Individuals are more self-reliant than ever. Does your car require some repairs? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? YouTube video. Want to learn how to do calligraphy? YouTube… look, you get the idea.
Anything you want to know, 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?
Well, not exactly. Take, for instance, your hearing aids. Imagine if you detect 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? It sounds nice and easy (and gives you the illusion of self-sufficiency), but there are a few significant drawbacks. In fact, consulting a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more effective and more comfortable.
Hearing loss symptoms
The symptoms of hearing loss might seem clear-cut, even obvious. You can’t hear as well, right? While that may sometimes be the truth, in other circumstances the symptoms can be less evident. Indeed, individuals frequently miss the indications of hearing loss because they’re unsure about what to look for.
Some of the most common symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Difficulty hearing conversations in noisy settings: Do you have a difficult time keeping up with conversations when you go out to eat with friends or family? This is generally a rather dependable sign that some amount of hearing loss might be happening.
- Having to constantly crank up the volume: Is the volume on your television constantly going up? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This is one of the more apparent ones, but it tends to progress so gradually that it’s frequently missed.
- Asking people to repeat themselves: You’re frequently needing people to repeat what they said. Even if it seems as if people are talking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the problem. You should consider whether it’s a problem with your ears if lots of people start to seem like their “mumbling”.
- Tiredness and headaches: Your brain often has to work extra hard as it struggles to process sound. It’s like you’re continuously squinting with your ears as your brain works extra hard attempting to process sound. This can trigger chronic headaches and exhaustion.
Of course, these symptoms are not always the only symptoms of hearing loss. Everyone’s experience will be a bit different. But if you are noticing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit us to get a diagnosis.
Can a diagnosis be helpful?
So, you are realizing that you can’t hear as well as you used to. Why not just go to the store and buy 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 situations, it will be crucial to have a strong understanding of the precise nature of your condition.
Everyone’s experience of hearing loss is unique and complex. It’s not like the volume in your ear is simply turned down. Actually, individuals 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. The brain is really good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing exam is typically required. You might not even know you have hearing loss but a hearing assessment can expose any you may have. You’ll also have the opportunity to accurately diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the fastest (and as a result, you will be in a better position to control symptoms.)
Benefits of working with a hearing specialist
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 go see a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be customized to your needs. Your hearing specialist can help you pick the best device for your symptoms and then customize that device specifically for the frequency you need help with.
Your hearing specialist will also have the following advantages:
- Your hearing specialist can help you plan the appropriate maintenance for your hearing aid, ensuring that your devices last for as long as possible.
- Your hearing specialist can help you understand how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having trouble understanding how to best use them.
- The ability to help you personalize the general fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and effectively working.
- Programing your hearing aid more successfully is also something your hearing specialist can also help you with. In order to get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is essential.
Without the benefit 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.
Also, hearing specialists will be able to help you manage your hearing loss symptoms. With the right strategy, you’ll be much less likely to lose touch with friends or become isolated from your family because of your hearing loss symptoms. Those connections will be preserved. And for most people, that’s one of the most important parts of life.
Not everything has to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient just because you require some help with hearing aids. In fact, it’s just the opposite. 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 select the correct device for your needs.
In other words, if you think you have hearing loss, it’s time to give us a call!