Individuals are more self-reliant than ever. Does your car require some repairs? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? YouTube video. Attempting to learn cursive writing? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
You can discover any information you might want to learn and self-learning has never been more available. So the real question is, are we done needing experts?
Well, not exactly. Take, for instance, your hearing aids. Imagine if you notice some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these helpful little devices. Does that mean you should just go out to the local pharmacy and grab a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds nice and easy (and gives you the impression of self-sufficiency), but there are a few significant drawbacks. As a matter of fact, visiting a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more reliable and more comfortable.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
The symptoms of hearing loss may appear to be straightforward, even obvious. Things get harder to hear, right? Well, yes, but the symptoms of hearing loss can be a lot more variable, and far less obvious. In many situations, we are unaware of what to look for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You might often ask people to repeat themselves. This is a sign of hearing loss, even if it feels like the volume is the problem. If you begin to encounter a great many people who “mumble,” it may be your ears that are the problem.
- Problems hearing conversations in loud settings: Do you have a hard time keeping up with discussions when you go out to dinner with family or friends? You should definitely pay attention if you detect this symptom because it’s a fairly strong sign of hearing loss.
- Having to constantly turn the volume up: Is your television volume constantly going up? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This is one of the more evident ones, but it tends to progress so slowly that it’s usually missed.
- Headaches and fatigue: Your brain frequently has to work extra hard as it struggles to process sound. It needs to work much harder to process information, it’s like squinting all the time, but with your ears. Fatigue and chronic headaches can be the result.
Clearly, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everybody’s experience will be somewhat different. But if you are noticing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit us to get a diagnosis.
Why is a diagnosis helpful?
So, you have the symptoms of hearing loss. Perhaps you should go out to your local box-store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, would you go out and buy prescription glasses without getting an eye exam? It might work in some cases. But understanding more about your condition is definitely essential.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex issue. It’s not as if the volume in your ear is simply turned down. Actually, people tend to lose their hearing in specific frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear become damaged.
And most individuals don’t even detect it. The brain is really good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing exam is typically required. This screening process can help you discover hearing loss you may not even recognize you have. This will also allow you to understand which frequencies you’re starting to lose (and because of this, you will be in a better position to manage symptoms.)
Visiting a hearing specialist has its benefits
Matching your hearing needs 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 your hearing aids can be fine-tuned to your specific hearing needs if you go to a hearing specialist. We will help you choose the ideal device for your needs and we will calibrate it to boost the particular frequency that you’re having trouble hearing.
Here are some other benefits to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Your hearing specialist can also help you figure out how to program your hearing aid effectively. This is crucial to a good experience with your devices.
- Confidence, that your device will be comfortable by getting a professional fitting.
- When you have difficulty using or comprehending how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help take you step-by-step through the process and be sure you comprehend how to get the most out of your devices.
- Your hearing specialist can help you set up the necessary maintenance for your hearing aid, making sure that your devices last for as long as possible.
Without the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will 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. With the right strategy, you’ll be much less likely to lose touch with friends or become isolated from your family on account of your hearing loss symptoms. Those connections will be maintained. And for most people, that’s one of the most significant parts of life.
Not everything has to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient simply because you need some assistance with hearing aids. Quite the opposite, actually. The correct hearing aid can increase your independence and self-sufficiency.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, manage your symptoms, and select the right device for your needs.
So contact us so that we can help you address your hearing loss.