Hearing loss is usually a frustrating condition that can be caused by a number of things. While hearing loss is commonly the result of age or an injury, in some circumstances, hearing loss might be a symptom of a more severe underlying medical condition.
Watch 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 test. Here are a few of those red flags that should make you pay attention.
Difficulties hearing on the telephone
Even with a volume control setting, you may find it hard 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 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 occurs often, particularly when more than two people are talking, it’s probably a sign of hearing loss.
Family & neighbors are complaining about a loud TV
It can be challenging to follow television programs, especially if music is combined with dialog. It’s worthwhile to know that turning the television up louder doesn’t always clear up the sound. But it’s time to get your hearing examined if your neighbors can hear your TV or if you constantly need the volume on a very high setting.
Trouble 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. This is one of the most prevalent complaints of individuals who are developing hearing loss.
You say “what” a lot
Just because you can’t hear someone mumbling several feet away doesn’t mean you have hearing loss. However, it might 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.
Misunderstanding what people are saying
It can be a sign 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 experiencing any of the above red flags, you should schedule a hearing test as soon as you can. 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 trouble hearing.
