Individuals are more self-reliant than ever. Want to remodel your kitchen? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? YouTube video. Attempting to learn cursive writing? YouTube… look, you get the idea.
You can find any information you may want to know and self-learning has never been more accessible. So the real question is, are we finished needing specialists?
Not always. Hearing aids are a practical example. Let’s imagine that you develop a need for these handy little devices. Should you race out to Walmart and pick up 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 reliable if you come in to get a consultation with us.
Hearing loss signs
You might think that hearing loss symptoms are pretty self-evident. You can’t hear as well, right? Well, yes, but the presentations of hearing loss can be much more variable, and much less evident. In many instances, we don’t know what to look for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Here are a few of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- Having a hard time hearing when it’s noisy: Do you have a hard time keeping up with conversations when you go out to dinner with friends or family? You should certainly pay attention if you observe this symptom because it’s a rather strong indication of hearing loss.
- Asking people to repeat themselves: You’re often needing people to repeat what they said. Even if it seems like people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the problem. If you start to experience a great many individuals who “mumble,” it might be your ears that are the problem.
- The constant need to turn 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 evident ones, but it tends to develop so gradually that it’s frequently missed.
- Headaches and tiredness: Often, when you have hearing loss, your brain fights to keep up. It’s like you’re continuously squinting with your ears as your brain works extra hard attempting to process sound. Fatigue and chronic headaches can be the result.
Needless to say, these symptoms aren’t always the only symptoms of hearing loss. Everybody’s experience will be somewhat 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 are recognizing that you are unable to hear as well as you used to. Maybe you should go out to your local box-store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, would you go out and buy prescription glasses without having an eye exam? It may work in some cases. But knowing more about your condition is really indispensable.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex condition. It’s not like somebody just turns the volume knob in your ear. Actually, individuals tend to lose their hearing in particular frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear get damaged.
And most individuals don’t even detect it. The brain is quite good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing exam is often required. This screening process can help you uncover hearing loss you may not even know you have. You’ll also have the opportunity to accurately diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the fastest (and be better capable of managing your symptoms because of this.)
Seeing a hearing specialist has its benefits
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 your hearing aids can be fine-tuned to your particular hearing needs if you go to a hearing specialist. Your hearing specialist can help you choose the best device for your symptoms and then customize that device specifically for the frequency you need assistance with.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following benefits:
- Your hearing specialist can make sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you comprehend and plan correct upkeep and maintenance.
- Certainty, that your device will be comfortable by getting a custom fitting.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you figure out how to adjust your hearing aid effectively. This is critical to a quality experience with your devices.
- 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 understand how to get the most out of your devices.
Without the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will most likely be less ideal, even if you do happen to pick the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
Also, hearing specialists will be able to help you manage your hearing loss symptoms. Losing touch with friends and family due to hearing loss will be a lot less likely if you take the right approach. You’ll be able to maintain those relationships. And for most people, that’s one of the most important parts of life.
Not everything has to be DIY
Seeking help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are somehow less self-sufficient. Quite the opposite, actually. The correct hearing aid can improve your independence and self-sufficiency.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, controlling your symptoms, and picking out the correct hearing aids are all things that your hearing specialist will help you do.
So call us so that we can help you address your hearing loss.
