People are more self-reliant than ever. Does your car require some repairs? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? YouTube video. Attempting to learn cursive writing? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
You can discover any information you may want to learn and self-learning has never been more available. Does that mean you’ll never require a professional ever again?
Well, not exactly. Take, for instance, your hearing aids. Let’s imagine that you develop a need for these beneficial little devices. Should you race out to Walmart and pick up a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this might make you feel like you’re being self-sufficient and sound like the easy option, there are some real downsides. In reality, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and effective if you come in to get a consultation with us.
Hearing loss symptoms
You might think that hearing loss symptoms are fairly self-evident. Things become more difficult to hear, right? Well, yes, but the symptoms of hearing loss can be much more diverse, and far less apparent. Certainly, people frequently miss the signs of hearing loss because they don’t know what to look for.
Here are some of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- The continual need to crank the volume up: Is your television volume constantly going up? Well, there’s your first common sign. This one is often missed because it progresses slowly over a long time period.
- Trouble hearing conversations in noisy settings: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with family and friends, you have a difficult time following along with conversations. This is normally a fairly reliable indication that some amount of hearing loss could be happening.
- Needing people to repeat what they just said: You may often ask people to repeat themselves. This is an indication of hearing loss, even if it feels like the volume is the issue. If you begin to encounter a great number of people who “mumble,” it may be your ears that are the problem.
- Headaches and fatigue: Your brain often has to work extra hard as it struggles to process sound. It’s like you’re constantly squinting with your ears as your brain works overtime attempting to process sound. This can trigger chronic headaches and tiredness.
Obviously, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everybody’s experience will be a bit different. 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 realizing that you are unable to hear as well as you used to. Why not just go to the store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, that would be sort of like purchasing some corrective glasses without knowing your prescription. It might work in some cases. But understanding more about your condition is really essential.
Everybody’s experience of hearing loss is unique and complex. 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 detect it. Compensating for these kinds of changes is something that the brain is very good at. That’s why a hearing exam is often essential. You may not even know you have hearing loss but a hearing test can uncover any you might have. You’ll also have the chance to correctly diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the quickest (and because of this, you will be in a better position to manage symptoms.)
Visiting a hearing specialist has its advantages
Matching your hearing requirements to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll have to do by yourself if you go with over-the-counter hearing aids.
But your hearing aids can be calibrated to your specific hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. Your hearing specialist can help you choose the best device for your symptoms and then customize that device specifically for the wavelengths you need help with.
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 difficulty understanding how to best utilize them.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you figure out how to program your hearing aid properly. So that you can get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
- Your hearing specialist can make sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you understand and plan proper upkeep and maintenance.
- Certainty, that your device will be comfortable by getting a professional fitting.
Without the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will most likely be less optimal, even if you do happen to pick the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
Also, hearing specialists will be able to help you manage your hearing loss symptoms. With the right strategy, you’ll be a lot less likely to lose touch with friends or become distant with family on account of your hearing loss symptoms. Those relationships will be preserved. And for most individuals, that’s one of the most significant parts of life.
Everything doesn’t always need to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient simply because you need some assistance with hearing aids. Quite the opposite, actually. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be enhanced by using the right hearing aids.
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.
So call us so that we can help you address your hearing loss.