People are becoming self-reliant more than ever before. Does your car require some repairs? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Want to unclog your sink? Again with the YouTube. Attempting to learn cursive writing? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
Anything you want to learn, you can find, and there’s excellent 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. Let’s picture that you develop a need for these useful little devices. Does that mean you should just drive up to the local pharmacy and pick up 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 considerable drawbacks. Actually, your hearing aids will be more comfortable and reliable if you come in to get a consultation with us.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
The symptoms of hearing loss might appear to be clear-cut, even obvious. Things get harder to hear, right? While that might sometimes be the case, in other circumstances the symptoms can be less evident. Certainly, people frequently miss the signs of hearing loss because they don’t know what to look for.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of hearing loss include the following:
- Exhaustion and headaches: Your brain frequently has to work overtime 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. Exhaustion and chronic headaches can be the consequence.
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You may frequently ask people to repeat themselves. This is a sign of hearing loss, even if it feels like the volume is the problem. You should consider whether it’s a problem with your ears if lots of individuals start to seem like their “mumbling”.
- Having a hard time hearing when it’s loud: Do you have a tough time keeping up with discussions when you go out to dinner with friends or family? You should certainly pay attention if you notice this symptom because it’s a rather powerful sign of hearing loss.
- The constant need to turn the volume up: Is the volume on your television constantly going up? Well, that’s a sign of hearing loss. This one is often missed because it progresses slowly over a long time period.
Obviously, there are other signs of hearing loss besides these. Everyone’s hearing loss experience is distinctive. But you should definitely come see us for a consultation if you are detecting any of these symptoms.
Why is a diagnosis helpful?
So, you have the symptoms of hearing loss. Why not simply go to the store and purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid? Well, would you go out and purchase prescription glasses without getting an eye exam? It may work sometimes. But knowing more about your condition is really indispensable.
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 get damaged.
And most individuals don’t even detect it. The brain is very good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing exam is often needed. This screening process can help you discover hearing loss you might not even recognize you have. You’ll also have the opportunity to correctly diagnose which frequencies are fading the fastest (and because of this, you will be in a better position to control symptoms.)
Advantages of going to a hearing specialist
When you go and buy a hearing aid off the shelf, you’ll be doing the best you can to match what’s available on the shelf with what you require.
But your hearing aids can be calibrated to your specific hearing needs if you consult with a hearing specialist. We will help you choose the ideal device for your needs and we will tune it to boost the specific frequency that you’re having trouble hearing.
Here are a few other benefits to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Adjusting your hearing aid more effectively is also something your hearing specialist can also help you with. This is crucial to a good experience with your devices.
- 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.
- Certainty, that your device will be comfortable by getting a custom fitting.
- Your hearing specialist will help you comprehend how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having trouble understanding how to best use them.
Without the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will likely be less ideal, even if you do happen to select the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
Additionally, hearing specialists will be able to help you control your hearing loss symptoms. Losing touch with friends and family because of hearing loss will be a lot less likely if you take the correct approach. Those relationships will be maintained. And that can be exceptionally important.
Everything doesn’t always need to be DIY
Seeking help with your hearing aid doesn’t mean you are somehow less self-sufficient. Quite the opposite, actually. The right hearing aid can increase your independence and self-sufficiency.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, managing your symptoms, and picking out the right hearing aids are all things that your hearing specialist will help you do.
So contact us so that we can help you address your hearing loss.
The content of this blog is the intellectual property of MedPB.com and is reprinted here with permission.
The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive a personalized free hearing test and hearing loss consultation, call today to set up an appointment.
