People are more self-dependent than ever. Does your car require some repairs? Just watch that YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? YouTube video. 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 need an expert ever again?
Not always. Take, for example, your hearing aids. 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? It sounds fairly effortless (and gives you the illusion of self-sufficiency), but there are some significant drawbacks. In fact, consulting a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more effective and more comfortable.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
The symptoms of hearing loss might appear to be clear-cut, even obvious. Things get harder to hear, right? Well, yes, but the presentations of hearing loss can be much more variable, and far less obvious. Certainly, individuals often miss the symptoms of hearing loss because they don’t know what to look for.
Here are some of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- Headaches and fatigue: 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. This can result in chronic headaches and fatigue.
- Having a difficult time hearing when it’s loud: Do you have a tough time following conversations when you go out to dinner with family or friends? You should definitely pay attention if you notice this symptom because it’s a fairly strong sign of hearing loss.
- Needing people to repeat what they just said: You might often ask people to repeat themselves. Even if you feel like people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the problem. You should consider whether it’s a problem with your ears if lots of individuals start to seem like their “mumbling”.
- The constant need to crank the volume up: Are you always turning the volume up on your television? Well, there’s your first common sign. This is one of the more obvious ones, but it tends to develop so slowly that it’s often missed.
Of course, these symptoms aren’t always the only signs of hearing loss. Everyone’s hearing loss experience is distinctive. But you should absolutely come see us for an assessment if you are detecting any of these symptoms.
Why is a diagnosis helpful?
So, you have the symptoms of hearing loss. Why not simply go to the store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, would you go out and purchase prescription glasses without having an eye exam? In the majority of cases, it will be crucial to have a strong understanding of the precise nature of your condition.
Everybody’s experience of hearing loss is distinct and complex. It’s not like the volume in your ear is simply turned down. Actually, individuals tend to lose their hearing in particular frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear get damaged.
And it frequently goes undetected. The brain is quite good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing test is often essential. This screening process can help you discover hearing loss you may not even realize you have. You’ll also have the opportunity to properly diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the quickest (and as a result, you will be in a better position to control symptoms.)
Seeing a hearing specialist has its advantages
When you go and buy a hearing aid at the store, 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 particular hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. Your hearing specialist can help you select the best device for your symptoms and then customize that device specifically for the wavelengths you need help with.
Here are a few other benefits to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Your hearing specialist can help you set up the necessary maintenance for your hearing aid, making sure that your devices last for as long as possible.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you understand how to program your hearing aid successfully. This is crucial to a good experience with your devices.
- The ability to help you customize the overall fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and effectively working.
- When you have difficulty using or understanding how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help walk you through the process and be certain that you comprehend how to get the most out of your devices.
Without the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will most likely be less ideal, even if you do happen to pick the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
Additionally, hearing specialists will be able to help you control your hearing loss symptoms. With the right strategy, you’ll be a lot less likely to lose touch with friends or become isolated from your family on account of your hearing loss symptoms. Those connections will be maintained. And for most individuals, that’s one of the most worthwhile parts of life.
Not everything has to be DIY
Getting help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are in some way less self-sufficient. In fact, it’s actually the opposite. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be improved by using the correct hearing aids.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, manage your symptoms, and select the correct device for your needs.
So call us so that we can help you address your hearing loss.