People are becoming self-dependent more than ever before. Want to fix up your car? Just watch that YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? Again with the YouTube. Trying to learn cursive writing? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
You can find 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 practical example. Imagine if you notice some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these helpful little devices. Should you run out to Walmart and get a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this might 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, consulting a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more effective and more comfortable.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
The symptoms of hearing loss might seem clear-cut, even obvious. Things become more difficult to hear, right? Well, yes, but the symptoms of hearing loss can be much more variable, and much less evident. Certainly, individuals frequently miss the signs of hearing loss because they don’t know what to look for.
Here are a few of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- Needing people to repeat what they said: You’re frequently needing people to repeat what they said. This is an indication of hearing loss, even if it feels like the volume is the issue. You should consider whether it’s an issue with your ears if lots of people start to sound like their “mumbling”.
- Headaches and fatigue: Your brain often has to work extra hard as it struggles to process sound. It’s like you’re constantly squinting with your ears as your brain works extra hard attempting to process sound. This can result in chronic headaches and fatigue.
- Trouble hearing conversations in noisy settings: Do you have a tough time keeping up with discussions when you go out to eat with family or friends? This is generally a pretty dependable indication that some amount of hearing loss may be happening.
- The continual need to turn the volume up: Are you consistently turning the volume up on your television? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This is one of the more obvious ones, but it tends to develop so gradually that it’s frequently missed.
Obviously, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everybody’s hearing loss experience is unique. But if you are noticing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit us to get a diagnosis.
Can a diagnosis be helpful?
So, you have the symptoms of hearing loss. Maybe you should go 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 knowing your prescription. It may work sometimes. But understanding more about your condition is absolutely indispensable.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex issue. It’s not like the volume in your ear is simply turned down. Instead, as stereocilia in your ear become damaged, you often lose your hearing in parts at a time, that is, you normally lose the ability to hear high-frequency or low-frequency sounds first.
And most individuals don’t even detect it. The brain is really good at compensating for these things. For this reason, it’s typically necessary to get a hearing test. 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 correctly diagnose which frequencies are fading the fastest (and because of this, you will be in a better position to control symptoms.)
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 fine-tuned to your particular hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. Your hearing specialist can help you select the best device for your symptoms and then customize that device specifically for the frequency you need help with.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following benefits:
- Certainty, that your device will be comfortable by getting a custom fitting.
- Programing your hearing aid more successfully 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 crucial.
- 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 understand and plan appropriate upkeep and maintenance.
Even if you get lucky enough to pick the best hearing aids for you, if don’t have the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing experience will probably be less than optimal.
Also, hearing specialists will be able to help you control your hearing loss symptoms. Losing touch with family and friends due to hearing loss will be a lot less likely if you take the correct approach. You’ll be able to maintain those relationships. And for most individuals, that’s one of the most important parts of life.
Not everything has to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient just because you require some help with hearing aids. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be improved by using the correct hearing aids.
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.