Hearing loss is usually an aggravating condition that can be caused by various things. While hearing loss is often due to age or an injury, in some circumstances, hearing loss might be an indication of a more serious underlying medical issue.
Look out for these hearing loss red flags
There are varieties of red flags that might be a sign of hearing loss and that it’s time to schedule a hearing assessment appointment. Here are some of those red flags that should make you pay attention.
Having difficulty hearing phone calls
Even with a volume control setting, you may find it difficult to hear the individual you are talking to on the phone. If you are constantly cranking the volume up louder and louder on your cell phone or landline, you need to schedule an appointment as soon as you can for a hearing evaluation.
Trouble following conversations
At times, we get lost during conversations even when our hearing is normal, but if it happens frequently, particularly when more than two people are talking, it’s 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 music and dialog, can be a challenge. It’s worthwhile to recognize that turning the tv up louder doesn’t always clear up the sound. But it’s time to have your hearing checked if your neighbors can hear your TV or if you constantly need the volume on a very loud setting.
Difficulty hearing in loud environments
It usually means you’re struggling to separate speech from background sound if hearing in a public place has become difficult. This is one of the most common complaints of people who are experiencing hearing loss.
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, 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.
Failing to understand what people are saying
It can be a sign of high frequency hearing loss, often an embarrassing one, if you regularly 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 exam as soon as possible. Luckily, the stigma that was once linked to hearing loss has nearly vanished, the exam is easy, and with the modern advances in hearing aid technologies, there’s no reason for you to keep suffering with hearing loss.