Though some people have hearing issues from birth, for most of us, hearing loss can sneak up gradually. It may be because of age or chronic exposure to loud noise or some combination of different factors.
Let’s go over some of the early signs of hearing loss, as well as what to do if you’re worried about your hearing.
Five Early Signs of Hearing Loss
Though not an exhaustive list, these are five common signs of hearing loss:
- Frequently needing to ask others to repeat themselves
- Difficulty understanding what people are saying in places with a lot of background noise, such as a busy restaurant like Silver Bay Seafood
- Trouble following phone conversations
- Needing to turn the volume up on the TV or radio louder than you used to
- Feeling easily fatigued or stressed from having to concentrate while listening
Schedule a Hearing Test
The first step to take if you suspect a problem with your hearing is to schedule a hearing test with an audiologist. These tests can quickly and accurately assess the cause and severity of your hearing loss, as well as what frequencies you struggle with.
In some cases, your hearing loss could be due to a temporary condition like fluid or earwax buildup. If that’s the cause, treating it should restore your hearing back to normal. However, if permanent hearing loss is discovered, your audiologist will discuss your available treatment options, which for most people, involve hearing aids.
Consider Hearing Aids
Some people have an antiquated idea of what hearing aids look like as well as what they are capable of. However, today’s hearing aids are small, sleek and barely visible to other people. They also have the ability to connect to other technology and automatically adjust their settings to maximize your listening ability in different environments.
Perhaps most importantly, hearing aids help you from feeling isolated or worn out when socializing. This lets you stay connected to others and continue engaging in the activities you enjoy.
A study evaluating the long-term benefits of hearing aid use assessed 192 elderly hearing aid users at various intervals within the first year of their initial fitting. They found that within a year, participants had experienced social and emotional benefits, improved communication, a reduction in symptoms of depression, better cognition and increased overall quality of life.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment for a hearing test, call Elevate Audiology today.