Hearing loss is generally an aggravating condition that can be the result of a number of things. Even though hearing loss is commonly the result of age or an injury, in some circumstances, hearing loss might be an indication of a more severe underlying medical condition.
These are some hearing loss red flags you should watch for
There are varieties of red flags that may 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 phone
Even with a volume control setting, you may find it difficult to hear the individual you are talking to on the telephone. If you are continually 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 exam.
Trouble following conversations
Sometimes, we get lost during 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
It can be difficult to hear 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 continuously need the television cranked up to a high volume that is uncomfortable for other people in the room or if your neighbors are hearing your television, it is time to check your hearing.
Trouble hearing in noisy environments
If you are in a public place and the background noise makes it hard to hear the other people with you, it typically means you struggle to filter out background noise and focus on speech. This is one of the most common complaints of people who are going through 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 indicate you have hearing loss. Still, 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.
Misunderstanding what people are saying
Misunderstanding what people are saying can be embarrassing and is frequently an indication of high frequency hearing loss. This means you are unable to discern the sounds of speech.
If you are noticing any of the above red flags, you should schedule a hearing exam as soon as you can. 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 continue to have trouble hearing.