Individuals are becoming self-dependent more than they ever did. 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? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
Anything you want to learn, you can find, and there’s excellent potential to teach and train yourself on the Internet. So the real question is, are we finished needing specialists?
Not always. Hearing aids are a practical example. Let’s picture that you develop a need for these handy little devices. Should you run out to Walmart and pick up a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this may make you feel self-sufficient and sound like the convenient solution, there are some real disadvantages. In reality, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and reliable if you come in to get a consultation with us.
Hearing loss symptoms
The symptoms of hearing loss may seem clear-cut, even obvious. Things get harder to hear, right? Well, yes, but the presentations of hearing loss can be a lot more variable, and much less apparent. Indeed, people often miss the symptoms of hearing loss because they don’t know what to look for.
Here are a few of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- The constant need to crank the volume up: Is your television volume continuously going up? Well, there’s your first common symptom. This is one of the more evident ones, but it tends to progress so gradually that it’s usually missed.
- Exhaustion and headaches: Typically, when you have hearing loss, your brain fights to keep up. It’s like you’re constantly squinting with your ears as your brain works overtime attempting to process sound. Fatigue and chronic headaches can be the outcome.
- Trouble hearing conversations in loud places: Do you have a difficult time following conversations when you go out to dinner with friends or family? This is typically a fairly reliable indication that some amount of hearing loss might be happening.
- Asking people to repeat themselves: You might often ask people to repeat themselves. This is an indication of hearing loss, even if it feels like the volume is the problem. You should consider whether it’s a problem with your ears if lots of people start to sound like their “mumbling”.
Naturally, these symptoms aren’t always the only symptoms of hearing loss. Everyone’s hearing loss experience is distinctive. But you should definitely come see us for a consultation if you are detecting any of these symptoms.
Can a diagnosis be helpful?
So, you have hearing loss symptoms. Why not simply go to the store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, would you go out and buy prescription glasses without having an eye exam? It might work sometimes. But understanding 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 particular frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear become damaged.
And most individuals don’t even notice it. The brain is quite good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing exam is often necessary. You may not even know you have hearing loss but a hearing test can uncover any you may have. You’ll also have the chance to correctly diagnose which frequencies are fading the fastest (and be better capable of managing your symptoms because of this.)
Seeing a hearing specialist has its advantages
Matching your hearing needs to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll need to do on your own if you go with over-the-counter hearing aids.
But your hearing aids can be calibrated to your particular hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. We will help you pick the ideal device for your requirements and we will tune it to boost the particular frequency that you’re having difficulty hearing.
Here are a few other benefits to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Your hearing specialist can help you plan the necessary maintenance for your hearing aid, making sure that your devices last for as long as possible.
- The ability to help you personalize the general fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and work effectively.
- When you have trouble using or understanding 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.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you understand how to program your hearing aid effectively. This is critical to a good experience with your devices.
Without the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will most likely be less optimal, even if you do happen to pick the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
In addition, hearing specialists will be able to help you manage your hearing loss symptoms. Feeling isolated from family and friends because of hearing loss will be a great deal less likely if you take the right approach. Those relationships will be maintained. And for the majority of people, that’s one of the most significant parts of life.
Everything doesn’t always have to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient just because you require some help with hearing aids. In fact, it’s actually the opposite. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be enhanced by using the correct hearing aids.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, manage your symptoms, and select the correct device for your needs.
So give us a call so that we can help you address your hearing loss.