Hearing loss can be a consequence of many things and is usually very aggravating. Even though hearing loss is often the result of age or an injury, in some circumstances, hearing loss may be an indication of a more serious underlying medical condition.
These are some hearing loss red flags you should look for
There are varieties of red flags that may 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 manifest.
Having difficulty hearing phone calls
Even with a volume control setting, you might find it difficult to hear the individual you are talking to on the phone. 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 possible for a hearing evaluation.
Difficulty making out conversations
Sometimes, we get lost during conversations even when our hearing is healthy, but if it occurs frequently, particularly when more than two people are talking, it’s likely an indication of hearing loss.
People around you are complaining about the rising volume of your TV
Following along with television shows, especially when there’s music and dialog, can be a challenge. It’s worthwhile to recognize that turning the television up louder doesn’t always make the sound clearer. But if you consistently need the television turned up to a high volume that is unpleasant for others in the room or if your neighbors are hearing your television, it is time to check your hearing.
Difficulty hearing in noisy settings
It normally means you’re struggling to distinguish speech from background sound if hearing in a public place has become a challenge. People who are experiencing hearing loss most frequently have this complaint.
You keep asking people what they said
If somebody is mumbling a few feet from you and you can’t hear them, that doesn’t automatically indicate you have hearing loss. However, it could 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 a sign of high frequency hearing loss, often an awkward one, if you regularly misunderstand what people are saying. This type of hearing loss makes it challenging to distinguish speech.
If you are dealing with any of the above red flags, you should schedule a hearing exam as soon as possible. Here’s the good news, 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 difficulty hearing.