People are more self-reliant than ever. Want to remodel your kitchen? Just watch that YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? YouTube video. Trying to learn cursive writing? YouTube… look, you get the point.
Anything you want to know, you can find, and there’s excellent potential to teach and train yourself on the Internet. So the real question is, are we done needing experts?
Not always. Take, for instance, your hearing aids. Imagine if you detect some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these helpful 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 impression of self-sufficiency), but there are a few substantial drawbacks. As a matter of fact, going to see a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more effective and more comfortable.
Hearing loss symptoms
The symptoms of hearing loss may seem straightforward, even obvious. You are unable to hear as well, right? Well, yes, but the symptoms of hearing loss can be much more diverse, and much less apparent. In many cases, we are unaware of what to watch out for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Fatigue and headaches: Often, when you have hearing loss, your brain struggles to keep up. 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 tiredness.
- Having a difficult time hearing when it’s loud: Do you have a tough time following discussions when you go out to eat with friends or family? You should certainly pay attention if you notice this symptom because it’s a pretty strong sign of hearing loss.
- The persistent need to crank the volume up: Are you always turning the volume up on your television? Well, there’s your first common symptom. This is one of the more apparent ones, but it tends to develop so slowly that it’s usually missed.
- Needing people to repeat what they just said: You might frequently ask people to repeat themselves. Even if you feel as if people are talking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the problem. You should consider whether it’s an issue with your ears if lots of individuals start to seem like their “mumbling”.
Clearly, there are other signs of hearing loss besides these. Everyone’s hearing loss experience is unique. But you should definitely come see us for a consultation if you are noticing any of these symptoms.
Why is a diagnosis useful?
So, you are realizing that you are unable to hear as well as you used to. Perhaps you should run out to your local box-store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, that would be kind of like purchasing some corrective glasses without determining your prescription. In the majority of situations, it will be crucial to have a strong understanding of the precise nature of your condition.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex issue. It’s not like someone simply turns the volume knob in your ear. Instead, as stereocilia in your ear get 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. Compensating for these kinds of changes is something that the brain is very good at. That’s why a hearing test is typically necessary. You may not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing examination can expose any you may have. You’ll also have the chance to properly diagnose which frequencies are fading the fastest (and be better capable of managing your symptoms as a result.)
Benefits 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 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 choose the best device for your symptoms and then tailor that device specifically for the frequency you need assistance with.
Here are some other benefits to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Your hearing specialist can also help you understand how to adjust your hearing aid properly. This is crucial to a good experience with your devices.
- 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 use them.
- Your hearing specialist can make sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you comprehend and plan proper upkeep and maintenance.
- Confidence, that your device will be comfortable by getting a custom fitting.
Without the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will most likely be less optimal, 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 assistance of a hearing specialist. Losing touch with family and friends because of hearing loss will be a lot less likely if you take the correct approach. Those relationships will be maintained. And for most people, that’s one of the most worthwhile parts of life.
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 correct hearing aids.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, regulate your symptoms, and pick out the correct device for your needs.
So contact us so that we can help you address your hearing loss.