Individuals are more self-reliant than ever. Does your car require some repairs? Just watch that YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? YouTube video. Attempting to learn cursive writing? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
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 require an expert ever again?
Not always. Take, for instance, your hearing aids. Let’s envision 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? Although this may make you feel self-sufficient and sound like the convenient option, there are a few real downsides. Actually, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and reliable if you come in to get a consultation with us.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
You may think that hearing loss symptoms are pretty self-evident. Things become more difficult to hear, right? Well, yes, but the presentations of hearing loss can be much more diverse, and much less apparent. Indeed, individuals often miss the signs of hearing loss because they don’t know what to look for.
Here are some of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- Having to constantly crank up the volume: Are you constantly turning up the volume on your television? Well, there’s your first common sign. This one is frequently missed because it progresses gradually over a long period of time.
- Asking people to repeat themselves: You may frequently ask people to repeat themselves. Even if you feel like people are talking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. If you begin to encounter a great number of people who “mumble,” it may be your ears that are the problem.
- Headaches and exhaustion: Often, when you have hearing loss, your brain fights to keep up. It’s having to work extra hard to process information, it’s like squinting all the time, but with your ears. Exhaustion and chronic headaches can be the consequence.
- Having a difficult time hearing when it’s noisy: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with friends and family, you have a hard time following along with conversations. You should definitely pay attention if you notice this symptom because it’s a pretty powerful sign of hearing loss.
Obviously, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everybody’s hearing loss experience is distinctive. But you should absolutely come see us for an assessment if you are noticing any of these symptoms.
Can a diagnosis be helpful?
So, you have hearing loss symptoms. Maybe you should run out to your local box-store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, that would be kind of like buying some corrective glasses without determining your prescription. In most cases, it will be essential to have a detailed understanding of the precise nature of your condition.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex problem. It’s not as if the volume in your ear is merely turned down. Actually, individuals tend to lose their hearing in particular frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear get damaged.
And most people don’t even detect it. The brain is very good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing test is often necessary. This screening process can help you uncover hearing loss you might not even know you have. You’ll also have the chance to correctly diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the quickest (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 on your own if you decide on over-the-counter hearing aids.
But your hearing aids can be fine-tuned to your specific hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. We will help you select the ideal device for your requirements and we will calibrate it to boost the particular frequency that you’re having difficulty hearing.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following benefits:
- Your hearing specialist can help you comprehend how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having trouble understanding how to best utilize them.
- Confidence, that your device will be comfortable by getting a custom fitting.
- Your hearing specialist can make sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you understand and plan appropriate upkeep and maintenance.
- Programing your hearing aid more effectively is also something your hearing specialist can also assist you with. This is critical to a quality experience with your devices.
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 ideal.
You will also be better capable of managing your hearing loss symptoms with the assistance of a hearing specialist. Feeling isolated from family and friends because of hearing loss will be a great deal less likely if you take the right approach. Those relationships will be maintained. And that can be incredibly important.
Everything doesn’t always need to be DIY
Seeking help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are somehow less self-sufficient. Quite the opposite, actually. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be improved by using the right hearing aids.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, regulate your symptoms, and pick out the correct device for your needs.
In other words, if you think you have hearing loss, it’s time to contact us!