actually. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be increased by using the correct hearing aids.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, regulate your symptoms, and pick out the correct device for your requirements.
In other words, if you think you have hearing loss, it’s time to give us a call!