People 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? Again with the YouTube. Trying to learn cursive writing? YouTube… look, you get the idea.
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 a professional ever again?
Well, not necessarily. Take, for example, your hearing aids. Imagine if you notice some hearing loss and find yourself in need of these helpful little devices. Should you run out to Walmart and pick up a set of over-the-counter hearing aids? It sounds nice and easy (and gives you the illusion of self-sufficiency), but there are some considerable drawbacks. As a matter of fact, consulting a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more reliable and more comfortable.
Hearing loss signs
You might think that hearing loss symptoms are fairly self-evident. You are unable to hear as well, right? Well, yes, but the symptoms of hearing loss can be much more diverse, and much less evident. In many situations, we don’t know what to watch out for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Here are some of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- Headaches and tiredness: 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. Exhaustion and chronic headaches can be the result.
- Having to continually turn the volume up: Is the volume on your television continuously going up? Well, that’s a sign of hearing loss. This is one of the more obvious ones, but it tends to develop so gradually that it’s frequently missed.
- Needing people to repeat what they said: You’re frequently needing people to repeat what they said. Even if you feel as if people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the problem. If you start to experience a great number of individuals who “mumble,” it may be your ears that are the problem.
- Trouble hearing conversations in loud settings: Do you have a hard time keeping up with discussions when you go out to eat with friends or family? You should certainly pay attention if you notice this symptom because it’s a rather powerful sign of hearing loss.
Clearly, there are other signs of hearing loss besides these. Everybody’s experience will be slightly different. But you should definitely come see us for an assessment if you are noticing any of these symptoms.
Why is a diagnosis helpful?
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 getting an eye exam? It might work sometimes. But knowing more about your condition is definitely indispensable.
That’s because hearing loss is a complex problem. It’s not as though somebody 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 notice it. The brain is very good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing test is often required. You may not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing test can uncover any you might have. This will also help you understand which frequencies you’re starting to lose (and be better capable of managing your symptoms as a result.)
Advantages of going to a hearing specialist
Matching your hearing needs to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll need to do on your own if you go with over-the-counter hearing aids.
But your hearing aids can be fine-tuned to your particular hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. Your hearing specialist can help you select the best device for your symptoms and then customize that device specifically for the wavelengths you need help with.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following benefits:
- Your hearing specialist will help you comprehend how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having difficulty understanding how to best utilize them.
- Your hearing specialist can ensure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you understand and plan correct upkeep and maintenance.
- Confidence, that your device will be comfortable by getting a professional fitting.
- Adjusting your hearing aid more successfully is also something your hearing specialist can also assist you with. This is crucial to a quality experience with your devices.
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 probably 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 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 for most individuals, that’s one of the most worthwhile parts of life.
Everything doesn’t always need to be DIY
Getting help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are somehow less self-sufficient. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Your self-sufficiency and independence will be enhanced by using the correct hearing aids.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, controlling your symptoms, and selecting the correct hearing aids are all things that your hearing specialist will help you do.
In other words, if you think you have hearing loss, it’s time to call us!