People are becoming self-dependent more than they ever did. Does your car need some repairs? Simply watch that YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? YouTube video. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? YouTube… look, you get the idea.
You can discover any information you might want to learn and self-learning has never been more accessible. So the real question is, are we done needing specialists?
Not always. Take, for instance, your hearing aids. Imagine if you detect some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these practical little devices. Should you run out to Walmart and pick up a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this might make you feel self-sufficient and sound like the easy solution, there are some real downsides. In fact, consulting a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more effective and more comfortable.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
The symptoms of hearing loss may appear to be straightforward, even obvious. Things become more difficult to hear, right? Well, yes, but the symptoms of hearing loss can be a lot more diverse, and much less apparent. In many instances, we don’t know what to watch out for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Some of the most common symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Asking people to repeat themselves: You’re often needing people to repeat what they said. This is a sign of hearing loss, even if it seems like the volume is the problem. You should consider whether it’s a problem with your ears if lots of individuals start to sound like their “mumbling”.
- Headaches and exhaustion: Typically, when you have hearing loss, your brain struggles to keep up. It’s like you’re continuously squinting with your ears as your brain works overtime attempting to process sound. Tiredness and chronic headaches can be the result.
- Difficulty hearing conversations in noisy settings: When you’re out at a nice restaurant with friends and family, you have a tough time following along with conversations. This is generally a pretty dependable indication that some degree of hearing loss might be occurring.
- Having to continually crank up the volume: Are you constantly turning the volume up on your television? Well, that’s a sign of hearing loss. This one is frequently missed because it progresses gradually over a long period of time.
Of course, these symptoms aren’t necessarily the only symptoms of hearing loss. Everybody’s experience will be slightly different. But you should certainly come see us for an assessment if you are noticing any of these symptoms.
Can a diagnosis be helpful?
So, you have the symptoms of hearing loss. Maybe you should run out to your local box-store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, that would be kind of like buying some corrective glasses without knowing your prescription. In the majority of cases, it will be crucial to have a strong understanding of the precise nature of your condition.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex problem. It’s not as if the volume in your ear is merely turned down. Actually, people tend to lose their hearing in specific frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear get damaged.
And it frequently goes undetected. The brain is quite good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing test is typically essential. This screening process can help you discover hearing loss you might not even recognize you have. This will also allow you to understand which frequencies you’re starting to lose (and because of this, you will be in a better position to manage symptoms.)
Visiting a hearing specialist has its advantages
Matching your hearing needs to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll have to do on your own if you go with over-the-counter hearing aids.
But when you visit a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be customized 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 a few other advantages to seeing a hearing specialist:
- When you have difficulty using or understanding how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help take you step-by-step through the process and be certain that you comprehend how to get the most out of your devices.
- The ability to help you customize the overall fit of your hearing aid, ensuring your devices are comfortable and work effectively.
- Programing 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 crucial.
- 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.
Even if you get lucky enough to select the best hearing aids for you, if don’t have the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing experience will probably be less than ideal.
Additionally, hearing specialists will be able to help you control your hearing loss symptoms. With the correct strategy, you’ll be much less likely to lose touch with friends or become isolated from your family on account of your hearing loss symptoms. You’ll be able to maintain those connections. And for the majority of individuals, that’s one of the most significant parts of life.
Everything doesn’t always have to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient just because you require some help with hearing aids. Quite the opposite, actually. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be increased by using the right hearing aids.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, regulate 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.