Hearing loss can be caused by numerous things and is generally very aggravating. There are some circumstances where hearing loss is caused by a more severe underlying health condition and isn’t simply the result of an injury or aging.
Watch out for these hearing loss red flags
There are a number of red flags that might be a sign of hearing loss and that it’s time to schedule a hearing assessment appointment. Pay attention if any of these red flags appear.
Having trouble hearing phone calls
Even with a volume control setting, you might find it difficult to hear the individual you are talking to on the telephone. If you are constantly cranking 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 assessment.
Trouble making out conversations
At times, we get lost when we’re having conversations even when our hearing is healthy, but if it happens frequently, especially when more than two people are talking, it’s likely an indication of hearing loss.
Neighbors and family members are complaining about a loud TV
It can be challenging to hear television programs, particularly if music is combined with dialog. We need to recognize that the sound doesn’t necessarily get clearer when you turn the volume up. But it’s time to have your hearing examined if your neighbors can hear your TV or if you constantly need the volume on a very loud setting.
Trouble hearing in noisy environments
It normally 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 going through hearing loss.
You keep asking people what they said
If someone is mumbling a few feet from you and you can’t hear them, that doesn’t necessarily mean 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.
Misunderstanding 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 hard to discern speech.
If you are dealing with any of the above red flags, you should schedule a hearing test as soon as possible. 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 keep having difficulty hearing.
