People are becoming self-reliant more than they ever did. Does your car need some repairs? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? YouTube video. Attempting to learn cursive writing? YouTube… look, you get the idea.
Anything you want to know, you can find, and there’s amazing potential to teach and educate yourself on the Internet. So the real question is, are we done needing professionals?
Not always. Hearing aids are a practical example. Imagine if you detect 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 pick up 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 solution, there are some real downsides. Actually, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and effective if you come in to get a consultation with us.
Hearing loss signs
You may think that hearing loss symptoms are pretty self-evident. Things become more difficult to hear, right? While that might sometimes be the case, in other situations the symptoms can be less apparent. In many instances, we don’t know what to look for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Here are some of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- Trouble hearing conversations in noisy places: Do you have a difficult time following conversations when you go out to eat with friends or family? This is generally a pretty dependable sign that some amount of hearing loss may be happening.
- The persistent need to crank the volume up: Is your television volume continuously going up? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This is one of the more apparent ones, but it tends to progress so slowly that it’s usually missed.
- Exhaustion and headaches: Often, when you have hearing loss, your brain fights 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 result.
- Asking people to repeat themselves: You might often ask people to repeat themselves. Even if you feel as if people are speaking 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 signs 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 detecting any of these symptoms.
Can a diagnosis be useful?
So, you are recognizing that you are unable to hear as well as you used to. Why not just go to the store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, that would be sort of like buying some corrective glasses without determining your prescription. In most 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 issue. It’s not like someone just turns the volume knob in your ear. Actually, people tend to lose their hearing in specific frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear become damaged.
And most people don’t even detect it. Compensating for these kinds of changes is something that the brain is quite good at. That’s why a hearing test is typically needed. You might not even know you have hearing loss but a hearing assessment can expose any you might have. This will also allow you to understand which frequencies you’re beginning to lose (and as a result, you will be in a better position to manage symptoms.)
Benefits of going to a hearing specialist
When you go and buy a hearing aid off the shelf, you’ll be doing the best you can to match what’s available on the shelf with what you need.
But when you go see a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be tailored to your needs. Your hearing specialist can help you select the best device for your symptoms and then tailor that device specifically for the wavelengths you need help with.
Here are some other benefits to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Your hearing specialist can also help you figure out how to adjust your hearing aid effectively. This is crucial to a quality experience with 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.
- Your hearing specialist will help you comprehend 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 personalize the overall fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and work effectively.
Without the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will likely be less optimal, even if you do happen to pick the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
You will also be better capable of managing your hearing loss symptoms with the help of a hearing specialist. Feeling isolated from friends and family because of hearing loss will be a lot less likely if you take the right approach. Those relationships will be maintained. And that can be exceptionally important.
Not everything has to be DIY
Getting help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are in some way less self-sufficient. 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, control your symptoms, and pick out the right device for your needs.
So give us a call so that we can help you address your hearing loss.