Individuals are becoming self-dependent more than ever before. Does your car require some repairs? You can learn how to do that by watching a 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 know and self-learning has never been more accessible. Does that mean you’ll never need an expert ever again?
Well, not exactly. Hearing aids are a good example. Let’s picture that you develop a need for these handy little devices. Does that mean you should just drive up to the local pharmacy and get a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds fairly effortless (and gives you the illusion of self-sufficiency), but there are a few substantial drawbacks. Actually, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and reliable if you come in to get a consultation with us.
Hearing loss signs
The symptoms of hearing loss may seem clear-cut, even obvious. You can’t hear as well, right? Well, yes, but the symptoms of hearing loss can be a lot more variable, and much less obvious. Indeed, people often miss the indications of hearing loss because they don’t know what to watch out for.
Here are a few of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- Headaches and exhaustion: Your brain frequently has to work extra hard as it struggles to process sound. 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 exhaustion.
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You may frequently ask people to repeat themselves. Even if it seems as if people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. If you start to come across a great many people who “mumble,” it might be your ears that are the issue.
- Having to continually crank up the volume: Is the volume on your television continuously going up? Well, there’s your first common sign. This one is frequently missed because it progresses gradually over a long period of time.
- Having a difficult time hearing when it’s noisy: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with family and friends, you have a tough time following along with conversations. This is typically a pretty dependable indication that some degree of hearing loss may be happening.
Clearly, there are other signs of hearing loss besides these. Everybody’s experience will be slightly different. But you should absolutely come see us for an assessment 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 may work sometimes. But understanding more about your condition is absolutely indispensable.
Everybody’s experience of hearing loss is distinct and complex. It’s not as if the volume in your ear is merely turned down. Instead, as stereocilia in your ear become damaged, you often 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 most individuals don’t even detect it. The brain is really good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing test is often needed. This screening process can help you uncover hearing loss you might not even know you have. This will also help you understand which frequencies you’re starting to lose (and as a result, you will be in a better position to control symptoms.)
Advantages of working with a hearing specialist
Matching your hearing requirements to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll need to do on your own if you decide on over-the-counter hearing aids.
But your hearing aids can be calibrated to your specific hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. Your hearing specialist can help you choose the best device for your symptoms and then customize that device specifically for the frequency you need help with.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following advantages:
- When you have trouble using or understanding how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help take you step-by-step through the process and make sure you comprehend how to get the most out of your devices.
- Confidence, that your device will be comfortable by getting a custom fitting.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you figure out how to program your hearing aid successfully. In order to get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is essential.
- Your hearing specialist can help you plan the appropriate maintenance for your hearing aid, ensuring that your devices last for as long as possible.
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 probably be less than ideal.
You will also be better capable of managing your hearing loss symptoms with the assistance of a hearing specialist. Losing touch with friends and family 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 exceptionally 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. Quite the opposite, actually. The right hearing aid can increase your independence and self-sufficiency.
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.
In other words, if you suspect you have hearing loss, it’s time to contact us!
