People are becoming self-reliant more than they ever did. Does your car need some repairs? Simply watch that YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? YouTube video. Attempting to learn cursive writing? YouTube… look, you get the point.
Anything you want to learn, you can find, and there’s amazing potential to teach and train yourself on the Internet. So the real question is, are we finished needing experts?
Not always. Hearing aids are a practical example. Let’s picture that you develop a need for these useful little devices. Does that mean you should just drive up to the local pharmacy and grab a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this may make you feel like you’re being self-sufficient and sound like the easy solution, there are some real downsides. As a matter of fact, visiting a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more reliable and more comfortable.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
The symptoms of hearing loss might seem straightforward, even obvious. Things become more difficult to hear, right? Well, yes, but the symptoms of hearing loss can be a lot more diverse, and far less evident. Certainly, individuals frequently miss the signs of hearing loss because they’re unsure about what to watch out for.
Here are a few of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- Having a hard time hearing when it’s noisy: Do you have a tough time following discussions when you go out to dinner with friends or family? You should definitely pay attention if you detect this symptom because it’s a fairly powerful indication of hearing loss.
- The constant need to crank the volume up: Are you consistently turning the volume up on your television? Well, there’s your first common symptom. This one is often missed because it progresses slowly over a long time period.
- Asking people to repeat themselves: You might frequently ask people to repeat themselves. This is a sign of hearing loss, even if it seems like the volume is the issue. You should consider whether it’s a problem with your ears if lots of individuals start to sound like their “mumbling”.
- Exhaustion and headaches: Your brain frequently has to work overtime 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. Tiredness and chronic headaches can be the result.
Clearly, there are other signs of hearing loss besides these. Everybody’s hearing loss experience is distinctive. But you should definitely come see us for an assessment if you are noticing any of these symptoms.
Why is a diagnosis useful?
So, you have the symptoms of hearing loss. Maybe you should run out to your local box-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 may work in some cases. But understanding more about your condition is really essential.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex issue. It’s not like the volume in your ear is simply turned down. Actually, individuals tend to lose their hearing in specific frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear become damaged.
And most people don’t even notice it. Compensating for these types of changes is something that the brain is very good at. For this reason, it’s usually necessary to get a hearing examination. This screening process can help you expose hearing loss you might not even realize you have. You’ll also have the chance to properly diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the quickest (and be better capable of managing your symptoms as a result.)
Seeing a hearing specialist has its advantages
When you go and buy a hearing aid off the shelf, you’ll be doing the best you can to match what’s available on the shelf with what you need.
But when you visit a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be customized to your needs. Your hearing specialist can help you select the best device for your symptoms and then tailor that device specifically for the frequency you need help with.
Here are some other benefits to seeing a hearing specialist:
- When you have trouble using or understanding how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help take you step-by-step through the process and be certain that you comprehend how to get the most out of your devices.
- The ability to help you individualize the general fit of your hearing aid, ensuring your devices are comfortable and effectively working.
- Your hearing specialist can make sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you understand and plan correct upkeep and maintenance.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you understand how to adjust your hearing aid properly. In order to get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
Without the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will 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 capable of managing your hearing loss symptoms with the assistance of a hearing specialist. Feeling isolated from friends and family because of hearing loss will be much less likely if you take the right approach. You’ll be able to keep those connections. And that can be exceedingly important.
Everything doesn’t always have 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 choosing the right hearing aids are all things that your hearing specialist will help you do.
In other words, if you think you have hearing loss, it’s time to call us!