People are becoming self-reliant more than they ever did. Does your car require some repairs? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? Again with the YouTube. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
Anything you want to know, you can find, and there’s great potential to teach and educate yourself on the Internet. Does that mean you’ll never need an expert ever again?
Well, not exactly. Take, for example, your hearing aids. Let’s picture that you develop a need for these beneficial little devices. Should you run out to Walmart and get a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this may make you feel self-sufficient and sound like the convenient solution, there are some real downsides. In reality, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and reliable if you come in to get a consultation with us.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
You might think that hearing loss symptoms are pretty self-evident. Things become more difficult to hear, right? While that might sometimes be the truth, in other circumstances the symptoms can be less evident. Indeed, people frequently miss the signs of hearing loss because they don’t know what to look for.
Some of the most common symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You may frequently ask people to repeat themselves. This is a sign of hearing loss, even if it seems like the volume is the issue. If you start to come across a great number of individuals who “mumble,” it might be your ears that are the problem.
- Headaches and fatigue: Often, when you have hearing loss, your brain fights to keep up. It needs to work extra hard to process information, it’s like squinting all the time, but with your ears. Fatigue and chronic headaches can be the consequence.
- Difficulty hearing conversations in loud places: Do you have a hard time following conversations when you go out to eat with friends or family? This is generally a fairly reliable indication that some amount of hearing loss might be occurring.
- The continual need to turn the volume up: Is the volume on your television constantly going up? Well, that’s a sign of hearing loss. This one is often missed because it develops slowly over a long period of time.
Obviously, there are other signs of hearing loss besides these. Everybody’s experience will be a bit different. But you should definitely come see us for a consultation if you are detecting any of these symptoms.
Why is a diagnosis helpful?
So, you are realizing that you are unable to hear as well as you once did. Why not just go to the store and purchase 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 knowing more about your condition is really indispensable.
Everybody’s experience of hearing loss is unique and complex. It’s not like someone simply turns the volume knob in your ear. Instead, as stereocilia in your ear get damaged, you usually lose your hearing in parts at a time, that is, you normally lose the ability to hear high-frequency or low-frequency sounds first.
And most people don’t even detect it. The brain is very good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing exam is often 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 accurately diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the fastest (and be better capable of managing your symptoms as a result.)
Benefits of working with a hearing specialist
When you go and buy a hearing aid at the store, you’ll be doing your best to match what’s available on the shelf with what you need.
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 wavelengths you need assistance with.
Here are a few other advantages to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Your hearing specialist can ensure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you comprehend and plan proper upkeep and maintenance.
- Your hearing specialist will help you understand how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having difficulty understanding how to best use them.
- Programing your hearing aid more effectively is also something your hearing specialist can also help you with. So that you can get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is essential.
- The ability to help you individualize the overall fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and work properly.
Even if you get lucky enough to pick 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.
In addition, hearing specialists will be able to help you manage your hearing loss symptoms. Feeling isolated from family and friends 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 that can be extremely important.
Not everything has to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient just because you need some assistance with hearing aids. As a matter of fact, it’s actually the opposite. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be increased by using the right hearing aids.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, manage your symptoms, and select the right device for your requirements.
In other words, if you think you have hearing loss, it’s time to call us!
