People are becoming self-reliant more than they ever did. Does your car need 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.
You can find any information you might want to learn and self-learning has never been more available. Does that mean you’ll never require an expert ever again?
Not always. Take, for instance, 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 might make you feel self-sufficient and sound like the convenient solution, there are a few real disadvantages. 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 pretty self-evident. You are unable to hear as well, right? While that might sometimes be the case, in other circumstances the symptoms can be less evident. In many cases, we are unaware of what to watch out for and we miss the symptoms of hearing loss.
Here are a few of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- Tiredness and headaches: Your brain often has to work extra hard as it struggles to process sound. It’s like you’re continuously squinting with your ears as your brain works extra hard attempting to process sound. Exhaustion and chronic headaches can be the outcome.
- Needing people to repeat what they just said: You’re frequently needing people to repeat what they said. This is a sign of hearing loss, even if it feels like the volume is the issue. You should consider whether it’s a problem with your ears if lots of people start to seem like their “mumbling”.
- Having a hard time hearing when it’s loud: When you’re out at dinner with friends and family, you have a difficult time following along with conversations. You should certainly pay attention if you detect this symptom because it’s a rather strong indication of hearing loss.
- Having to continually crank up the volume: Is your television volume continuously going up? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This is one of the more apparent ones, but it tends to develop so slowly that it’s frequently missed.
Obviously, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everybody’s experience will be a bit different. But you should absolutely come see us for an assessment if you are noticing any of these symptoms.
Can a diagnosis be helpful?
So, you have the symptoms of hearing loss. Perhaps you should run out to your local box-store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, would you go out and purchase prescription glasses without getting an eye exam? In most circumstances, it will be essential to have a detailed understanding of the precise nature of your condition.
Everyone’s experience of hearing loss is distinct and complex. It’s not as though someone just 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 most people don’t even detect it. 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 know you have hearing loss but a hearing assessment can uncover any you may have. This will also help you know which frequencies you’re starting to lose (and as a result, you will be in a better position to manage symptoms.)
Visiting 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 your hearing aids can be calibrated to your specific hearing needs if you go to a hearing specialist. We will help you pick the ideal device for your requirements and we will tune it to boost the particular frequency that you’re having difficulty hearing.
Here are a few other benefits to seeing a hearing specialist:
- When you have difficulty using or understanding how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help walk you through the process and be sure 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. In order to get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
- The ability to help you individualize the general fit of your hearing aid, ensuring your devices are comfortable and effectively working.
- Your hearing specialist can ensure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you comprehend and plan correct upkeep and maintenance.
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 optimal.
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 on account of your hearing loss symptoms. Those relationships will be preserved. And that can be incredibly important.
Not everything has to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient simply because you require some help with hearing aids. Quite the opposite, actually. 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 correct device for your requirements.
In other words, if you think you have hearing loss, it’s time to give us a call!