People are more self-dependent than ever. Want to remodel your kitchen? Just 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 find any information you may want to learn and self-learning has never been more accessible. So the real question is, are we done needing experts?
Well, not exactly. Take, for instance, your hearing aids. Imagine if you notice some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these practical little devices. Does that mean you should just drive up to the local pharmacy and get a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this may make you feel self-sufficient and sound like the easy option, there are a few real disadvantages. In reality, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and reliable if you come in to get a consultation with us.
Hearing loss signs
The symptoms of hearing loss may appear to be clear-cut, even obvious. Things become more difficult to hear, right? While that may sometimes be the truth, in other situations the symptoms can be less evident. Certainly, people often miss the symptoms of hearing loss because they’re unsure about what to look for.
Here are a few of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- The constant need to crank the volume up: Are you always turning up the volume on your television? Well, there’s your first common symptom. This is one of the more obvious ones, but it tends to progress so slowly that it’s often missed.
- Having a tough time hearing when it’s noisy: Do you have a difficult time keeping up with discussions when you go out to eat with friends or family? This is generally a pretty dependable indication that some amount of hearing loss might be occurring.
- Exhaustion and headaches: Your brain frequently has to work overtime as it struggles to process sound. It needs to work much harder to process information, it’s like squinting constantly, but with your ears. Exhaustion and chronic headaches can be the result.
- Asking people to repeat themselves: You may often ask people to repeat themselves. This is an indication of hearing loss, even if it seems like the volume is the problem. You should consider whether it’s an issue with your ears if lots of people start to sound like their “mumbling”.
Needless to say, these symptoms are not necessarily the only symptoms of hearing loss. Everyone’s hearing loss experience is unique. But you should absolutely come see us for a consultation if you are detecting any of these symptoms.
Can a diagnosis be useful?
So, you have hearing loss symptoms. Why not simply go to the store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, would you go out and purchase prescription glasses without having an eye exam? It may work sometimes. But understanding more about your condition is definitely essential.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex condition. It’s not like the volume in your ear is merely turned down. Actually, individuals tend to lose their hearing in particular frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear become damaged.
And it frequently goes unnoticed. Compensating for these types of changes is something that the brain is extremely good at. That’s why a hearing exam is often needed. This screening process can help you discover hearing loss you may not even realize you have. This will also help you know which frequencies you’re beginning to lose (and be better capable of managing your symptoms as a result.)
Visiting a hearing specialist has its benefits
Matching your hearing needs 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 calibrated to your particular hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. Your hearing specialist can help you choose the best device for your symptoms and then tailor that device specifically for the wavelengths you need assistance with.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following advantages:
- Certainty, that your device will be comfortable by getting a professional fitting.
- Your hearing specialist can ensure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you comprehend and plan correct upkeep and maintenance.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you understand how to adjust your hearing aid properly. This is crucial to a quality experience with your devices.
- When you have trouble using or comprehending how to use your hearing aid, your hearing specialist can help walk you through the process and make sure you comprehend how to get the most out of your devices.
Without the benefit of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will most likely be less ideal, even if you do happen to pick the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
You will also be better able to manage your hearing loss symptoms with the help of a hearing specialist. Feeling isolated from friends and family due to hearing loss will be a great deal less likely if you take the correct approach. You’ll be able to keep those connections. And that can be exceedingly important.
Not everything has to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient just because you need some help with hearing aids. 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, manage your symptoms, and pick out the right device for your requirements.
So call us so that we can help you address your hearing loss.