People are becoming self-dependent more than they ever did. Does your car require some repairs? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? Again with the YouTube. Attempting to learn cursive writing? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
Anything you want to learn, you can find, and there’s great potential to teach and educate yourself on the Internet. So the real question is, are we done needing specialists?
Not always. Hearing aids are a practical example. Imagine if you notice 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? It sounds fairly effortless (and gives you the impression of self-sufficiency), but there are a few significant drawbacks. In reality, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and effective if you come in to get a consultation with us.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
You might think that hearing loss symptoms are pretty self-evident. You can’t hear as well, right? While that may sometimes be the truth, in other circumstances the symptoms can be less evident. In many situations, we don’t know what to watch out for and we miss the symptoms of hearing loss.
Some of the most common symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Tiredness and headaches: Your brain frequently has to work overtime 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 result in chronic headaches and tiredness.
- Problems hearing conversations in noisy settings: 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 fairly powerful indication of hearing loss.
- The persistent need to crank the volume up: Are you always turning the volume up on your television? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This is one of the more evident ones, but it tends to develop so gradually that it’s often missed.
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You’re often needing people to repeat what they said. Even if you feel like people are talking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. You should consider whether it’s a problem with your ears if lots of individuals start to sound like their “mumbling”.
Obviously, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everybody’s experience will be a bit different. But you should certainly come see us for a consultation if you are detecting 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, would you go out and purchase prescription glasses without having an eye exam? It might work in some cases. But knowing more about your condition is absolutely essential.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex issue. It’s not like somebody simply turns the volume knob in your ear. Actually, people tend to lose their hearing in particular frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear get damaged.
And it often goes unnoticed. The brain is really good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing exam is often necessary. You might not even know you have hearing loss but a hearing examination can expose any you may 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 manage symptoms.)
Seeing a hearing specialist has its advantages
When you go and buy a hearing aid at the store, you’ll be doing the best you can to match what’s available on the shelf with what you require.
But your hearing aids can be calibrated to your particular hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. We will help you pick the ideal device for your needs and we will calibrate it to boost the particular frequency that you’re having difficulty hearing.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following advantages:
- Adjusting your hearing aid more effectively is also something your hearing specialist can also assist you with. So that you can get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is essential.
- 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 make sure you comprehend how to get the most out of your devices.
- Certainty, that your device will be comfortable by getting a professional fitting.
- 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.
Without the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will likely be less ideal, 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 friends and family because of hearing loss will be much less likely if you take the right approach. Those relationships will be maintained. And that can be extremely important.
Everything doesn’t always have to be DIY
Seeking help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are somehow less self-sufficient. As a matter of fact, it’s just the opposite. The right hearing aid can increase your independence and self-sufficiency.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, controlling your symptoms, and choosing the right hearing aids are all things that your hearing specialist will help you do.
So contact us so that we can help you address your hearing loss.