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. Is your sink clogged? Again with the YouTube. 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 train yourself on the Internet. So the real question is, are we finished needing professionals?
Well, not exactly. 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 grab a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds nice and easy (and gives you the illusion of self-sufficiency), but there are a few significant drawbacks. Actually, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and effective if you come in to get a consultation with us.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
You might think that hearing loss symptoms are pretty self-evident. Things get harder to hear, right? Well, yes, but the symptoms of hearing loss can be a lot more variable, and much less obvious. Indeed, people often miss the signs of hearing loss because they’re unsure about what to look for.
Here are some of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- The constant need to turn the volume up: Is the volume on your television continuously going up? Well, that’s a sign of hearing loss. This one is often missed because it develops gradually over a long period of time.
- Tiredness and headaches: Your brain often has to work overtime as it struggles to process sound. It needs to work much harder to process information, it’s like squinting constantly, but with your ears. Exhaustion and chronic headaches can be the result.
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You may often ask people to repeat themselves. Even if it seems like people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. If you start to come across a great number of people who “mumble,” it may be your ears that are the problem.
- Problems hearing conversations in noisy places: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with friends and family, you have a difficult time following along with discussions. This is typically a pretty dependable sign that some amount of hearing loss may be happening.
Of course, these symptoms are not always the only signs of hearing loss. Everybody’s experience will be somewhat different. But you should absolutely come see us for an assessment if you are noticing any of these symptoms.
Why is a diagnosis helpful?
So, you are recognizing that you can’t hear as well as you once did. 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 determining your prescription. In the majority of situations, 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 as though someone simply turns the volume knob in your ear. Instead, as stereocilia in your ear become damaged, you often lose your hearing in parts at a time, that is, you normally lose the ability to hear high-frequency or low-frequency sounds first.
And it often goes unnoticed. Compensating for these types of changes is something that the brain is extremely good at. Because of this, it’s usually necessary to get a hearing assessment. You may not even know you have hearing loss but a hearing test can expose any you might 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.)
Seeing a hearing specialist has its benefits
Matching your hearing requirements to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll need to do by yourself if you decide on 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 pick 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:
- The ability to help you personalize the overall fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and work effectively.
- Your hearing specialist can help you plan the appropriate maintenance for your hearing aid, making sure that your devices last for as long as possible.
- When you have problems 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.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you understand how to adjust your hearing aid effectively. This is critical to a quality experience with your devices.
Even if you get lucky enough to pick the best hearing aids for you, if don’t have the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing experience will probably be less than ideal.
Additionally, hearing specialists will be able to help you manage your hearing loss symptoms. With the correct approach, you’ll be a lot less likely to lose friends or become distant with family on account of your hearing loss symptoms. You’ll be able to keep those relationships. And that can be incredibly important.
Not everything has 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 increased by using the correct hearing aids.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, control your symptoms, and pick out the correct device for your needs.
In other words, if you think you have hearing loss, it’s time to contact us!