Hearing loss can be a consequence of numerous things and is usually incredibly frustrating. There are some circumstances where hearing loss is caused by a more severe underlying health condition and isn’t just the result of an injury or aging.
These are some hearing loss red flags you should look for
There are a number of red flags that may be a sign of hearing loss and that it’s time to schedule a hearing test appointment. Pay attention if any of these red flags appear.
Difficulties hearing on the phone
Even with a volume control setting, you may find it difficult to hear the person you are talking to on the phone. You need to call us for a hearing test if you find yourself constantly turning the volume up on your phone.
Difficulty following conversations
Even though getting lost when you’re having a conversation isn’t always a sign of hearing loss, it may be a sign of hearing loss if you regularly have a hard time processing the conversation when two or more people are talking at the same time.
People around you are complaining about the increasing volume of your TV
It can be difficult to follow television programs, especially if music is combined with dialog. It’s important to recognize that turning the television up louder doesn’t always make the sound clearer. But if you consistently need the tv turned up to a high volume that is unpleasant for others in the room or if your neighbors can hear your television, it is time to get your hearing checked.
Difficulty hearing in noisy settings
If you are in a public location and the background sound makes it difficult to hear the other people with you, it usually means you struggle to mask background noise and focus on speech. This is one of the most common complaints of people who are experiencing hearing loss.
You say “what” a lot
Simply 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 a sign of high frequency hearing loss, often an awkward one, if you frequently misunderstand what people are saying. This form of hearing loss makes it hard to discern speech.
If you are experiencing any of the above red flags, you should schedule a hearing assessment as soon as possible. Fortunately, the stigma that was once related to hearing loss no longer exists, the testing is simple, and with the modern developments in hearing aid technologies, there’s no reason for you to continue to suffer with hearing loss.
