Hearing loss is usually an aggravating condition that can be caused by a number of things. Although hearing loss is often caused by age or an injury, in some circumstances, hearing loss may be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical issue.
These are some hearing loss red flags you should watch for
There are a number of red flags that might be an indication of hearing loss and that it’s time to schedule a hearing assessment appointment. Here are a few of those red flags that should make you pay attention.
Trouble hearing on the telephone
Even with a volume control setting, you might find it hard to hear the individual you are talking to on the telephone. If you are constantly cranking the volume up louder and louder on your cell phone or landline, you need to schedule an appointment as soon as you can for a hearing assessment.
Difficulty making out conversations
Although getting lost during a conversation isn’t always an indication of hearing loss, it might be a sign of hearing loss if you frequently have a hard time processing the conversation when two or more people are talking at the same time.
Family & neighbors are complaining about a loud TV
Following along with tv shows, especially when there’s music and dialog, can be difficult. We need to recognize that the sound doesn’t necessarily get clearer when you turn the volume up. But if you consistently need the television 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 check your hearing.
Difficulty hearing in noisy settings
It normally means you’re struggling to separate speech from background noise if hearing in a public place has become challenging. This is one of the most common complaints of individuals who are developing hearing loss.
You keep asking people what they said
If somebody is mumbling a few feet from you and you’re unable to hear them, that doesn’t automatically mean you have hearing loss. However, it might 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.
Failing to understand what people say
It can be an indication of high frequency hearing loss, often an embarrassing one, if you regularly misunderstand what people are saying. This form of hearing loss makes it hard to discern speech.
If you are noticing any of the above red flags, you should schedule a hearing exam as soon as possible. Here’s the good news, hearing testing is simple and the stigma of hearing loss is a thing of the past so there’s no reason to keep having difficulty hearing.