People are more self-dependent than ever. Does your car need some repairs? Just watch that YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? Again with the YouTube. Trying to learn cursive writing? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
Anything you want to learn, 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. Hearing aids are a practical example. Imagine if you notice some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these helpful little devices. Should you run out to Walmart and get a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds fairly effortless (and gives you the illusion of self-sufficiency), but there are a few substantial drawbacks. As a matter of fact, consulting a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more effective and more comfortable.
Hearing loss symptoms
You may think that hearing loss symptoms are fairly self-evident. Things become more difficult to hear, right? While that may sometimes be the case, in other situations the symptoms can be less evident. Certainly, individuals frequently miss the symptoms of hearing loss because they don’t know what to watch out for.
Some of the most common symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Having to constantly crank the volume up: Are you always turning the volume up on your television? Well, there’s your first common symptom. This is one of the more obvious ones, but it tends to develop so slowly that it’s usually missed.
- Having a hard time hearing when it’s loud: Do you have a hard time following conversations when you go out to dinner with friends or family? This is typically a pretty dependable sign that some amount of hearing loss could be occurring.
- Headaches and exhaustion: Your brain often has to work extra hard 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. Tiredness and chronic headaches can be the result.
- Asking people to repeat themselves: You might often ask people to repeat themselves. Even if it seems like people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. You should consider whether it’s a problem with your ears if lots of individuals start to seem like their “mumbling”.
Naturally, these symptoms aren’t necessarily the only symptoms of hearing loss. Everyone’s hearing loss experience is distinctive. But if you are noticing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit us to get a diagnosis.
Can a diagnosis be useful?
So, you have the symptoms of hearing loss. Why not just go to the store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, would you go out and purchase prescription glasses without getting an eye exam? It might work in some cases. But knowing more about your condition is definitely indispensable.
Everyone’s experience of hearing loss is distinct and complex. It’s not as if the volume in your ear is merely 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. The brain is very good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing exam is typically essential. This screening process can help you expose hearing loss you may not even realize you have. This will also help you know which frequencies you’re starting to lose (and be better capable of managing your symptoms because of this.)
Benefits of going to a hearing specialist
When you go and purchase a hearing aid at the store, you’ll be doing your best to match what’s available on the shelf with what you require.
But when you go see a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be customized to your requirements. 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.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following benefits:
- The ability to help you customize the general fit of your hearing aid, ensuring your devices are comfortable and work properly.
- Adjusting your hearing aid more effectively is also something your hearing specialist can also help you with. So that you can get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is essential.
- Your hearing specialist will help you comprehend how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having trouble understanding how to best use them.
- Your hearing specialist can make sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you understand and plan appropriate upkeep and maintenance.
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.
You will also be better able to manage your hearing loss symptoms with the assistance of a hearing specialist. With the right strategy, you’ll be much less likely to lose touch with friends or become distant with family because of your hearing loss symptoms. You’ll be able to maintain those relationships. And that can be exceptionally important.
Everything doesn’t always need to be DIY
Getting help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are in some way less self-sufficient. Quite the opposite, actually. The right hearing aid can increase your independence and self-sufficiency.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, regulate your symptoms, and select the right device for your needs.
In other words, if you think you have hearing loss, it’s time to call us!