Individuals are more self-dependent than ever. Want to fix up your car? Just watch that YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? YouTube video. Attempting to learn cursive writing? YouTube… look, you get the idea.
You can find any information you might want to learn and self-learning has never been more accessible. So the real question is, are we done needing professionals?
Not always. Hearing aids are a good example. Let’s imagine that you develop a need for these handy little devices. Does that mean you should just go out to the local pharmacy and pick up a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this may make you feel like you’re being self-sufficient and sound like the easy option, there are some real disadvantages. In fact, going to see a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more reliable and more comfortable.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
You might think that hearing loss symptoms are fairly self-evident. You can’t hear as well, right? While that might sometimes be the case, in other circumstances the symptoms can be less evident. In many situations, we are unaware of what to look for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Here are some of the most prevalent hearing loss symptoms:
- Having to constantly crank up the volume: Are you always turning the volume up on your television? Well, that’s an indicator of hearing loss. This is one of the more obvious ones, but it tends to progress so gradually that it’s usually missed.
- Tiredness and headaches: Your brain often has to work overtime as it struggles to process sound. It’s like you’re constantly squinting with your ears as your brain works extra hard attempting to process sound. Tiredness and chronic headaches can be the consequence.
- Difficulty hearing conversations in loud places: When you’re out at dinner with friends and family, you have a hard time following along with discussions. This is typically a fairly reliable sign that some degree of hearing loss may be happening.
- Needing people to repeat what they said: You’re frequently needing people to repeat what they said. Even if it seems as if people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the problem. You should consider whether it’s an issue with your ears if lots of individuals start to seem like their “mumbling”.
Obviously, there are other symptoms of hearing loss besides these. Everybody’s hearing loss experience is unique. But you should certainly come see us for an assessment if you are detecting 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 purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, would you go out and buy prescription glasses without getting an eye exam? In the majority of cases, it will be essential to have a detailed understanding of the exact nature of your condition.
Everyone’s experience of hearing loss is distinct and complex. It’s not like someone simply turns the volume knob in your ear. Instead, as stereocilia inside of your ear become damaged, you usually lose your hearing in parts at a time, that is, you usually lose the ability to hear high-frequency or low-frequency sounds first.
And most individuals don’t even notice it. Compensating for these kinds of changes is something that the brain is extremely good at. Because of this, it’s usually necessary to get a hearing test. This screening process can help you expose hearing loss you may not even realize you have. You’ll also have the chance to properly diagnose which frequencies tend to be fading the quickest (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 visit a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be tailored to your needs. 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 advantages:
- The ability to help you personalize the overall fit of your hearing aid, making sure your devices are comfortable and work effectively.
- Your hearing specialist can make sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you understand and plan correct upkeep and maintenance.
- When you have problems 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.
- Programing your hearing aid more effectively is also something your hearing specialist can also help you with. This is critical 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 most likely be less than ideal.
Additionally, hearing specialists will be able to help you manage your hearing loss symptoms. Losing touch with family and friends due to hearing loss will be much less likely if you take the right approach. You’ll be able to keep those connections. And for most people, that’s one of the most worthwhile parts of life.
Everything doesn’t always need 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 improve your independence and self-sufficiency.
A hearing specialist can help you diagnose your hearing loss, regulate your symptoms, and pick out the correct device for your needs.
So give us a call so that we can help you address your hearing loss.