People are more self-reliant than ever. Want to remodel your kitchen? Simply watch that YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? YouTube video. Attempting to learn cursive writing? YouTube… look, you get the point.
Anything you want to learn, 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. Hearing aids are a practical example. Imagine if you notice some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these helpful little devices. Should you run out to Walmart and get a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this may make you feel self-sufficient and sound like the convenient option, there are some real downsides. Actually, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and effective if you come in to get a consultation with us.
Hearing loss symptoms
The symptoms of hearing loss may seem straightforward, even obvious. You can’t hear as well, right? Well, yes, but the presentations of hearing loss can be a lot more variable, and much less evident. In many cases, we don’t know what to watch out for and we miss the symptoms of hearing loss.
Here are some of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- Difficulty hearing conversations in loud settings: When you’re out at dinner with family and friends, you have a hard time following along with discussions. This is normally a fairly dependable indication that some amount of hearing loss may be occurring.
- Fatigue and headaches: Your brain often has to work overtime as it struggles to process sound. It needs to work extra hard to process information, it’s like squinting constantly, but with your ears. This can result in chronic headaches and exhaustion.
- Needing people to repeat what they just said: You’re often needing people to repeat what they said. Even if you feel as if people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the problem. If you begin to encounter a great number of people who “mumble,” it may be your ears that are the issue.
- Having to continually crank the volume up: Is your television volume constantly 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.
Of course, these symptoms are not always the only signs of hearing loss. Everyone’s experience will be slightly different. But you should absolutely come see us for a consultation if you are noticing any of these symptoms.
Why is a diagnosis helpful?
So, you have hearing loss symptoms. Why not just 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? It might work sometimes. But knowing 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. Actually, individuals tend to lose their hearing in specific frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear become damaged.
And it frequently goes unnoticed. The brain is quite good at compensating for these things. For this reason, it’s usually necessary to get a hearing examination. This screening process can help you discover hearing loss you may not even realize you have. You’ll also have the chance to properly diagnose which frequencies are 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 buy a hearing aid off the shelf, you’ll be doing your best to match what’s available on the shelf with what you need.
But when you visit a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be tailored to your requirements. We will help you choose 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:
- Your hearing specialist will help you comprehend how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having difficulty understanding how to best utilize them.
- Confidence, that your device will be comfortable by getting a professional fitting.
- Adjusting your hearing aid more effectively is also something your hearing specialist can also help you with. In order to get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
- Your hearing specialist can ensure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you understand and plan proper upkeep and maintenance.
Even if you get lucky enough to pick the best hearing aids for you, if don’t have the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing experience will most likely be less than optimal.
Additionally, hearing specialists will be able to help you control your hearing loss symptoms. Feeling isolated from family and friends because of hearing loss will be much less likely if you take the correct approach. You’ll be able to maintain those connections. And that can be incredibly important.
Not everything has to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient just because you need some assistance with hearing aids. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be improved by using the correct hearing aids.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, controlling your symptoms, and choosing the right hearing aids are all things that your hearing specialist will help you do.
In other words, if you think you have hearing loss, it’s time to contact us!
