Hearing loss can be caused by numerous things and is generally incredibly aggravating. There are some circumstances where hearing loss is a consequence of a more serious underlying health problem and isn’t merely the result of aging or an injury.
Watch out for these hearing loss red flags
Hearing loss will often throw up various red flags meaning it’s time for a hearing assessment. Pay attention if any of these red flags show up.
Having difficulty hearing phone calls
You might be having a hard time hearing phone calls even with the volume setting. You need to call us for a hearing exam if you find yourself continuously cranking the volume up on your phone.
Difficulty following conversations
At times, we get lost when we’re having conversations even when our hearing is healthy, but if it occurs often, particularly when more than two people are talking, it’s most likely an indication of hearing loss.
People around you are complaining about the rising volume of your TV
Following along with television shows, particularly when there’s dialog and music, can be difficult. It’s important to recognize that turning the tv up louder doesn’t always clear up the sound. But if you constantly need the tv turned up to a high volume that is uncomfortable for others in the room or if your neighbors are hearing your television, it is time to check your hearing.
Difficulty hearing in loud environments
It typically means you’re struggling to distinguish speech from background noise 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 say “what” frequently
Just because you can’t hear someone mumbling several feet from you doesn’t mean you have hearing loss. Still, 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 properly.
Failing to understand 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 unable to discern the sounds of speech.
If you are experiencing any of the above red flags, you should schedule a hearing test 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 keep having trouble hearing.