People are becoming self-reliant more than they ever did. 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.
You can find any information you might want to learn and self-learning has never been more available. Does that mean you’ll never require an expert ever again?
Well, not necessarily. Hearing aids are a good example. Imagine if you notice 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 some real disadvantages. Actually, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and effective if you come in to get a consultation with us.
Hearing loss symptoms
You might think that hearing loss symptoms are fairly self-evident. Things become more difficult to hear, right? While that might sometimes be the truth, in other situations the symptoms can be less obvious. In many situations, we don’t know what to look for and we miss the symptoms of hearing loss.
Here are some of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- Having a difficult time hearing when it’s loud: When you’re out at dinner with family and friends, you have a hard time following along with discussions. You should definitely pay attention if you detect this symptom because it’s a rather strong indication of hearing loss.
- Headaches and fatigue: Often, when you have hearing loss, your brain struggles to keep up. It’s like you’re constantly squinting with your ears as your brain works extra hard attempting to process sound. This can trigger chronic headaches and fatigue.
- Needing people to repeat what they just said: You’re often needing people to repeat what they said. Even if it seems as if 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 individuals start to seem like their “mumbling”.
- The continual need to turn the volume up: Are you constantly turning up the volume on your television? Well, there’s your first common symptom. This one is often missed because it develops slowly over a long period of time.
Needless to say, these symptoms aren’t necessarily the only signs of hearing loss. Everyone’s experience will be slightly different. 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 hearing loss symptoms. Perhaps you should go out to your local box-store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, that would be kind of like purchasing some corrective glasses without determining your prescription. It may work in some cases. But knowing more about your condition is really indispensable.
Everyone’s experience of hearing loss is distinct and complex. It’s not like the volume in your ear is merely turned down. Actually, individuals tend to lose their hearing in specific frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear become damaged.
And it often goes undetected. The brain is really good at compensating for these things. Because of this, it’s typically necessary to get a hearing examination. You might not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing assessment can expose any you might have. You’ll also have the opportunity to accurately diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the fastest (and as a result, you will be in a better position to manage symptoms.)
Visiting a hearing specialist has its benefits
Matching your hearing needs to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll have 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 consult with a hearing specialist. We will help you select the ideal device for your needs and we will calibrate it to boost the particular frequency that you’re having difficulty hearing.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following benefits:
- When you have difficulty using or comprehending how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help walk you through the process and be sure you comprehend how to get the most out of your devices.
- Adjusting your hearing aid more effectively is also something your hearing specialist can also help you with. This is crucial to a quality experience with your devices.
- Your hearing specialist can ensure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you comprehend and plan appropriate upkeep and maintenance.
- Confidence, that your device will be comfortable by getting a professional fitting.
Even if you get lucky enough to select the best hearing aids for you, if don’t have the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing experience will most likely be less than optimal.
You will also be better able to manage your hearing loss symptoms with the assistance of a hearing specialist. Feeling isolated from family and friends because of hearing loss will be much less likely if you take the right approach. Those connections will be maintained. And for most people, that’s one of the most worthwhile parts of life.
Everything doesn’t always have to be DIY
Getting help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are in some way less self-sufficient. As a matter of fact, it’s actually the opposite. The right hearing aid can improve your independence and self-sufficiency.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, regulate your symptoms, and pick out the right device for your needs.
In other words, if you suspect you have hearing loss, it’s time to contact us!
