Hearing loss is usually a frustrating condition that can be the result of a number of things. While hearing loss is commonly the result of age or an injury, in some situations, hearing loss may be a symptom of a more serious root medical issue.
Look out for these hearing loss red flags
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 constantly turning the volume up louder and louder on your cell phone or landline, you should make an appointment as soon as possible for a hearing exam.
Difficulty making out conversations
Even though getting lost when you’re having a conversation isn’t always an indication of hearing loss, it may be a sign of hearing loss if you frequently have trouble processing the conversation when two or more people are talking at the same time.
People around you are complaining about the increasing volume of your TV
Following along with tv shows, particularly when there’s music and dialog, can be a challenge. It’s worthwhile to recognize that cranking the tv up louder doesn’t always clear up the sound. But if you constantly 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 loud settings
If you are in a public place and the background noise makes it difficult to hear the other people with you, it usually means you struggle to mask background noise and focus on speech. Individuals who are experiencing hearing loss most commonly have this complaint.
You keep asking people what they said
Simply because you can’t hear someone mumbling several feet from you doesn’t mean you have hearing loss. Still, it may be a red flag that you aren’t receiving and processing speech correctly if the word “what” is the most used word in your vocabulary.
Failing to understand what people say
Misunderstanding what people say 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 dealing with any of the above red flags, you should schedule a hearing exam as soon as you can. The good news is, hearing testing is simple and the stigma of hearing loss is a thing of the past so there’s no reason to keep having trouble hearing.