Hearing loss is usually a frustrating condition that can be the result of a number of things. There are some circumstances where hearing loss is caused by a more severe underlying health problem and isn’t simply the result of an injury or aging.
Look out for these hearing loss red flags
Hearing loss will often throw up various red flags indicating it’s time for a hearing exam. Pay attention if any of these red flags appear.
Difficulties hearing on the phone
You may be having a difficult time hearing phone calls even with the volume setting. If you are continually cranking 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 making out conversations
Sometimes, we get lost during conversations even when our hearing is healthy, but if it occurs frequently, especially when more than two people are talking, it’s most likely an indication of hearing loss.
People around you are complaining about the increasing volume of your TV
Following along with television shows, especially when there’s dialog and music, can be a challenge. It’s important to recognize that turning the television up louder doesn’t always make the sound clearer. But it’s time to get your hearing checked if your neighbors can hear your TV or if you constantly need the volume on a really loud setting.
Difficulty hearing in loud settings
It usually means you’re struggling to separate speech from background sound if hearing in a public place has become a challenge. This is one of the most common complaints of individuals who are experiencing 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 always indicate you have hearing loss. Still, 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 properly.
Misunderstanding what people are saying
Misunderstanding what people say can be embarrassing and is often an indication of high frequency hearing loss. This form of hearing loss makes it difficult to distinguish speech.
Call us for a hearing test as soon as you can if you are noticing any of the above red flags. The good news is, hearing testing is easy and the stigma of hearing loss is a thing of the past so there’s no reason to continue to have trouble hearing.