Hearing loss can be brought on by numerous things and is generally extremely aggravating. Although hearing loss is often due to age or an injury, in some circumstances, hearing loss may be a symptom of a more severe underlying medical issue.
These are some hearing loss red flags you should watch for
Hearing loss will frequently throw up a number of red flags meaning it’s time for a hearing exam. Pay attention if any of these red flags manifest.
Having trouble hearing phone calls
Even with a volume control setting, you might find it hard to hear the individual you are talking to on the phone. 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 possible for a hearing assessment.
Difficulty following conversations
Sometimes, we get lost during conversations even when our hearing is normal, but if it happens often, especially when more than two people are talking, it’s likely an indication of hearing loss.
People around you are complaining about the rising volume of your TV
Following along with tv shows, especially when there’s dialog and music, can be difficult. We need to understand that the sound doesn’t necessarily get clearer when you turn the volume up. But if you constantly need the television cranked up to a high volume that is unpleasant for other people in the room or if your neighbors can hear your television, it is time to get your hearing checked.
Trouble hearing in noisy settings
It usually means you’re struggling to differentiate speech from background sound if hearing in a public place has become a challenge. This is one of the most prevalent complaints of people who are experiencing hearing loss.
You keep asking people what they said
If somebody is mumbling a few feet from you and you can’t hear them, that doesn’t always indicate 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.
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 type of hearing loss makes it challenging to discern speech.
If you are experiencing any of the above red flags, you should schedule a hearing exam as soon as you can. The good news is, hearing testing is simple and the stigma of hearing loss is a thing of the past so there’s no reason to continue to have difficulty hearing.