Hearing loss is usually a frustrating condition that can be caused by a number of things. There are some situations where hearing loss is related to a more severe underlying health problem and isn’t just the result of aging or an injury.
These are some hearing loss red flags you should look for
There are a number of red flags that may be an indication of hearing loss and that it’s time to schedule a hearing test appointment. Here are some of those red flags that should make you pay attention.
Having difficulty hearing phone calls
You may be having a hard time hearing phone calls even with the volume setting. If you are continually cranking the volume up louder and louder on your cell phone or landline, you need to 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 normal, but if it happens often, particularly when more than two people are talking, it’s probably an indication of hearing loss.
Neighbors and family members are complaining about a loud TV
Following along with tv shows, particularly when there’s dialog and music, can be difficult. We need to understand that the sound doesn’t automatically get clearer when you crank up the volume. But if you constantly need the television cranked up to a high volume that is unpleasant for other people in the room or if your neighbors can hear your television, it is time to get your hearing checked.
Difficulty hearing in loud settings
If you are in a public place and the background sound makes it difficult to hear the other people with you, it typically means you struggle to filter out background noise and focus on speech. People who are developing hearing loss most frequently have this complaint.
You say “what” a lot
Simply because you aren’t able to hear somebody mumbling several feet away doesn’t mean you have hearing loss. However, if you say the word “what” more than any other word in your vocabulary, it might be a red flag that you aren’t receiving sound signals clearly in order to process speech correctly.
Failing to understand what people are saying
Misunderstanding what people are saying can be awkward and is frequently a sign of high frequency hearing loss. This form 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 assessment as soon as possible. The good news is, hearing testing is easy and the stigma of hearing loss is a thing of the past so there’s no reason to keep having difficulty hearing.