Individuals are becoming self-dependent more than they ever did. Want to fix up your car? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? Again with the YouTube. Trying to learn cursive writing? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
You can discover any information you may want to learn and self-learning has never been more accessible. Does that mean you’ll never require a specialist ever again?
Not always. Hearing aids are a good example. Let’s picture that you develop a need for these beneficial little devices. Should you run out to Walmart and pick up a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds fairly effortless (and gives you the illusion of self-sufficiency), but there are a few substantial drawbacks. As a matter of fact, going to see a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more reliable and more comfortable.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
The symptoms of hearing loss may seem clear-cut, even obvious. Things become more difficult to hear, right? While that may sometimes be the truth, in other circumstances the symptoms can be less evident. In many instances, we are unaware of what to look for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Here are a few of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- Having a difficult time hearing when it’s loud: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with family and friends, you have a hard time following along with conversations. This is generally a rather dependable indication that some amount of hearing loss could be occurring.
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You may often ask people to repeat themselves. This is a sign 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 seem like their “mumbling”.
- Having to continually turn up the volume: Is your television volume continuously going up? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This one is frequently missed because it develops slowly over a long time period.
- Tiredness and headaches: 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 constantly, but with your ears. This can trigger chronic headaches and fatigue.
Clearly, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everybody’s hearing loss experience is unique. But you should absolutely come see us for a consultation if you are detecting any of these symptoms.
Why is a diagnosis useful?
So, you have the symptoms of hearing loss. Maybe you should run out to your local box-store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, that would be kind of like buying some corrective glasses without determining your prescription. In the majority of cases, it will be essential to have a strong understanding of the exact nature of your condition.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex problem. It’s not like someone simply turns the volume knob in your ear. Instead, as stereocilia in your ear get damaged, you tend to 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 it often goes unnoticed. The brain is quite good at compensating for these things. For this reason, it’s typically necessary to get a hearing exam. This screening process can help you uncover hearing loss you may not even realize you have. This will also help you know which frequencies you’re starting to lose (and be better capable of managing your symptoms because of this.)
Seeing a hearing specialist has its advantages
When you go and purchase a hearing aid at the store, you’ll be doing your best to match what’s available on the shelf with what you require.
But when you visit a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be tailored to your needs. We will help you pick the ideal device for your requirements and we will tune it to boost the specific frequency that you’re having difficulty hearing.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following advantages:
- Adjusting your hearing aid more successfully is also something your hearing specialist can also assist you with. This is crucial to a good experience with your devices.
- Your hearing specialist can make sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you comprehend and plan appropriate upkeep and maintenance.
- Your hearing specialist will help you understand how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having trouble understanding how to best use them.
- Certainty, that your device will be comfortable by getting a custom fitting.
Without the benefit 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.
You will also be better capable of managing your hearing loss symptoms with the assistance of a hearing specialist. With the right strategy, you’ll be much less likely to lose friends or become distant with family because of your hearing loss symptoms. You’ll be able to maintain those relationships. And that can be incredibly important.
Not everything has to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient simply because you need some assistance with hearing aids. Quite the opposite, actually. The correct hearing aid can improve your independence and self-sufficiency.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, regulate your symptoms, and pick out the right device for your needs.
So contact us so that we can help you address your hearing loss.