Hearing loss can be a consequence of many things and is usually incredibly frustrating. There are some situations where hearing loss is a consequence of a more serious underlying health condition and isn’t just the result of aging or an injury.
Look out for these hearing loss red flags
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.
Difficulties hearing on the phone
You may be having a hard 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 schedule an appointment as soon as you can for a hearing exam.
Trouble following conversations
Even though getting lost when you’re having a conversation isn’t always an indication of hearing loss, it might be a sign of hearing loss if you regularly have trouble processing the conversation when two or more individuals are talking simultaneously.
Neighbors and family members are complaining about a loud TV
Following along with television shows, particularly when there’s music and dialog, can be difficult. It’s worthwhile to know that cranking the tv up louder doesn’t always clear up the sound. But if you continuously need the tv turned up to a high volume that is uncomfortable 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 loud settings
It typically means you’re struggling to separate speech from background sound if hearing in a public place has become a challenge. People who are experiencing hearing loss most commonly have this complaint.
You say “what” a lot
Just because you aren’t able to 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 getting sound signals clearly in order to process speech correctly.
Misunderstanding what people are saying
It can be an indication of high frequency hearing loss, often an embarrassing one, if you frequently misunderstand what people are saying. This means you are not capable of discerning 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. Luckily, the stigma that was once associated with hearing loss no longer exists, the exam is simple, and with the modern advances in hearing aid technologies, there’s no reason for you to continue to suffer with hearing loss.
