How do I know if I have hearing loss?
Hearing loss is commonly referred to as an invisible health condition and early signs of hearing loss are often overlooked. Unlike many other medical conditions, you can’t physically see the signs of hearing loss, which makes it a little trickier to spot. Because hearing loss is often gradual, especially with age related hearing loss, it is quite common for individuals to find ways to cope and grow accustomed to reduced hearing acuity.
Recognizing hearing loss
Family and friends are often the first to notice, but if you think you might be struggling with hearing loss, here are a few common warning signs to look out for:
- Do you have difficulty following conversations, especially in noisy environments like pubs and restaurants?
- Do you ask others to repeat themselves?
- Do you complain that people mumble or speak too fast?
- It is difficult for you to hear and understand women and children?
- Do you have ringing in your ears?
- Do you have a favourite ear?
- Do you have trouble hearing on the telephone?
- Do you find yourself turning up the volume of your television?
- Do others complain that you keep the volume of your television too loud?
- Do you avoid noisy places?
- Do you ever feel embarrassed about misunderstanding what others say to you?
- Do you feel tired after listening in challenging environments?
Understanding Hearing Loss
Individuals with hearing loss have difficulty following conversations and understanding the voices of women and children. Most complain that people mumble or talk too fast. Hearing loss is often accompanied by tinnitus. A buildup of earwax, medication, exposure to loud sounds and hearing loss can all cause ringing in the ears, or tinnitus. The ringing might be constant or occasional, but it is often the first sign of hearing loss. Individuals with hearing loss may prefer one ear, reporting that they have a “good ear.” They may ask others to stand close to the better ear or speak directly into that ear. Those with hearing loss may even avoid challenging listening situations including conversations over the phone and noisy environments.
Treatment Options
If you answered “yes” to any of the questions listed, we would be happy to help you schedule a complete hearing test with a local hearing professional. Effective treatments are available for hearing loss! A hearing consultation with a professional is the best way to find out if you have hearing loss and what options are available if you do. Alternatively, you can start by taking a free online hearing test.
Take the next step to restore your hearing. Early detection has been proven to create better treatment outcomes.