Hearing loss is usually an aggravating condition that can be caused by various things. Even though hearing loss is usually the result of age or an injury, in some situations, hearing loss may be a symptom of a more severe underlying medical condition.
Watch out for these hearing loss red flags
Hearing loss will often throw up various red flags meaning it’s time for a hearing exam. Here are some of those red flags that should make you pay attention.
Trouble hearing on the phone
Even with a volume control setting, you might find it difficult to hear the person you are talking to on the telephone. 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 evaluation.
Difficulty making out conversations
Sometimes, we get lost when we’re having conversations even when our hearing is healthy, but if it occurs frequently, especially when more than two people are talking, it’s most likely an indication of hearing loss.
Neighbors and family members are complaining about a loud TV
Following along with tv shows, particularly when there’s music and dialog, can be a challenge. It’s important to understand that cranking the tv up louder doesn’t always clear up the sound. But it’s time to get your hearing checked if your neighbors can hear your TV or if you continuously need the volume on a really loud setting.
Difficulty hearing in noisy environments
It normally means you’re struggling to distinguish speech from background sound if hearing in a public place has become a challenge. Individuals who are developing hearing loss most frequently have this complaint.
You say “what” a lot
If someone is mumbling a few feet from you and you can’t hear them, that doesn’t automatically mean you have hearing loss. However, it may 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 say
Misunderstanding what people are saying can be embarrassing and is often a sign of high frequency hearing loss. This type 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 exam as soon as possible. Luckily, the stigma that was once linked to hearing loss has nearly vanished, the testing is simple, and with the modern advances in hearing aid technologies, there is no reason for you to keep suffering with hearing loss.