Individuals are more self-reliant than ever. Want to fix up your car? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? YouTube video. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? YouTube… look, you get the idea.
Anything you want to learn, you can find, and there’s great potential to teach and train yourself on the Internet. So the real question is, are we finished needing specialists?
Not always. Hearing aids are a good example. Imagine if you notice some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these practical little devices. Should you run out to Walmart and get a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds nice and easy (and gives you the impression of self-sufficiency), but there are a few substantial drawbacks. In fact, going to see a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more reliable and more comfortable.
Hearing loss signs
The symptoms of hearing loss may seem straightforward, even obvious. You are unable to hear as well, right? Well, yes, but the symptoms of hearing loss can be a lot more variable, and far less evident. Indeed, individuals often miss the signs of hearing loss because they don’t know what to watch out for.
Here are a few of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- Exhaustion and headaches: 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 overtime attempting to process sound. Fatigue and chronic headaches can be the outcome.
- The persistent need to turn the volume up: Is the volume on your television continuously going up? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This one is often missed because it develops slowly over a long period of time.
- Problems hearing conversations in noisy places: Do you have a hard time following conversations when you go out to dinner with friends or family? This is usually a fairly dependable sign that some degree of hearing loss could be happening.
- Asking people to repeat themselves: You may often ask people to repeat themselves. Even if you feel like people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. You should consider whether it’s an issue with your ears if lots of people start to sound like their “mumbling”.
Of course, these symptoms are not necessarily the only signs of hearing loss. Everybody’s hearing loss experience is distinctive. But you should absolutely come see us for a consultation if you are noticing any of these symptoms.
Why is a diagnosis useful?
So, you are realizing that you are unable to hear as well as you once did. Why not just go to the store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, that would be sort of like buying some corrective glasses without knowing your prescription. It may work in some cases. But knowing more about your condition is definitely essential.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex condition. It’s not as if the volume in your ear is merely turned down. Actually, individuals tend to lose their hearing in specific frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear get damaged.
And most people don’t even detect it. Compensating for these types of changes is something that the brain is quite good at. Because of this, it’s usually necessary to get a hearing examination. You might not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing assessment can expose any you might have. You’ll also have the chance to accurately diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the quickest (and be better capable of managing your symptoms because of this.)
Advantages of working with a hearing specialist
Matching your hearing needs to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll need to do by yourself if you decide on over-the-counter hearing aids.
But your hearing aids can be calibrated to your specific hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. We will help you select the ideal device for your requirements and we will tune it to boost the particular frequency that you’re having difficulty hearing.
Here are some other advantages to seeing a hearing specialist:
- When you have trouble using or understanding how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help walk you through the process and be certain that 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.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you figure out how to program your hearing aid effectively. So that you can get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
- The ability to help you individualize the overall fit of your hearing aid, ensuring your devices are comfortable and effectively working.
Even if you get lucky enough to pick the best hearing aids for you, if you don’t have the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing experience will most likely be less than ideal.
Additionally, hearing specialists will be able to help you manage your hearing loss symptoms. Feeling isolated from family and friends because of hearing loss will be a lot less likely if you take the right approach. Those connections will be maintained. And that can be extremely important.
Everything doesn’t always need to be DIY
Getting help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are in some way less self-sufficient. In fact, it’s actually the opposite. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be improved by using the right hearing aids.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, controlling your symptoms, and picking out the right hearing aids are all things that your hearing specialist will help you do.
In other words, if you suspect you have hearing loss, it’s time to contact us!