Individuals are more self-dependent than ever. Want to remodel your kitchen? Just watch that YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? YouTube video. Attempting to learn cursive writing? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
Anything you want to know, you can find, and there’s excellent potential to teach and educate yourself on the Internet. Does that mean you’ll never require an expert ever again?
Well, not necessarily. Take, for instance, your hearing aids. Let’s imagine that you develop a need for these beneficial little devices. Should you race 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 easy option, there are some real downsides. As a matter of fact, going to see a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more effective and more comfortable.
Hearing loss symptoms
The symptoms of hearing loss may seem clear-cut, even obvious. You are unable to hear as well, right? Well, yes, but the symptoms of hearing loss can be much more variable, and much less obvious. Certainly, people frequently miss the signs of hearing loss because they’re unsure about what to look for.
Here are some of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- Difficulty hearing conversations in noisy places: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with family and friends, you have a tough time following along with discussions. You should definitely pay attention if you notice this symptom because it’s a rather powerful sign of hearing loss.
- Headaches and exhaustion: Your brain often has to work extra hard as it struggles to process sound. It’s having to work much harder to process information, it’s like squinting constantly, but with your ears. This can result in chronic headaches and exhaustion.
- Needing people to repeat what they said: You’re often needing people to repeat what they said. This is an indication of hearing loss, even if it feels like the volume is the problem. If you begin to encounter a great many people who “mumble,” it might be your ears that are the issue.
- Having to constantly crank the volume up: Is your television volume continuously going up? Well, there’s your first common symptom. This is one of the more obvious ones, but it tends to develop so gradually that it’s usually missed.
Clearly, there are other signs of hearing loss besides these. Everyone’s hearing loss experience is distinctive. 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 useful?
So, you are recognizing that you can’t hear as well as you used to. 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 getting an eye exam? It may work sometimes. But understanding more about your condition is really indispensable.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex condition. It’s not as if the volume in your ear is simply turned down. Actually, individuals tend to lose their hearing in specific frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear get damaged.
And it often goes undetected. The brain is quite good at compensating for these things. Because of this, it’s usually necessary to get a hearing examination. You may not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing test can expose any you might have. You’ll also have the chance to correctly diagnose which frequencies are fading the fastest (and as a result, you will be in a better position to control symptoms.)
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 go with over-the-counter hearing aids.
But when you go see a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be tailored to your needs. We will help you select the ideal device for your needs and we will calibrate it to boost the particular frequency that you’re having difficulty hearing.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following benefits:
- 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 make sure you understand how to get the most out of your devices.
- 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.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you figure out how to adjust your hearing aid effectively. This is critical to a quality experience with your devices.
- The ability to help you customize the overall fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and work effectively.
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 capable of managing your hearing loss symptoms with the help of a hearing specialist. With the correct approach, you’ll be much less likely to lose touch with friends or become distant with family on account of your hearing loss symptoms. You’ll be able to maintain those relationships. And that can be incredibly important.
Everything doesn’t always need to be DIY
Seeking help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are in some way less self-sufficient. Quite the opposite, actually. The right hearing aid can improve your independence and self-sufficiency.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, managing your symptoms, and selecting 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.