People are more self-reliant than ever. Does your car require some repairs? Simply watch that YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? YouTube video. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? YouTube… look, you get the point.
Anything you want to know, 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 professionals?
Well, not exactly. Take, for example, your hearing aids. Let’s envision that you develop a need for these useful little devices. Should you run out to Walmart and get a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this might make you feel self-sufficient and sound like the convenient solution, there are a few real downsides. Actually, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and reliable if you come in to get a consultation with us.
Hearing loss signs
You may think that hearing loss symptoms are fairly self-evident. You are unable to hear as well, right? Well, yes, but the presentations of hearing loss can be much more diverse, and far less obvious. 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:
- The continual need to turn the volume up: Are you consistently turning the volume up on your television? Well, there’s your first common sign. This one is often missed because it progresses gradually over a long period of time.
- 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 family or friends? This is typically a rather dependable indication that some degree of hearing loss may be occurring.
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You’re often needing people to repeat what they said. Even if it seems like people are talking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the problem. If you begin to encounter a great many people who “mumble,” it may be your ears that are the issue.
- Exhaustion and headaches: Often, 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 extra hard attempting to process sound. This can trigger chronic headaches and tiredness.
Naturally, these symptoms are not always the only signs of hearing loss. Everybody’s hearing loss experience is unique. But you should definitely come see us for an assessment if you are noticing any of these symptoms.
Why is a diagnosis useful?
So, you have the symptoms of hearing loss. Why not simply go to the 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 sometimes. But understanding more about your condition is definitely essential.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex problem. It’s not like the volume in your ear is merely turned down. Instead, as stereocilia inside of your ear become damaged, you usually 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 most people don’t even notice it. The brain is really good at compensating for these things. Because of this, it’s typically necessary to get a hearing exam. You may not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing test can expose any you might have. This will also allow you to understand which frequencies you’re beginning to lose (and as a result, you will be in a better position to control symptoms.)
Visiting a hearing specialist has its benefits
Matching your hearing requirements to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll need to do by yourself 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 tailor 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 help you set up the necessary maintenance for your hearing aid, ensuring that your devices last for as long as possible.
- Certainty, that your device will be comfortable by getting a professional fitting.
- 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 comprehend how to get the most out of your devices.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you understand how to program your hearing aid successfully. This is critical to a good experience with your devices.
Even if you get lucky enough to pick the best hearing aids for you, if don’t have the advantage 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. With the right strategy, you’ll be a lot less likely to lose friends or become distant with family because of your hearing loss symptoms. You’ll be able to keep those relationships. And that can be incredibly important.
Not everything has to be DIY
Getting help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are in some way 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.
In other words, if you think you have hearing loss, it’s time to contact us!