People are more self-dependent than ever. Does your car require some repairs? Simply watch that YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? YouTube video. 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. So the real question is, are we done needing experts?
Not always. Hearing aids are a practical example. Let’s envision that you develop a need for these beneficial little devices. Does that mean you should just go out to the local pharmacy and pick up a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds nice and easy (and gives you the illusion of self-sufficiency), but there are a few substantial drawbacks. In fact, visiting a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more effective and more comfortable.
Hearing loss signs
The symptoms of hearing loss may appear to be straightforward, even obvious. Things get harder to hear, right? While that might sometimes be the truth, in other situations the symptoms can be less apparent. In many cases, we don’t know what to look for and we miss the symptoms of hearing loss.
Some of the most common symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Having to continually crank the volume up: Are you consistently turning the volume up on your television? Well, that’s a sign of hearing loss. This is one of the more obvious ones, but it tends to progress so slowly that it’s frequently missed.
- Fatigue and headaches: Your brain frequently has to work overtime as it struggles to process sound. It’s like you’re constantly squinting with your ears as your brain works overtime attempting to process sound. Fatigue and chronic headaches can be the result.
- Asking people to repeat themselves: You might often ask people to repeat themselves. This is an indication of hearing loss, even if it seems like the volume is the issue. If you begin to experience a great number of people who “mumble,” it might be your ears that are the problem.
- Trouble hearing conversations in noisy places: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with friends and family, you have a hard time following along with discussions. You should definitely pay attention if you observe this symptom because it’s a rather powerful indication of hearing loss.
Clearly, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everybody’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.
Why is a diagnosis helpful?
So, you are recognizing that you can’t hear as well as you used to. Maybe you should run out to your local box-store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, would you go out and buy prescription glasses without getting an eye exam? It might work sometimes. But understanding more about your condition is definitely essential.
Everybody’s experience of hearing loss is distinct and complex. 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 really good at compensating for these things. Because of this, it’s usually necessary to get a hearing test. You may not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing examination can expose any you may have. You’ll also have the chance to properly diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the quickest (and be better able to manage your symptoms as a result.)
Visiting a hearing specialist has its advantages
When you go and purchase a hearing aid at the store, you’ll be doing the best you can to match what’s available on the shelf with what you need.
But your hearing aids can be calibrated to your specific hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. We will help you pick the ideal device for your needs and we will calibrate it to boost the specific frequency that you’re having difficulty hearing.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following benefits:
- Confidence, that your device will be comfortable by getting a professional fitting.
- Your hearing specialist can ensure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you understand and plan appropriate upkeep and maintenance.
- When you have difficulty using or comprehending how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help take you step-by-step through the process and be certain that you understand how to get the most out of your devices.
- Adjusting your hearing aid more successfully 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.
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. Losing touch with family and friends because of hearing loss will be a lot less likely if you take the correct approach. You’ll be able to maintain those relationships. And that can be exceedingly important.
Not everything has to be DIY
Seeking help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are somehow less self-sufficient. As a matter of fact, it’s just the opposite. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be enhanced by using the correct hearing aids.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, managing your symptoms, and picking out the correct hearing aids are all things that your hearing specialist will help you do.
So give us a call so that we can help you address your hearing loss.