Individuals are more self-dependent than ever. Does your car need some repairs? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? YouTube video. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
Anything you want to know, you can find, and there’s excellent potential to teach and educate yourself on the Internet. Does that mean you’ll never require a specialist ever again?
Not always. Take, for example, your hearing aids. Let’s picture 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 might make you feel like you’re being self-sufficient and sound like the convenient option, there are a few real disadvantages. In reality, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and reliable if you come in to get a consultation with us.
Hearing loss symptoms
The symptoms of hearing loss may appear to be straightforward, even obvious. Things get harder to hear, right? While that might sometimes be the case, in other circumstances the symptoms can be less evident. Certainly, individuals frequently miss the symptoms of hearing loss because they don’t know what to look for.
Here are some of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You’re frequently needing people to repeat what they said. Even if you feel like people are talking 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 sound like their “mumbling”.
- The constant need to turn the volume up: Is the volume on your television continuously going up? Well, there’s your first common symptom. This is one of the more evident ones, but it tends to progress so slowly that it’s frequently missed.
- Exhaustion and headaches: Your brain frequently 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 result in chronic headaches and tiredness.
- Having a tough time hearing when it’s noisy: Do you have a hard time keeping up with conversations when you go out to dinner with friends or family? You should definitely pay attention if you detect this symptom because it’s a pretty strong indication of hearing loss.
Of course, these symptoms are not always the only signs of hearing loss. Everyone’s hearing loss experience is distinctive. But you should definitely 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 simply go to the store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, that would be kind of like buying some corrective glasses without knowing your prescription. In the majority of cases, it will be essential to have a detailed understanding of the precise nature of your condition.
Everybody’s experience of hearing loss is distinct and complex. It’s not like somebody simply turns the volume knob in your ear. Actually, individuals tend to lose their hearing in specific frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear become damaged.
And it often goes unnoticed. The brain is very good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing exam is typically needed. This screening process can help you uncover hearing loss you might not even realize you have. You’ll also have the chance to correctly diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the fastest (and be better able to manage your symptoms as a result.)
Visiting a hearing specialist has its advantages
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 when you go see 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 tailor that device specifically for the frequency you need help with.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following advantages:
- Your hearing specialist can ensure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you comprehend and plan appropriate upkeep and maintenance.
- Your hearing specialist can 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 also help you figure out how to program your hearing aid effectively. In order to get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is essential.
- The ability to help you customize the general fit of your hearing aid, ensuring your devices are comfortable and effectively working.
Without the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will likely be less ideal, 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 control your hearing loss symptoms. Losing touch with friends and family because of hearing loss will be a great deal less likely if you take the right approach. You’ll be able to keep those relationships. And for most people, that’s one of the most worthwhile parts of life.
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. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be enhanced by using the correct hearing aids.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, controlling your symptoms, and choosing the correct hearing aids are all things that your hearing specialist will help you do.
In other words, if you suspect you have hearing loss, it’s time to call us!
