Individuals are more self-reliant than ever. Want to fix up your car? Just watch that YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? Again with the YouTube. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? YouTube… look, you get the idea.
You can discover any information you may want to learn and self-learning has never been more available. So the real question is, are we done needing experts?
Well, not necessarily. Hearing aids are a good example. Imagine if you detect some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these practical little devices. Should you race out to Walmart and pick up a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this may make you feel like you’re being self-sufficient and sound like the convenient option, there are some real downsides. 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 signs
The symptoms of hearing loss may appear to be straightforward, even obvious. You are unable to hear as well, right? While that might sometimes be the case, in other circumstances the symptoms can be less apparent. In many instances, we are unaware of what to watch out for and we miss the symptoms of hearing loss.
Here are a few of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- 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. Tiredness and chronic headaches can be the outcome.
- Having a difficult time hearing when it’s loud: Do you have a difficult time keeping up with discussions when you go out to dinner with family or friends? This is generally a pretty dependable sign that some degree of hearing loss could be happening.
- Having to continually turn up the volume: Are you always turning up the volume on your television? Well, there’s your first common symptom. This is one of the more obvious ones, but it tends to develop so gradually that it’s often missed.
- Asking people to repeat themselves: You may often 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 experience a great many individuals who “mumble,” it might be your ears that are the problem.
Clearly, there are other symptoms 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.
Can a diagnosis be helpful?
So, you have hearing loss symptoms. Why not simply go to the store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, that would be sort of like buying some corrective glasses without determining your prescription. In most situations, it will be crucial to have a strong understanding of the exact nature of your condition.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex issue. It’s not as though somebody just turns the volume knob in your ear. Instead, as stereocilia inside of your ear become damaged, you usually 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 it frequently goes unnoticed. Compensating for these kinds of changes is something that the brain is quite good at. That’s why a hearing test is often necessary. You may not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing assessment can uncover any you may have. You’ll also have the opportunity to accurately diagnose which frequencies are fading the fastest (and be better able to manage your symptoms because of this.)
Advantages of going to 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 your hearing aids can be calibrated to your specific hearing needs if you go to a hearing specialist. Your hearing specialist can help you select the best device for your symptoms and then tailor that device specifically for the frequency you need help with.
Here are some other advantages to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Your hearing specialist can help you plan the appropriate maintenance for your hearing aid, making sure that your devices last for as long as possible.
- Your hearing specialist can help you understand how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having trouble understanding how to best utilize them.
- The ability to help you individualize the general fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and work effectively.
- Adjusting your hearing aid more successfully is also something your hearing specialist can also help you with. In order to get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is essential.
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 probably be less than optimal.
In addition, hearing specialists will be able to help you control your hearing loss symptoms. Losing touch with friends and family due to hearing loss will be much less likely if you take the right approach. Those connections will be preserved. And for most individuals, 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 just because you need some help with hearing aids. Quite the opposite, actually. The correct hearing aid can improve your independence and self-sufficiency.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, control your symptoms, and pick out the right device for your needs.
In other words, if you suspect you have hearing loss, it’s time to call us!