Individuals are becoming self-dependent more than ever before. Want to fix up your car? Just watch that YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? Again with the YouTube. Trying 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 done needing professionals?
Not always. Take, for instance, your hearing aids. Imagine if you notice some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these practical little devices. Does that mean you should just go out to the local pharmacy and get a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this may make you feel self-sufficient and sound like the easy solution, there are a few real downsides. In fact, going to see a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more effective and more comfortable.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
The symptoms of hearing loss may seem straightforward, even obvious. You can’t hear as well, right? While that might sometimes be the truth, in other circumstances the symptoms can be less evident. In many cases, we don’t know what to watch out for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Here are a few of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- Headaches and fatigue: Often, when you have hearing loss, your brain struggles to keep up. It’s having to work extra hard to process information, it’s like squinting all the time, but with your ears. This can lead to chronic headaches and exhaustion.
- The continual need to turn the volume up: Are you constantly turning up the volume on your television? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This one is frequently missed because it progresses gradually over a long period of time.
- Trouble hearing conversations in loud settings: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with family and friends, you have a difficult time following along with discussions. This is generally a rather reliable sign that some amount of hearing loss could be happening.
- Needing people to repeat what they said: You’re frequently needing people to repeat what they said. Even if it seems like people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. If you start to experience a great number of people who “mumble,” it might be your ears that are the problem.
Naturally, these symptoms are not always the only signs of hearing loss. 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.
Why is a diagnosis helpful?
So, you have hearing loss symptoms. Perhaps 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 determining your prescription. It might work sometimes. But understanding more about your condition is really indispensable.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex condition. 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 unnoticed. Compensating for these kinds of changes is something that the brain is really good at. That’s why a hearing exam is typically necessary. You might not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing assessment can uncover any you might have. You’ll also have the opportunity to properly diagnose which frequencies are fading the fastest (and because of this, you will be in a better position to manage symptoms.)
Advantages of working with a hearing specialist
When you go and buy a hearing aid at the store, 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 calibrated to your specific 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 wavelengths you need assistance with.
Here are a few other benefits to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Your hearing specialist can also help you understand how to program your hearing aid properly. This is critical to a good experience with your devices.
- When you have problems 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.
- 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.
- Confidence, that your device will be comfortable by getting a professional fitting.
Without the advantage 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. With the right approach, you’ll be a lot less likely to lose touch with friends or become isolated from your family because of your hearing loss symptoms. Those connections will be preserved. And for most individuals, that’s one of the most worthwhile parts of life.
Everything doesn’t always need 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 just the opposite. The right hearing aid can increase your independence and self-sufficiency.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, control your symptoms, and pick out the right device for your requirements.
So call us so that we can help you address your hearing loss.