Individuals are more self-dependent than ever. Want to remodel your kitchen? Simply watch that YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? Again with the YouTube. Trying to learn cursive writing? YouTube… look, you get the point.
You can discover any information you may want to learn and self-learning has never been more available. Does that mean you’ll never need a specialist ever again?
Well, not exactly. Take, for example, your hearing aids. Imagine if you detect some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these helpful little devices. Should you race out to Walmart and get a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this may make you feel self-sufficient and sound like the easy option, there are a few real downsides. Actually, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and effective if you come in to get a consultation with us.
What are the signs 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 diverse, and much less apparent. In many instances, we are unaware of what to look for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Here are a few of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- The persistent need to turn the volume up: Are you consistently turning the volume up on your television? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This is one of the more apparent ones, but it tends to develop so gradually that it’s usually missed.
- Headaches and fatigue: Often, when you have hearing loss, your brain struggles to keep up. It’s like you’re continuously squinting with your ears as your brain works overtime attempting to process sound. Tiredness and chronic headaches can be the outcome.
- Having a tough time hearing when it’s loud: When you’re out at dinner with friends and family, you have a difficult time following along with conversations. You should definitely pay attention if you detect this symptom because it’s a rather strong indication of hearing loss.
- Needing people to repeat what they just said: You may often ask people to repeat themselves. This is a sign of hearing loss, even if it seems like the volume is the problem. You should consider whether it’s an issue with your ears if lots of people start to sound like their “mumbling”.
Of course, these symptoms aren’t necessarily the only signs of hearing loss. Everybody’s hearing loss experience is distinctive. But you should certainly come see us for a consultation 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 purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, that would be sort of like buying some corrective glasses without determining your prescription. In the majority of cases, it will be crucial to have a detailed understanding of the exact nature of your condition.
Everyone’s experience of hearing loss is unique and complex. It’s not as if the volume in your ear is simply turned down. Instead, as stereocilia in your ear become damaged, you often lose your hearing in parts at a time, that is, you usually lose the ability to hear high-frequency or low-frequency sounds first.
And most individuals don’t even detect it. Compensating for these kinds of changes is something that the brain is quite good at. That’s why a hearing test is typically essential. This screening process can help you uncover hearing loss you might not even recognize you have. You’ll also have the opportunity to accurately diagnose which frequencies are fading the fastest (and be better able to manage your symptoms because of this.)
Benefits of going to a hearing specialist
Matching your hearing requirements to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll need to do on your own if you go with over-the-counter hearing aids.
But your hearing aids can be calibrated to your specific hearing needs if you go to a hearing specialist. We will help you choose the ideal device for your requirements and we will tune it to boost the particular frequency that you’re having trouble hearing.
Here are some other benefits to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Certainty, that your device will be comfortable by getting a custom fitting.
- Your hearing specialist will help you understand how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having difficulty understanding how to best use them.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you understand how to adjust your hearing aid successfully. So that you can get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
- Your hearing specialist can help you plan the necessary maintenance for your hearing aid, ensuring that your devices last for as long as possible.
Without the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will most likely be less optimal, even if you do happen to select 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. Feeling isolated from family and friends due to hearing loss will be much less likely if you take the right approach. Those relationships will be maintained. And for the majority of individuals, that’s one of the most worthwhile parts of life.
Not everything has to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient simply because you need some help with hearing aids. Quite the opposite, actually. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be improved by using the right hearing aids.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, manage your symptoms, and select the right device for your requirements.
In other words, if you think you have hearing loss, it’s time to give us a call!