People are becoming self-dependent more than they ever did. Does your car require some repairs? Simply watch that YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? YouTube video. Trying to learn cursive writing? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
Anything you want to learn, you can find, and there’s amazing potential to teach and educate yourself on the Internet. So the real question is, are we done needing specialists?
Not always. Hearing aids are a good example. Imagine if you notice some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these practical little devices. Does that mean you should just drive up to the local pharmacy and get a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this may make you feel like you’re being self-sufficient and sound like the convenient option, there are some real downsides. In fact, visiting a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more effective and more comfortable.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
The symptoms of hearing loss might seem straightforward, even obvious. Things get harder to hear, right? While that may sometimes be the case, in other situations the symptoms can be less obvious. Certainly, individuals often miss the symptoms of hearing loss because they’re unsure about what to look for.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Headaches and exhaustion: Your brain often has to work extra hard as it struggles to process sound. It’s like you’re continuously squinting with your ears as your brain works overtime attempting to process sound. This can trigger chronic headaches and exhaustion.
- Having to continually crank up the volume: Is your television volume continuously going up? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This one is frequently missed because it progresses gradually over a long time period.
- Needing people to repeat what they just said: You may frequently ask people to repeat themselves. Even if you feel like people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. If you start to come across a great many individuals who “mumble,” it might be your ears that are the problem.
- Having a hard time hearing when it’s noisy: Do you have a tough time following discussions when you go out to eat with friends or family? You should definitely pay attention if you observe this symptom because it’s a rather powerful indication of hearing loss.
Obviously, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everybody’s hearing loss experience is unique. 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 helpful?
So, you have hearing loss symptoms. Why not just go to the store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, would you go out and buy prescription glasses without getting an eye exam? It may work in some cases. But understanding more about your condition is absolutely essential.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex condition. It’s not as though someone simply turns the volume knob in your ear. Instead, as stereocilia in your ear get 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 it frequently goes undetected. Compensating for these types of changes is something that the brain is quite good at. Because of this, it’s usually necessary to get a hearing assessment. You may not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing examination can uncover any you may have. You’ll also have the opportunity to correctly 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
Matching your hearing needs to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll need to do on your own if you decide on over-the-counter hearing aids.
But when you go see a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be tailored to your requirements. Your hearing specialist can help you pick the best device for your symptoms and then customize 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 walk you through the process and make sure you understand how to get the most out of your devices.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you figure out how to program your hearing aid successfully. This is crucial to a good experience with your devices.
- Your hearing specialist can help you plan the necessary maintenance for your hearing aid, ensuring that your devices last for as long as possible.
- The ability to help you customize the overall fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and effectively working.
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 ideal.
You will also be better able to manage your hearing loss symptoms with the assistance of a hearing specialist. With the correct approach, you’ll be much less likely to lose friends or become isolated from your family because of your hearing loss symptoms. Those relationships will be preserved. 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 somehow less self-sufficient. Quite the opposite, actually. The right hearing aid can increase your independence and self-sufficiency.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, controlling your symptoms, and picking out the right hearing aids are all things that your hearing specialist will help you do.
So contact us so that we can help you address your hearing loss.