Hearing loss can be caused by many things and is generally extremely aggravating. There are some circumstances where hearing loss is related to a more severe underlying health problem and isn’t simply the result of an injury or aging.
Watch out for these hearing loss red flags
Hearing loss will frequently throw up a number of red flags meaning it’s time for a hearing test. Pay attention if any of these red flags show up.
Having trouble hearing phone calls
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.
Trouble following conversations
At times, we get lost during conversations even when our hearing is healthy, but if it happens frequently, particularly when more than two people are talking, it’s likely an indication of hearing loss.
Family & neighbors are complaining about a loud TV
Following along with television shows, particularly when there’s dialog and music, can be challenging. It’s important to recognize that cranking the tv up louder doesn’t always make the sound clearer. But it’s time to get your hearing assessed if your neighbors can hear your TV or if you constantly need the volume on a very loud setting.
Difficulty hearing in loud environments
If you are in a public place and the background noise makes it hard to hear the others 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 keep asking people what they said
Simply because you can’t hear someone mumbling several feet away doesn’t mean you have hearing loss. However, it may be a red flag that you aren’t receiving and processing speech properly if the word “what” is the most used word in your vocabulary.
Misunderstanding what people say
Misunderstanding what people say can be embarrassing and is frequently a sign of high frequency hearing loss. 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 exam as soon as you can. Fortunately, the stigma that was once associated with hearing loss no longer exists, the testing is easy, and with the modern developments in hearing aid technologies, there’s no reason for you to keep suffering with hearing loss.