Hearing loss is usually a frustrating condition that can be caused by various things. While hearing loss is often the result of age or an injury, in some circumstances, hearing loss may be an indication of a more serious underlying medical condition.
These are some hearing loss red flags you should look for
There are varieties of red flags that may be an indication of hearing loss and that it’s time to schedule a hearing assessment appointment. Pay attention if any of these red flags appear.
Difficulties hearing on the telephone
You might be having a hard time hearing phone calls even with the volume setting. If you are constantly turning the volume up louder and louder on your cell phone or landline, you should schedule an appointment as soon as you can for a hearing exam.
Difficulty following conversations
Sometimes, we get lost when we’re having conversations even when our hearing is normal, but if it happens often, especially when more than two people are talking, it’s most likely an indication of hearing loss.
Family & neighbors are complaining about a loud TV
It can be challenging to follow television programs, particularly if music is combined with dialog. We need to recognize that the sound doesn’t necessarily get clearer when you turn up the volume. But it’s time to get your hearing checked if your neighbors can hear your TV or if you continuously need the volume on a very high setting.
Difficulty hearing in noisy environments
If you are in a public place and the background sound makes it hard to hear the others with you, it typically means you struggle to mask background noise and focus on speech. Individuals who are developing hearing loss most commonly have this complaint.
You say “what” frequently
Just because you can’t hear somebody mumbling several feet away doesn’t mean you have hearing loss. However, if you say the word “what” more than any other word in your vocabulary, it may be a red flag that you aren’t receiving sound signals clearly in order to process speech correctly.
Failing to understand what people are saying
It can be an indication of high frequency hearing loss, often an awkward one, if you frequently misunderstand what people are saying. This means you are unable to discern the sounds of speech.
If you are experiencing any of the above red flags, you should schedule a hearing test as soon as you can. Fortunately, the stigma that was once related to hearing loss no longer exists, the testing is simple, and with the modern advances in hearing aid technologies, there is no reason for you to continue to suffer with hearing loss.