Individuals are becoming self-dependent more than ever before. 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. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
You can find any information you might want to know and self-learning has never been more available. So the real question is, are we finished needing professionals?
Not always. Take, for example, your hearing aids. Let’s picture that you develop a need for these handy little devices. Should you race out to Walmart and pick up a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds fairly effortless (and gives you the impression of self-sufficiency), but there are some substantial drawbacks. Actually, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and effective if you come in to get a consultation with us.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
The symptoms of hearing loss might appear to be straightforward, even obvious. Things get harder to hear, right? Well, yes, but the presentations of hearing loss can be a lot more diverse, and much less evident. Certainly, individuals frequently miss the signs of hearing loss because they don’t know what to watch out for.
Some of the most common symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Having to constantly turn the volume up: Are you constantly turning the volume up on your television? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This one is often missed because it develops slowly over a long time period.
- Fatigue and headaches: Your brain often has to work overtime as it struggles to process sound. It’s like you’re constantly squinting with your ears as your brain works extra hard attempting to process sound. This can lead to chronic headaches and exhaustion.
- Problems hearing conversations in loud places: When you’re out at dinner with family and friends, you have a tough time following along with discussions. This is generally a pretty dependable sign that some degree of hearing loss may be happening.
- Needing people to repeat what they just said: You might frequently ask people to repeat themselves. Even if it seems as if people are talking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. If you start to experience a great number of individuals who “mumble,” it might be your ears that are the problem.
Clearly, there are other signs 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.
Can a diagnosis be helpful?
So, you are recognizing that you are unable to hear as well as you once did. Perhaps you should go out to your local box-store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, that would be sort of like purchasing some corrective glasses without knowing your prescription. It may work in some cases. But knowing more about your condition is absolutely essential.
Everybody’s experience of hearing loss is distinct and complex. It’s not like somebody 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 normally lose the ability to hear high-frequency or low-frequency sounds first.
And most individuals don’t even notice it. Compensating for these types of changes is something that the brain is very good at. That’s why a hearing exam is typically essential. This screening process can help you expose hearing loss you might not even realize you have. You’ll also have the chance to accurately diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the fastest (and because of this, you will be in a better position to manage symptoms.)
Benefits of going to a hearing specialist
Matching your hearing requirements to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll have to do by yourself if you go with over-the-counter hearing aids.
But your hearing aids can be calibrated to your specific hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. We will help you select the ideal device for your needs and we will calibrate it to boost the specific frequency that you’re having trouble hearing.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following benefits:
- Programing your hearing aid more effectively is also something your hearing specialist can also help you with. This is critical to a good experience with your devices.
- Your hearing specialist can help you set up the appropriate maintenance for your hearing aid, making sure that your devices last for as long as possible.
- Confidence, that your device will be comfortable by getting a professional fitting.
- Your hearing specialist will help you understand how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having trouble understanding how to best use them.
Without the advantage 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.
You will also be better able to manage your hearing loss symptoms with the help of a hearing specialist. Losing touch with family and friends because of hearing loss will be a great deal less likely if you take the right approach. Those connections will be preserved. And for the majority of individuals, that’s one of the most important parts of life.
Not everything has to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient just because you need some help with hearing aids. As a matter of fact, it’s just the opposite. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be improved by using the correct hearing aids.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, control your symptoms, and select the correct device for your needs.
So give us a call so that we can help you address your hearing loss.
