Hearing loss is usually a frustrating condition that can be the result of various things. There are some situations where hearing loss is related to a more serious underlying health problem and isn’t simply the result of an injury or aging.
Watch out for these hearing loss red flags
There are a number of red flags that might be a sign 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.
Difficulties hearing on the phone
You might be having a hard time hearing phone calls even with the volume setting. If you are constantly turning the volume up louder and louder on your cell phone or landline, you need to schedule an appointment as soon as possible for a hearing exam.
Trouble making out conversations
Sometimes, we get lost when we’re having conversations even when our hearing is healthy, but if it happens often, especially when more than two people are talking, it’s likely a sign of hearing loss.
People around you are complaining about the increasing volume of your TV
It can be difficult to hear tv shows, particularly if music is combined with dialog. It’s important to know that turning the television 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 get your hearing checked.
Difficulty hearing in loud environments
It usually means you’re struggling to distinguish speech from background sound if hearing in a public place has become difficult. Individuals who are developing hearing loss most frequently have this complaint.
You say “what” a lot
Just because you can’t hear somebody mumbling several feet away 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 say
Misunderstanding what people are saying can be embarrassing and is often a sign of high frequency hearing loss. This means you are not capable of discerning the sounds of speech.
Call us for a hearing test as soon as you can if you are noticing any of the above red flags. 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 difficulty hearing.