Hearing loss is generally a frustrating condition that can be the result of various things. While hearing loss is commonly due to age or an injury, in some circumstances, hearing loss might 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 test appointment. Pay attention if any of these red flags appear.
Having trouble hearing phone calls
You may be having a difficult 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 make an appointment as soon as you can for a hearing exam.
Trouble making out conversations
At times, we get lost when we’re having conversations even when our hearing is healthy, but if it happens often, 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 tv shows, especially when there’s music and dialog, can be a challenge. It’s important to know that cranking the tv up louder doesn’t always make the sound clearer. But it’s time to have your hearing examined if your neighbors can hear your TV or if you continuously need the volume on a really loud setting.
Trouble hearing in loud settings
If you are in a public place and the background sound makes it hard to hear the others with you, it typically means you struggle to filter out background noise and tune into speech. This is one of the most prevalent complaints of people who are going through hearing loss.
You say “what” a lot
Just because you aren’t able to hear someone mumbling several feet from you doesn’t mean you have hearing loss. However, if you say the word “what” more than any other word in your vocabulary, it might 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 are saying can be embarrassing and is frequently an indication of high frequency hearing loss. This form of hearing loss makes it challenging to distinguish speech.
Call us for a hearing exam as soon as you can if you are noticing any of the above red flags. Fortunately, the stigma that was once associated with hearing loss has nearly vanished, the testing is easy, and with the modern advances in hearing aid technologies, there is no reason for you to continue to suffer with hearing loss.