Hearing loss can be caused by many things and is usually very aggravating. There are some situations where hearing loss is a consequence of a more serious underlying health problem and isn’t just the result of an injury or aging.
These are some hearing loss red flags you should look for
Hearing loss will often throw up a variety of red flags indicating it’s time for a hearing assessment. Pay attention if any of these red flags manifest.
Difficulties hearing on the telephone
You might be having a hard time hearing phone calls even with the volume setting. You should call us for a hearing exam if you find yourself continuously turning the volume up on your phone.
Difficulty following conversations
Sometimes, we get lost when we’re having conversations even when our hearing is normal, but if it happens often, particularly when more than two people are talking, it’s likely an indication of hearing loss.
Family & neighbors are complaining about a loud TV
It can be difficult to hear tv shows, especially if music is combined with dialog. We need to recognize that the sound doesn’t necessarily get clearer when you crank the volume up. But if you constantly need the tv turned up to a high volume that is uncomfortable for others in the room or if your neighbors are hearing your television, it is time to get your hearing checked.
Trouble hearing in noisy settings
If you are in a public place and the background noise makes it hard to hear the other people with you, it typically means you struggle to mask background noise and tune into speech. This is one of the most common complaints of people who are experiencing hearing loss.
You say “what” frequently
If somebody is mumbling a few feet from you and you can’t hear them, that doesn’t automatically mean you have hearing loss. However, it may be a red flag that you aren’t receiving and processing speech correctly if the word “what” is the most used word in your vocabulary.
Misunderstanding what people say
It can be a sign of high frequency hearing loss, often an awkward one, if you frequently misunderstand what people are saying. This means you are not capable of discerning the sounds of speech.
If you are experiencing any of the above red flags, you should schedule a hearing assessment as soon as possible. Luckily, the stigma that was once associated with hearing loss no longer exists, the testing is simple, and with the modern developments in hearing aid technologies, there is no reason for you to continue to suffer with hearing loss.
