Individuals are becoming self-dependent more than ever before. Does your car need 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 accessible. Does that mean you’ll never require an expert ever again?
Not always. Hearing aids are a good example. Imagine if you notice some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these helpful little devices. Should you race out to Walmart and get a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this might make you feel like you’re being self-sufficient and sound like the easy option, there are some real disadvantages. In reality, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and reliable if you come in to get a consultation with us.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
The symptoms of hearing loss might appear to be clear-cut, even obvious. Things become more difficult to hear, right? Well, yes, but the presentations of hearing loss can be a lot more diverse, and much less apparent. Certainly, individuals often miss the indications of hearing loss because they’re unsure about what to look for.
Some of the most common symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Difficulty hearing conversations in noisy settings: Do you have a hard time keeping up with discussions when you go out to dinner with friends or family? This is normally a rather dependable indication that some amount of hearing loss might be occurring.
- Exhaustion and headaches: Your brain frequently has to work extra hard 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 trigger chronic headaches and tiredness.
- Needing people to repeat what they said: You may frequently ask people to repeat themselves. Even if it seems like people are talking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the problem. If you start to come across a great many individuals who “mumble,” it may be your ears that are the issue.
- Having to continually turn the volume up: Is your television volume constantly going up? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This one is often missed because it progresses slowly over a long time period.
Needless to say, these symptoms are not always the only symptoms of hearing loss. Everyone’s hearing loss experience is distinctive. But you should certainly come see us for a consultation if you are detecting any of these symptoms.
Can a diagnosis be useful?
So, you are recognizing that you can’t hear as well as you used to. Why not just go to the store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, would you go out and buy prescription glasses without getting an eye exam? In the majority of cases, it will be essential to have a detailed understanding of the exact nature of your condition.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex condition. It’s not like somebody just turns the volume knob in your ear. Instead, as stereocilia inside of your ear become damaged, you tend to 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 undetected. The brain is really good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing test is typically needed. You might not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing test can uncover any you might have. You’ll also have the chance to properly diagnose which frequencies are fading the fastest (and be better capable of managing your symptoms because of this.)
Benefits of working with a hearing specialist
When you go and buy a hearing aid at the store, you’ll be doing your best to match what’s available on the shelf with what you require.
But when you visit a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be tailored to your requirements. Your hearing specialist can help you pick the best device for your symptoms and then tailor that device specifically for the frequency you need assistance with.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following advantages:
- When you have trouble 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 plan the necessary maintenance for your hearing aid, making sure that your devices last for as long as possible.
- Adjusting your hearing aid more effectively is also something your hearing specialist can also help you with. So that you can get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is essential.
- The ability to help you personalize the overall fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and work properly.
Even if you get lucky enough to select the best hearing aids for you, if don’t have the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing experience will most likely be less than ideal.
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. You’ll be able to keep those connections. 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 simply because you need some help with hearing aids. Quite the opposite, actually. The right hearing aid can improve your independence and self-sufficiency.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, managing your symptoms, and choosing the correct 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.