People are becoming self-dependent more than ever before. Want to remodel your kitchen? Just watch that YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? Again with the YouTube. Trying to learn cursive writing? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
Anything you want to know, you can find, and there’s amazing potential to teach and educate yourself on the Internet. Does that mean you’ll never require a specialist ever again?
Well, not exactly. Take, for example, your hearing aids. Imagine if you notice some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these helpful little devices. Does that mean you should just go out to the local pharmacy and get a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this might make you feel self-sufficient and sound like the easy solution, there are some real disadvantages. As a matter of fact, visiting a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more effective and more comfortable.
Hearing loss signs
You might think that hearing loss symptoms are fairly self-evident. You can’t hear as well, right? Well, yes, but the presentations of hearing loss can be a lot more variable, and far less apparent. In many situations, we are unaware of what to watch out for and we miss the symptoms of hearing loss.
Here are a few of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- Tiredness and headaches: 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 lead to chronic headaches and tiredness.
- Difficulty hearing conversations in noisy settings: Do you have a tough time following conversations when you go out to dinner with friends or family? You should certainly pay attention if you detect this symptom because it’s a fairly strong sign of hearing loss.
- Having to constantly turn up the volume: Are you consistently turning up the volume on your television? Well, that’s a sign of hearing loss. This one is frequently missed because it progresses slowly over a long time period.
- Asking people to repeat themselves: You’re frequently needing people to repeat what they said. Even if you feel as if people are talking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. You should consider whether it’s a problem with your ears if lots of people start to sound like their “mumbling”.
Of course, these symptoms are not always the only symptoms of hearing loss. Everyone’s experience will be somewhat 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 realizing that you can’t hear as well as you used to. 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 getting an eye exam? It may work sometimes. But knowing more about your condition is absolutely essential.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex problem. It’s not like somebody just turns the volume knob in your ear. Instead, as stereocilia inside of your ear become damaged, you tend to lose your hearing in parts at a time, that is, you normally lose the ability to hear high-frequency or low-frequency sounds first.
And most individuals don’t even detect it. Compensating for these kinds of changes is something that the brain is extremely good at. That’s why a hearing test is often needed. This screening process can help you expose hearing loss you might not even realize you have. This will also allow you to understand which frequencies you’re starting to lose (and be better capable of managing your symptoms as a result.)
Visiting a hearing specialist has its advantages
Matching your hearing needs to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll need to do by yourself if you go with over-the-counter hearing aids.
But when you visit a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be tailored to your requirements. Your hearing specialist can help you pick the best device for your symptoms and then customize that device specifically for the frequency you need assistance with.
Here are a few other benefits to seeing a hearing specialist:
- The ability to help you personalize the overall fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and work effectively.
- Programing your hearing aid more successfully is also something your hearing specialist can also assist you with. In order to get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is essential.
- When you have difficulty using or understanding how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help take you step-by-step through the process and be sure you understand how to get the most out of 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.
Without the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will most likely be less ideal, even if you do happen to pick 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 much less likely to lose touch with friends or become distant with family on account of your hearing loss symptoms. Those relationships will be preserved. And that can be extremely important.
Not everything has 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 increase your independence and self-sufficiency.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, control your symptoms, and select the correct device for your needs.
In other words, if you suspect you have hearing loss, it’s time to give us a call!