Are you tired of struggling to hear your loved ones, or feeling isolated in social situations because of your hearing loss? It's time to take charge of your hearing health and get the treatment you deserve. But hearing loss can be tricky to detect, so that's why we’re put together this list of signs you need to observe to tell if you have hearing loss.
But first, let's take a closer look at the different types of hearing loss:
Conductive hearing loss: This type of hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with the outer ear, ear canal, or middle ear that prevents sound from being conducted effectively to the inner ear. It can be temporary and is often caused by earwax buildup, infections, or a punctured eardrum.
Sensorineural hearing loss: This type of hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or auditory nerve. It is usually permanent and can be caused by aging, exposure to loud noises, or certain medical conditions.
Mixed hearing loss: This type of hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, and occurs when there are problems with the outer or middle ear as well as damage to the inner ear.
It's worth noting that hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, aging, exposure to loud noises, and certain medical conditions.
Signs of hearing loss to watch out for.
Don't ignore the warning signs of hearing loss! If you're experiencing any of the following, it's time to get a hearing test:
You’re always turning up the volume on the TV or radio. If you find that you need to turn up the volume on your TV or radio more and more, it could be a sign that your hearing isn't as sharp as it used to be. This is especially true if others in the room are comfortable with the volume level and don't need it to be as loud.
You’re struggling with mental health. Hearing loss can lead to feelings of isolation and depression, as it can be difficult to participate in social activities and connect with others. If you find that you're feeling lonely or down, you may have unwittingly isolated yourself and are feeling the effects of that isolation.
You’re surrounded by people who mumble. Do you feel like people are speaking too softly, or that their words are running together? This could be a sign of hearing loss. If you find that you're having trouble understanding speech, even when it seems like others around you are having no issues, it's worth getting a hearing test.
You’re missing common sounds in the home. If you find that you're missing out on sounds like the doorbell or the phone ringing, it could be a sign that you need a hearing test. It's important to be able to hear these types of everyday sounds so that you can stay connected and informed about what is going on around you.
You’re having trouble following conversations in crowded or noisy public places. If you have difficulty following conversations in places with a lot of background noise, such as at restaurants or family gatherings, it could be a sign that you need a hearing test. Additionally, if you struggle to keep track of multiple people speaking at the same time, it could be a sign that your hearing isn't as sharp as it used to be.
You’re feeling exhausted after social situations. If you get tired quickly when you're in a noisy or crowded environment, it could be a sign that your hearing is struggling to keep up. It's normal to feel a little drained after socializing, but if you find that you're feeling excessively tired or overwhelmed, it could be a sign of hearing loss.
Hearing loved ones tell you that you need a hearing test. If your loved ones are constantly telling you that you need a hearing test, it's worth paying attention to their concerns. They may be noticing signs of hearing loss that you haven't noticed yourself.
Experiencing some of these signs? You may need a hearing test.
A hearing test is a simple, non-invasive process that is designed to assess your hearing ability. During the test, you'll be asked to wear headphones and listen to a series of tones at different volumes and pitches. You'll be asked to indicate when you hear a tone, and the results of the test will help us determine whether you have hearing loss and to what extent. Another common test analyzes your ability to understand speech in noisy situations.
The hearing test is typically painless and takes about an hour to complete. It's important to be honest with us about any difficulties you're experiencing with your hearing so that we can accurately assess your hearing ability and provide the appropriate treatment.
Overall, a hearing test is an important step in addressing any hearing issues you may be experiencing and getting the treatment you need to improve your quality of life. Don't wait any longer to take control of your hearing health – schedule a hearing test with one of our Audiologists today!
