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. Attempting to learn cursive writing? YouTube… look, you get the idea.
Anything you want to know, you can find, and there’s great potential to teach and educate yourself on the Internet. Does that mean you’ll never need a professional ever again?
Well, not necessarily. Hearing aids are a practical example. Imagine if you detect some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these practical little devices. Does that mean you should just drive up to the local pharmacy and pick up a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds fairly effortless (and gives you the illusion of self-sufficiency), but there are a few considerable drawbacks. In reality, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and effective if you come in to get a consultation with us.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
The symptoms of hearing loss might seem clear-cut, even obvious. You are unable to hear as well, right? Well, yes, but the symptoms of hearing loss can be a lot more variable, and far less apparent. 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:
- Having to constantly turn up the volume: Is your television volume continuously going up? Well, there’s your first common sign. This is one of the more evident ones, but it tends to progress so slowly that it’s often missed.
- Difficulty hearing conversations in loud places: Do you have a hard time following discussions when you go out to dinner with friends or family? This is normally a fairly reliable sign that some degree of hearing loss could be happening.
- 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 seems like the volume is the issue. You should consider whether it’s a problem with your ears if lots of individuals start to seem like their “mumbling”.
- Tiredness and headaches: Typically, when you have hearing loss, your brain fights to keep up. It’s like you’re continuously squinting with your ears as your brain works overtime attempting to process sound. This can trigger chronic headaches and tiredness.
Clearly, there are other signs of hearing loss besides these. Everybody’s experience will be slightly different. 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 are unable to hear as well as you once did. Why not simply go to the store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, would you go out and purchase prescription glasses without having an eye exam? In most circumstances, it will be crucial to have a strong understanding of the exact nature of your condition.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex condition. It’s not as though someone just turns the volume knob in your ear. Actually, people tend to lose their hearing in specific frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear become damaged.
And most people don’t even notice it. The brain is quite good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing test is typically necessary. This screening process can help you discover hearing loss you may not even know you have. You’ll also have the opportunity to correctly diagnose which frequencies are fading the quickest (and be better capable of managing your symptoms because of this.)
Visiting a hearing specialist has its advantages
Matching your hearing requirements to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll have to do on your own if you decide on over-the-counter hearing aids.
But when you visit a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be customized to your needs. We will help you pick 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 advantages:
- Your hearing specialist can also help you figure out how to adjust your hearing aid successfully. So that you can get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
- When you have problems using or comprehending 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.
- The ability to help you customize the general fit of your hearing aid, ensuring your devices are comfortable and work properly.
- Your hearing specialist can make sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you understand and plan correct upkeep and maintenance.
Without the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will most likely be less ideal, even if you do happen to select the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
In addition, hearing specialists will be able to help you control your hearing loss symptoms. With the right approach, you’ll be a lot less likely to lose touch with friends or become distant with family because of your hearing loss symptoms. You’ll be able to keep those connections. And that can be extremely important.
Everything doesn’t always have to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient simply because you need 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, regulate your symptoms, and select the right device for your requirements.
In other words, if you think you have hearing loss, it’s time to contact us!
